The White Druid

THE WHITE DRUID

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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 his new friend.

"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's 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 about what they had done during the bath and now eagerly wanted to repeat it again and again. 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 first sight, that morning while we were in the forest? I got dirty on purpose so I could see you naked and have a bath together. My mom did not say anything when she watched 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." 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 as 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 rod 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 bodies spooned they drifted to sleep.

Marco had not slept so well since three years ago, when Flavio shared his bed, 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 anything 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 down his smooth cheeks. Orus got concerned 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 almost one minute united, Marco separated and stared at his new friend's face, he was not crying and his intense blue eyes had a special bright. Orus was disturbed and asked:

"Are you alright, my friend? I was worried that something could happen 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 bothered." They sat again on the bed's edge as Marco looked into his friend's deep black eyes.

"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 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 than 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 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 was receiving his friend's sensations. Then Orus dragged Marco 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 the medical 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: Cayo Julio Caesar and Gneo Pompeyo; later they would become strong opponents, not enemies, but by now they 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 bit 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 none 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 around his waist; Orus followed him.

"Come on, we can't lose one 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 at the main entrance of Julio's house, guarded by two armed men. 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 men could not believe what they had watched. Astonished and scared 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 caporal wouldn't believe us, anyway." 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 villa as the men commented:

"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 pretty woman was there and Julio was naked on the bed his whole body convulsing with a strange grimace on his face. The boy pulled the man down on the floor as the woman argued.

"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 around the large erected engorged penis and started masturbating the man. The trembling and convulsions increased, and after about one minute of the boy moving his hand up and down around the man's cock, they observed how the whole body went 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 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 on 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 laughed loudly.

"Yes. When he wakes up you should say him that my father was in Rome assisting to Senate sessions; so I came to help him." They abandoned the house joking referring to the enormous dick that Julio had. Three days later Cayo Julio personally went to see the boys; he referred to Marcelo and 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 puzzles 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. At 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 and grinned.

"How... how are you sir?" Marco asked the man stammering.

"Thanks to you my tongue has not suffered and Rome will bear me for a long time." He changed the subject so 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 of his own to 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 of this area need an heir." It was close to the sunset and they were comfortably sat in the porch of the large house not far from the forest. The great druid did not need to explore the man's mind to know about his loyalty to him and to their tribe. The druid sighed, and after a couple of minutes in silence, he explained to his friend.

"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 so I can have an heir? Never!!!" Diviciaco near shouted as he said this. The general eduo patted the Great Druid's back.

"Are you a hundred per cent 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? Sometimes 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 gained a little battle against the wise druid; but now came the hardest point.

"You know that my sixteen-year-old daughter, Sera, is in love you 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 to her the eventual outcome 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, she and her mother almost 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 of them 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. "Besides 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 as she jumped on his arms and kissed passionately the man on the lips.

"I adore you Diviciaco, and I don't mind dying 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's family; 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 town 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's hilt but Vercingetorix intervened.

"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." At 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, boy and girl, reached the centre of the target, two boys then follow, their arrows impacted very near to 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 talks 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 dare to 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 around 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 complaint about him. I knew he was an Eduo, but he is not the first that has changed of the 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. In the Eduos' law, this crime 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, 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 by the view.

"They are beautiful animals, Kurt; all of them!" Kurt grinned as he said:

"Choose the one you think is best. You always were good at it." Vercin opened wide his mouth in disbelief 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 grinned.

"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 goodbye and the little group left for the North.

A couple of years later Cayo 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 Gneo Pompeyo 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 Pompeyo for this task, he started the 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 Generals, was aware of their performance, so he was considered and granted new grades, being the youngest commanders 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 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 to them in their own language. He was young and strong and spent many hours until his body was almost 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 Avernos, 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 will 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 had the right to do it. 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 are able to 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 for 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 was saying. They also seized a bulge pouch containing a large number of golden coins.

"Please sergeant, take these persons to the fort and that somebody cares them. Give the money to the treasurer. Ah!" He added. "Buy decent clothes for the couple to wear after they have a good bath; they seem high-rank persons."

"What's about the wounded men?" Marco examined the wounds.

"They are war injuries; 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 his eyes blurred. Marco then continued: "The trader must be delivered to the fort's authority so 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.

"I suppose these boys will also need a bath and clothes, and these expenses should be borne by the person 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 suggested:

"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 a table near the fire inside for you, it is not cold but the weather is getting very damp."

"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 a large portion of 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 a bathhouse 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 almost brown, so they allowed the drain to empty and refill it again. 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 around the angels starting caressing their smooth backs; they moaned in pain as he touched the injuries produced by the trader's 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, explained to Marco.

"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 around Marco's neck; their mouths were open on the man's shoulders as their breathing 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 mind. 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 felt as glory.

"Don't worry Marco," Dart said. "Your mind is very powerful, but you have to learn how to control and use, 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 the man hugged both boys tenderly.

"Boys, from now on, your mouths must be sealed 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, 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 five 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 nicknamed "Vulture", slid into the walled town, their objective: to murder the Great Druid. Quero was not executing an order, since Vercingetorix staying 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 as 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 death could bring, especially regarding their uncle Dunmorix, so they must fly away quickly before they could catch and slave them. They must find the White Druid and tell him all about. They did not need to do it in words but mentally, because he also was blessed by the Great Mother, but partially he ignored he had this power, so they must be very careful.

Stella, the girl pretended by Quero, her boyfriend Rhode, and the twins were playing in a next room; she liked the twelve-year-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 on 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 very much. Rhode then added.

"Doro, meanwhile Dart fucks my girl 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 waiting for: to suck the twins.

"In that case, let me suck your lovely cock." Doro chuckled and offered his hard dick 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 sexual play, and sometime later yelled in pleasure as they were reaching their climaxes. The boys were in the bliss of their sexual activity when they heard a noise in the next room.

Ten men had entered into the town thru a secret door that Quero or "Vulture" knew. Carefully and using the dark corners, they entered 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 druid 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 Diviciaco stood he extended his hands pronouncing 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. At that moment the boys and girl entered, bravely, Dart tried to help his father pushing Quero, avoiding 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. The man yelled in pain as his men entered. He then shouted:

"Get the boys and men; we must fly away before someone notices 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 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. Besides, he has a large tattoo of a vulture on his back, that's why they called him this name." Marco's brains were working fast. After a while, they entered the officers' area and 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 grinned.

"Come on, Marco, let's have some fun." The young man smiled.

"Not now, my boys. Get ready 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, I am sure tomorrow you will see Julio Caesar." The boys opened their lovely mouths agape.

"You aren't joking, are you, Marco?"

"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 by 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 Cayo Julio. 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 boys, 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's reaction.

"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 gang that has murdered an important political person friend of Rome; unfortunately, I cannot explain you further details until I speak to our Caesar." The name of Julio Caesar made Cornelius jump from his seat.

"Then, why did you come to me first?"

"Because there is no time to lose; the rest of the group 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 and a large tattoo of a vulture on his back. The other 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 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 Cayo Julio's personal servant.

"Oh, almighty gods Marco! You have just come at 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 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 so I 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 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 entertains 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 in 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 personally have to 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 safety, they mustn't talk to anybody and have to remain in their lodgements. It is essential that those who have committed the crime are arrested as soon as possible. Please tell Cornelius this. Tomorrow, around midmorning, bring my friend's sons here; I want to know those brave boys.

"Yes sir, I'll see to it." Marco left, on his way out he met Fatty, the man stared at him questioning about Julio temper.

"Don't worry, friend, he is much better." The short man grinned and sighed. He met Cornelius in his office, someone 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 difficulty 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 belongs 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 at his room and could check the boys were hard asleep; 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 about Julio's decision of he being their tutor, this 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 of 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 investigate more about them."

"I think you are right, it is better one bird in the hand than three on the bush. Let's start the operation, but we must try not 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 bit of 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 his lips motioning the women to keep silence; he extracted some coins and paid them for their service. Gladly the young women abandoned the house; 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 almost in silence. Two strong soldiers entered with their 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 advising he had to keep his mouth shut about what he had seen and heard. 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 ----------------

Cayo 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 no time to inform Vercingetorix if he has ordered this crime..." One of the Generals raised his hand and Julio gave him the word to speak.

"I have fought hard against this man, he can send thousands of warriors to 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 and his not that stupid."

"That's my opinion, too; but we must take advantage of the situation and get ready. Do we have a good information system with all our allies? They should know the events thru us and not by someone else who could change the events at his own benefit." Another man intervened.

"We have established an excellent system with carrier-pigeons; this of 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." At 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, known amongst his colleagues as Vulture." Another General said:

"Dunmorix, Diviciaco's brother, apparently is hunting on the cavalry 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 for 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 added:

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 armoured cavalry army would be one of our best weapons. In the message, please suggest we can send..."

"Orus, Sir." Julio smiled and continued.

"Orus will help them in organizing the special cavalry. 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 now about this problem. If Kurt accepts his nephew, we have to promote him accordingly for 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'm glad we met him, Doro; I think I have started to love this man and will regret to separate from him."

"Me too; but why shall we separate from him? We have no parents; therefore, I suppose we are entitled to choose our new father. I won't accept 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 on each side of the young druid; 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 affection for these two orphans."

As the pigeons arrived at theirs destinations, the news caused a real commotion amongst the Eduos tribe. 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 Dumnorix, Diviciaco's brother; so when he was arrested and confined into a fortress, he explained to 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.

"I believe you, Dumnorix, but you should not expect the rest of the Eduos' people do the same; therefore, if you remain within this fortress walls, Rome and I personally, will 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 Cayo Julio Caesar and his Legions were spending the winter and getting ready for the next military campaign. As Julio 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 mentally explore the man's mind.

"Boys, I am sorry 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 great success in your new task, you deserve it." Orus opened wide his mouth in disbelief as Marco added.

"Orus, we have an audience with the bald 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 commit Orus' mistake but ruffled the boys' brown large hair as their blue eyes sparked as diamonds. The four walked up to an adjacent annexe 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 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 no 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 really 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's 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 around 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 shut in a special cart, so 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 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 Rome's people, it is a very high position in Rome society. Your father is a special commander, therefore, you have to behave as such; don't ever forget this." Then Doro asked:

"Julio has said that a cohort will escort us. How many soldiers is it?"

"It is around 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?" Doro asked.

"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 around 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 no son; he had a daughter who married Pompey his old friend and now enemy; she passed away when she was having her baby." Dart then sighed.

"The same happened to our mother.

"I did not know this. Julio immensely loved his daughter and in some ways, he blamed Pompey for her death; however, that's his own pain." Doro then argued.

"But he is really worried about a 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 eight-year-old boy's name; he 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 one of the boys asked him. "Dad, do you know what the boy has?"

"I think 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 to 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 death. Don't forget he had been part of the Triumviri and now is a Consul, he has governed 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, besides I have to pass away sometime. 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's shoulders thinking about the problem. Then Dart alleged.

"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 who is commanding the Cohort in order to set up 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." They replied at unison.

There was a large garden within the fort, and while Marco went to see some patients and pay a visit to Cornelius, the boys changed their clothes and went to play. There was a big cage full of birds; a few eagles called the boys' attention. The man looking after the animals entered the spacious cage trying to feed them. He was noticeably upset because he could not make the eagles 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 the eagles very much. 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 at the man and said:

"Show them again the meat, please?" The man reluctantly offered again a piece of chicken to one of the eagles, 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 for their capture; I promised we would free them as soon as we can if they are good boys." Dart pushed his brother hard not believing Doro's tale, he started running 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 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 to them the event occurred twelve years ago.

"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 liked 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 at the young man; still a boy for him.

"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 about his possible reaction. The old servant went out and he took the opportunity.

"Is it the problem with your... son, Sir?" Julio Caesar stopped Marco's hands and remained quiet for some seconds. Then slowly he answered.

"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 did not tell anything, 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 to you in detail if you allow me, sir." Julio Caesar got as serious as 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, I know about 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, like any other child of his age."

"Marco, son, how do you know all of 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 it 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 in gods or goddesses; therefore how could you or the boys enter in my mind?"

"Sir, I don't even know it. We are gifted with this as Diviciaco was too. Only expert persons can stop us reading their minds; this is not taught, but learned. Thru my mother I descend from druids; she had not this ability, 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 all, was a father.

"By the symptoms, he is expertly been poisoned, not letting him 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 around 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 the participants were adults. You or any other person who knows the house must act as a 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, like the bridge. If you stop in your mind the images in which he is involved it may happen that he fells into an empty hole... 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 about better idea. At what time do you think are they poisoning the child?"

"Apparently they are doing it with little doses so 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 in bed, otherwise, the poison would be diluted along the day with his meals causing nil effects."

"This is 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 tightly. They said goodbye 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 members of the Security Service, an important person in Caesar's life. Physically he was a light man, seeming an ape with long and muscular arms; however, he was a terrible warrior. Due to his lightweight, he could stay riding a horse at maximum speed for a long time without tiring the animal; besides he had free and preferential 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. Someone knocked 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, he knew the man was fighting near his father.

"Do you need any help Kayo? Don't trust 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 did not 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 short holidays." They grinned; Kayo stood as he heard: "Good luck, my friend."

Kayo and his men left the following morning with very clear ideas about their objective. They could not make much fuss in order to prevent a possible scandal. Some days later the three riders arrived in the skirt of Rome and stopped in an apparent prosperous farm, it was around midday and Kayo wanted to act before the criminals could be alerted. They bathed, had some lunch and slept for a few hours. At the sunset, smuggled as traders, they entered the walled large city. Soon they arrived at the house and covered the three exits. As soon as the ape-man was detected by the little boy he 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 for 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 winked 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 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 the personnel serving in this house; especially, those who have direct access to the boy. We'll carry this out as soon as the child gets 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 at the conclusion she had acted alone and was a poison specialist. She declared:

"I grew in Egypt's desert and a monk taught me all that 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 around 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 having 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 by 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.

CHAPTER 11 ------------------

Let us go to some time back when Cato, Diviciaco's General, was returning from the military exercises together with around five hundred warriors. They arrived on a hill that overviewed the valley where the walled town lay. As they approached the town, they felt strange not watching any person working on the fields and taking care of the cattle. In similar occasions before, women and children received the warriors with their heads covered by flower crowns; "Yes something has happened." Cato thought, as his horse slowly approached the wall. Suddenly, a crowd of black dressed women and children came out of the town thru the main gate, headed by Cato's wife and his younger children. Their heads and faces dirty with black ash, all yelling and crying. As they met, Cato dismounted and hugged his wife and children; he was amazed and could not understand why.

"Oh my husband, a terrible tragedy has taken place while you were out!!!" She loudly cried. "Diviciaco has been murdered and his children, together with our Rhode and Stella, have disappeared, also the two guardians responsible for Diviciaco security." Cato then kneeled on the grass and shouted:

"Oh, Goddess of the universe! Why have we been punished so hard with this criminal act?" He stood and hugged his wife again as he asked. "When these events took place, wife?"

"Five days after your departure. We have cried for Diviciaco since that day; then we buried his corpse at the base of the sacred tree. We have been waiting for you to celebrate the funeral as he deserves." Cato placed his arm around his wife's shoulders. He was to ask further questions when a warrior from the top of the wall shouted showing a little scroll in his hand.

"There is news, good news from Caesar's headquarters!" As Cato did not know how to read, he asked loudly.

"What is it?

"The twins, Rhode, Stella, and the two guardians have been rescued by the White Druid from a slave trader." A second man approached the first one, handling a second message and he read it. "The Security forces have arrested eight men, amongst them the Eduo who killed Diviciaco." Immediately tears change into yells of happiness, though Cato could not stop his, thinking on his old friend. The following day a new pigeon-carrier arrived with a new message, advising that one cohort was getting ready to depart escorting the children and the murderer; the man had to be judged in the town since he was an Eduo.

Marco visited Julio Caesar in the morning to take care of his health, and to find out whether the Great Man had changed his mind about what they had talked the previous night. He found him relaxed, and before Marco could ask Julio said.

"My child, everything will smoothly solve. We would have gained nothing but risking the boys. Kayo and some of his best men are in their way to Rome." He did not need to say anything else; Marco knew the efficiency of the ape-man and Julio was right; then he added: "The day after tomorrow and escorted by a cohort, you and the lads will travel to Diviciaco's town. I want Rome to render the honours to our dead friend. I'll give you a personal message to read during the funerals.

"Thank you for trusting me." The man grinned.

"Marco, don't forget you are my physician and your boys need a good education here. They are not common children, but princes." Marco did not need to explore Julio's mind to guess what he was thinking about the twins. Once he ended with his duties with Julio, went to pay a visit to Cornelius who received him with a great hug. He knew the policeman's father had been a General in Iberia and had witnessed Karla and Marcelo wedding.

"When are you leaving for Diviciaco's funerals?" Marco had a grimace of surprise on his face, as Cornelius added. "Don't forget that I am a policeman." They smiled. "By the way, the men that took part in the plot are already on their way to the great river, where a beautiful galley has comfortable seats for each of them into her core." Again laughs were heard as Marco left. When he arrived the twins were waiting for him. He explained to them the last news related to their return to their town.

"Dad, we want to pay a visit to Rhode and Stella; they are our best friends and have not seen them since we were rescued. We are sure they don't know we are leaving soon for our hometown, and want to share with them the good news."

"That is a good idea; I know you both spend good times with this couple." The boys grinned slyly. Marco then said: "I wonder if you will like it or not, but Julio Caesar has ordered me to bring you back here, once your father's funerals get an end. You will need to complete your education here." The boys stared at each other and went into a hard embrace, then jumped on Marco's chest that near got him on the floor. After a minute of kisses, Marco added: "Shall I understand that you like it?" The boys started again kissing their tutor/father. Tenderly Dart added:

"Dad, this is the best news we ever had. We like our town and each being living in there, but by now, except for Rhode, Stella, and Denit, we do not have close friends there."

"Who is Denit?

"He's a shepherded boy, Doro's best friend. They were inseparable pals since they were little. My father liked him very much and Doro..." His brother interrupted him pushing him on the large sofa.

"Yes, we did many things together; even we dated some girls into the forest."

"It is alright my young Princes." They stared at Marco not understanding, as he added. "That's how Julio called you: Princes; and you really are for me, especially when you wear those beautiful dresses and your brown hair is clean and combed." The boys grinned as Doro alleged:

"So, for you, we are princes only when we are well dressed and clean? And what about when we are naked?"

"Then you are my most beautiful cherubs and angels that came from the Olympus." He opened his arms and both boys went in them. Yes, they were a real family. The boys ran outside as Marco sighed. They went thru the gardens to a large building where Rhode and Stella had their large room. Doro knocked on the door and soon the girl appeared lightly dressed; the boys smiled cunningly. She blushed.

"It is not what you think, boys; it is..." She could not finish her sentence because Dart pushed her inside and close the door behind. Rhode was naked and his dick tenting the covers. They had woken up later because the previous night they had been talking with the two men that tried to stop Diviciaco's murder. Now after a good meal, they had planned to have some sex.

"Can we participate in the play?" Doro asked as his cock was getting hard. Rhode grinned because he loved sucking the brothers' dicks. Before Stella could lock the door the twins were naked and had jumped onto the large bed. Doro sat on Rhode's chest offering to the teenager his medium size dick. Rhodes was a cocksucker, especially of young boys and he did not lose a second; he pushed Doro's butt cheeks and engulfed his hard cock into his wanting mouth. Doro gasped as he felt Rhode tongue exploring his dick and sucking it as a vacuum. Soon the younger boy could not stop moving on top of the teenager boy as his breath was getting harder. He then with the right hand back started masturbating Rhode's larger dick at the same pace.

As his brother mounted on Rhode's chest, Dart turned the head and watched the beautiful Stella's nipples. He had fucked her a few times but this was the first time she had offered him her breasts to suck, and this felt wonderful. The girl placed her hands on top of the brown silky hair as her breath was already ragged. Rhode had sucked her nipples a few times too, but Dart seemed a master. The younger boy rubbed the erected nipple with the tip of his tongue and Stella near yelled with pleasure; she could not bear the great sensation in her vagina. Dart scooted a little, and without any guidance he penetrated the girl, burying his dick to the hilt. He knew how much she liked this. This was too much for both, and one minute later she moaned loudly as Dart felt that glorious sensation; he stopped breathing and his body got tensed as a board. His head fell on her chest as his dick jerked inside the girl trying to expel what he had not yet in him. Nearly at the same time, Doro reached his orgasm and he pushed his dick into the teenager's mouth near gagging him. Seconds later Rhode also exploded and his first shot of white boy semen landed on Doro's back, and some more on his own crotch.

After some quiet minutes, the four were together lying on the bed almost exhausted; then Doro said:

"Stella, you don't want Rhode to fuck you, why? He has a larger dick than we have and surely he will give you a lot of pleasure." The girl sighed as she glanced at her boyfriend tenderly.

"Because he spurts semen and I could get pregnant, that's not good either for him or for me. On the other hand, he does not trust himself to retrieve his penis in time to prevent my pregnancy, so we have agreed to do anything except that until we are married."

"That is very wise of you both."

"Thanks." Then Dart changed the subject.

"I am hungry, let's eat something, and if you want, afterwards, we can start again until we are exhausted." The four laughed. On a low table, there was a large basket full of fresh fruits, a tray with goat cheese, two large pieces of bread and an amphora containing a mix of light wine, honey, water, and orange juice. The children drank and ate until they were full. Then they dressed and went for a walk to the place where the bird's cage was. As soon as Doro approached the man in charge recognized him and brought the eagles. The animals seemed content and happy as Doro caressed them, especially the male. His mind went into the male's mind as the animal started moving and extending its large wings showing its happiness without leaving the man gloved hand.

"It seems the eagles know you, boy." Doro grinned as he answered the man.

"I have never been in Iberia where these birds come from." The man did not argue as they left for their home. It was drizzling and Stella advised.

"I think we will be better in our room playing or doing whatever we like best, it is warmer there than here." Saying this, they ran and soon were naked in the large room, ready to enjoy their young lives. Near the evening, someone knocked on the door. They were telling yokes as Rhode opened the door, a soldier was standing there.

"Boy, I have just come to tell you that tomorrow at dawn we are marching to your hometown; therefore, you must be ready to depart. You must be there before that time; our Centurion will inform you about further details.

"Thank you, we will be ready, we eagerly want to return." The soldier did not add anything and left.

"We must leave. Probably Marco is looking for us, though he knows we are with you." The boys left and ran to their room. Marco was sat close to the fireplace chatting with Orus and drinking something. Dart jumped on top of Marco's lap and his brother did the same on Orus'.

"Well boys, tomorrow we are leaving; I suppose you already know it. Also, Orus and his men are leaving for the South in a special assignment." Orus then added:

"Most likely you will not see me for some months. I'll meet some special persons, but I cannot tell you who they are. You rascal, don't try to find out by entering in my mind; your father has taught me how to stop it." The men laughed and hugged as Orus got ready to leave. Then the boys went to Orus placing his arms around the tall man's waist.

"We adore you, Orus; we will never do that to you again." Orus ruffled the boys' silky hair; then kissed their heads and left.

"Get all your belongings ready, and wear winter clothes but not very tight, during the day the weather will be very comfortable, but mornings and nights are cold in the forests, though you are used to it.

As any twelve-years-old boy, they were enthusiastic before the perspective of coming back to their homeland. The view of the forces and carts all reunited before the departure made them very happy. Roman authorities provided four horses for the boys and girl, though Dart and Doro would have liked only one for them, so they could have fun during the long trip. The man with the scar and tattoo was chained into a barred cart, his head covered, so he could not see where he was transported and to prevent being recognized by the peasants or spies that could attempt against his life. The boys thought that during the night-stop they could have some fun with Stella and Rhode, but they were so tired that in minutes were hard asleep wrapped in their sheep furs.

They went thru different lands and villages; everywhere they were welcomed and received with affection. After a few days, they started to recognize the lands they were riding. Soon it was more evident that they were not far from home. A shepherd boy recognized Doro and shouted his name. The boy broke the formation and trotted to where the boy and his sheep flock was; he jumped from the horse and both boys hugged and rolled downhill laughing with happiness. One minute later they stopped and Doro asked his friend:

"Have you fucked your sheep today?" The other boy made ticklish to him as he answered joking.

"Not yet, it is too early, but tomorrow I will be able to stick my dick into your butt if you like it. It has increased a lot lately and you will enjoy it."

"I can't stay longer, we'll talk tomorrow. Bye Denit, I'll see you then!" Doro jumped on the horse and after one minute he was near his brother. "He is Denit, our friend; as usual he stinks to sheep."

"Well, he sleeps with his cattle; therefore it is not strange he smells like that." Soon they viewed the tall walls of their town and the towering peak of the fortress, a crowd of boys and girls approached shouting their names; all of them with their heads covered by flower-rings and little branches of trees on their hands. Outside the walls, there was a large flat levelled ground near the forest. Everybody dismounted and the soldiers could not stop the boys and girl running to hug their parents and little brothers. Visibly caught, a man kissed the boys and girl as tears dribbled their cheeks. After a couple of minutes, he left the family and advanced to greet and compliment the Roman General and his officers, among them Marco. Cato recognized him and met the White Druid with open arms.

"Thank you White Druid for saving the children. My people will never thank you enough. Please, feel at home; your great grandfather, besides a wise druid and physician, was a great man. Everybody loved him; Diviciaco always said he had been his first master.

"I'll try to be like he was; I like this country and the people living in it, all of them." He stressed the last words.

After all salutations, the troops installed their tents at the bottom of the large space. The General's officers were provided with a few comfortable sheds for them and their horses. The General was lodged in a small house within the walls, but the military man kindly rejected it, arguing he wanted to be with his men. Marco and the children went into Diviciaco's old home. Entering Doro and Dart placed their arms around Marco's waist as they started to cry in silence. The man rubbed their backs pushing against him. Dart stopped in the room where Diviciaco had been murdered. He explained to Marco.

"Stella, my brother, Rhode and I were in the next room. We heard the noise as my father killed two of the men with a spell; then Quero came thru this door from his back and stabbed him; I pushed him when he was trying to stab him again but he was near death..." The boys cried as they pressed their arms around the man. A few minutes later entered Stella and Rhode with the happiness reflecting on their faces.

"We'll get married after the funerals!!!" The boys forgot their grief and congratulated their friends.

The following day was a free and restful day for everybody. The soldiers made exercises with their horses, watched closely by a crowd of children that were enchanted with them. The next day, the area, where the forces were stationed, was prepared for the great audition against Quero the Vulture. The place was full of persons of all ages and conditions as the news regarding Quero trial had spread. A large table had been set on one side, presided by Cato with four other prominent Eduos. Marco had been requested to sit with them; however, he rejected it, arguing he would not be fair since he was the boys' tutor. After a great silence, Quero was dragged heavily chained. The crowd started shouting "Death for the Criminal!!!" Cato rose and raised his arms out, and immediately a dead silence was restored. Addressing to the chained man, he spoke loudly, so everybody could hear him:

"Quero also called the Vulture, you are an Eduo, that's why you are here today and Rome has not executed you, they had respected our customs and treaty. Now I ask you: Did you kill the sacred druid Diviciaco?" The man knew that was only a formality, but he answered:

"I did not kill him; I am innocent." A rumour spread over the people assisting to the trial. Cato beckoned to a warrior and immediately two men, still with their arms wounded, entered. Cato asked them.

"You were Diviciaco's guardians. Did you see Quero on the premises of his house?"

"Yes, sir. Ten men stomped into the large room; we fought but were overwhelmed by them. As Diviciaco killed two of them with a spell, I watched how this man appeared behind our Grand Druid carrying a large dagger. I could not see him slaughtering Diviciaco because we were pushed down on the floor by his men." The chained man grinned. Dart and Doro knew they would be called to testify and Dart got ready. Instead, Cato called his own son and Stella. Hand in hand, they stood in front of the table.

"Rhode and Stella, you have been declared this morning as adults and responsible persons. You have declared you were in the next room... playing with Dart and Doro; when you heard the fighting noise, the four of you entered where the Great Druid was. What did you see then?" Without any doubt Rhode facing the man with the scar said:

"Quero was behind Diviciaco and he had a large bloody dagger in his hands, he had stabbed him and he was ready to do it again when Dart bravely pushed him, then Diviciaco turned a little, and blue lights sparkled from his fingers that hit Quero on the forehead; he yelled as a hyena and fell on the floor, he should have killed him." Stella pressed his hand with love as a rumour came from the crown. Not far, Dart and Doro were standing as abundant tears dribbled along their smooth cheeks. Then Dart shouted:

"Traitor, he could not kill you but I'll do myself." He pronounced the arcane words and was to extend his little arms when Marco made a move dragging the boys to him very tight, as he whispered into their ears.

"It is not necessary, my children. Keep your energies for your growing up and don't stain your hands with this man's blood, though he is a criminal. He is guilty and will be condemned." The boys could not stop crying remembering their dear late father. They heard Cato's voice.

"Quero of Rolling, you are declared guilty of murdering Diviciaco, the greatest Eduo ever existed; therefore, you will be flayed by taking your skin out while you are alive. Nevertheless, we do not enjoy killing an Eduo and you have claimed to be innocent, in spite of the testimonies freely expressed by the witnesses in this trial. Therefore, you still have the opportunity to demonstrate what you have argued and ask for the proof of the "yellow dagger." The man knew he had not any alternative. He could recall how he watched a man who had been charged with raping a little girl that he had not. He safely ended being declared innocent by the proof with the "yellow dagger". Stammering Quero said:

"I ask to be submitted to the "yellow dagger" proof."

Cato made a move to a man that was standing near him; immediately they brought a small forge already lighted. The man introduced a large dagger in the fire as a teenager moved the blowers. Silence spread over the crowd, and when the small sword was yellow and near white, close to the melting point, with a smith tool, he presented it to Quero. He doubted for some seconds and finally, he wrapped it with his chained hands. A desperate yell came out from his throat as the dagger initiated a fire that in seconds spread to the man's whole body; converting him in a lighted torch, as a high black smoke column raised to the sky amongst the man's cries. After some minutes, he died shouting terrible yells trying to move, but the chains retained him in place. Then he stopped moving, and sometime later, Quero was only a dark ash pile. The crowd shouted madly. Diviciaco had been revenged and Quero being forgotten, as if he had never existed. The people then threw into the flames all the junk objects including tables and chairs not being used. Next day would be a great feast day. A couple of hours afterwards started a heavy rain that lasted until midnight. After this, there was no trace of the flames and ashes; everything was gone.

That night, at Cato's home, the young warriors were toasting and celebrating Rhode and Stella's wedding, then the boy argued.

"Father, we wanted to find out about what the man always bragged, that he was a Vulture; therefore, if the had not finished with his bones, a few friends and I want to know whether he was bragging or not; we would have taken him to the towering peak of the fortress and we'll make him fly over the deep cliff, so we will find out if he was telling the truth or not." The crowded room shouted approving the idea. One of the young warriors then said:

"It is a pity we could not see him flying." All laughed and continued making jokes about the day's events.

End of Part 2