It was after midday when Evon woke. Dare was already awakeand looking at him.

"Good morning," Evon yawned.

"It's afternoon."

"How long have you been awake?" Evon smiled, lifting a hand totouch Dare's cheek.

"Not long. Maybe ten minutes," Dare said, toying with a darkcurl which had fallen across Evon's forehead.

"And what were you thinking as you lay here looking at me?"

"About what you did to me, and why I let you do it."

"Because you had agreed to obey my every command, of course."

Dare shook his head. "There was more to it than that, and youknow it."

"Tell me," Evon said.

"It took me a long time to figure it out, but I think I have.It's all a question of training, isn't it?"

"In what way?"

"Like in the warrior academy, when you're first assigned toyour own trainer. He becomes everything for you at first: brother,father, lover. And finally, no matter what he asks of you, you'll doit, just because he believes you can. And you gain in skills beyondyour wildest dreams."

"What does that have to do with last night?"

"You started out the evening by sharing great pleasure withme, far greater than I've ever known with anyone before. By the timeyou spanked me, I was tired and drained, but my body had come toaccept you as the source of endless pleasure and delight. You hadbecome my whole world. And then you wanted to give me pain. A littlepart of my mind rebelled and said you had no right, but the rest of mewas so trained to accept you as the giver of pleasure that I couldn'trebel. Even so, I was still convinced that I could never have pleasurefrom something like that. Until I did. And while I was still trying tocope with that, you began the other."

Evon smiled slightly. "And?"

"I still can't believe my body responded to that. You'reunbelievable, Evon."

"And what will you do when I spank you tonight?" Evon grinned.

Dare shook with laughter. "Nay, warrior. 'Tis I who'll be theking tonight, and you who'll squirm under my hand."

Evon's grin broadened. "Don't bet good coin on it, warrior."He reached up to pull a heavy silken cord. "I'm starving. How aboutyou?"

He had a meal brought to them, then they visited the bathsbefore settling down at the Kasmar board.

"Two out of three again?" Evon asked.

"All right," Dare agreed.

"I believe it's your turn to go first."

Dare smiled at him. "And your turn to be the slave," he saidlightly, lowering his hand to make the move.

"Was it so very difficult being my slave last night?" Evonasked after he made the counter move.

Dare was silent for several moments, staring down at theboard. Then he lifted his eyes and looked at Evon. "In one way itwas," he said thoughtfully. "I've never given control of myself toanother, in that way or any. It was difficult to surrender so much ofmyself. But in another way, it was easy. The pleasure far overrode thedisadvantages. You're an exciting lover, Evon."

Evon licked his lips, staring down at the board. "But Ifailed."

"In what way?" Dare asked softly.

Evon's jaws tightened and his voice was husky. "I tookeverything you had to give, on every level, except the one thing Iwanted most."

Dare's hand reached toward him, then drew back. "I'm sorry. Itold you I have a lifetime of training in mental and body controls."

Evon looked up, smiling, and his voice lightened. "I know. I'mnot blaming you. The fault is that of the gods."

"Do you really believe that?" Dare smiled.

Evon's eyes danced. "I don't know if I do or not. But it's asgood an explanation as any, isn't it? And it's so much easier to blamethe gods than ourselves when things go not to our liking."

Dare burst into hearty laughter. "Evon, I like you," he said,when the laughter tapered off. He reached his hand down and made amove.

Evon grinned at him, then looked down at the board. "I likeyou, too, Dare. I feel like we've been friends for years. I can'tbelieve we only met -- By the gods! What a move! I concede defeat infour moves."

Dare lifted the wine bottle and poured more wine for them.

"You might as well concede the second game as well," he saidgaily.

"Not on your life! I know when I'm legitimately beat, but Idon't concede defeat without a fight. I believe it's my turn to gofirst."

"I knew that first game was a fluke," Evon chortled, afterwinning the second. "Your turn to go first. Ah, Dare, soon you'll bemine for another night."

"Don't count your coins before you've earned them," Daregrinned. "I have very definite plans for what you'll be doing tonight,and part of it includes hearing the words 'Your Majesty' comingfrequently from your lips, when they're not occupied in bringing greatpleasure to me, that is. Tonight, I'm your king, my friend."

"Ah, Dare, if it weren't that I'd consider it a fate worsethan death for you, I could almost wish you were to be my king," Evonsighed. "I could serve a king like you with great joy and pride."

"But could a king allow you to live after you'd forced him toserve as your love slave?" Dare asked, eyes hooded even though hisvoice was deliberately light.

Evon shrugged. "Not the kind of king I have, no. But you, yes.You have the strength and self-confidence to rule a noble who'd donesuch a thing to you. And when you saw him in council, and your eyesmet for a moment, there'd be a small, secret sparkle of shared memoryfor a moment, and no one would ever suspect."

"And of course you'd never be tempted to tell anyone you'dsubjected your king to such an indignity?" Dare grinned.

"Never!" Evon cried, outraged. "I've never in my life talkedto anyone else about my private life. Oh, I might tell smallanecdotes, but never in such a way that the identity of a partnercould ever be known. I don't want others discussing me in such a way,and so I have no right to discuss them either. And besides," hegrinned, his sense of humor returning. "Think of the delight ofsitting in council, looking up at the king, and being able to ignorethe boring business at hand and remember the time he'd squirmed undermy hard hand and cock. And what would make it extra sweet is theknowledge that no one else knew, or would ever know. That it was aprivate, special secret shared by no one but my king and me. Oh, no,my friend, such things are not to be told to others, but to be hoardedaway and savored."

Dare made a move, then silently moaned when he realized thatit would cost him the game in six moves. Evon stared at the board fora long time, then his hand reached down.

He'd move the priestess to capture the warrior, Dare knew, andthe game would be Evon's from that point on.

Evon's hand lingered over the priestess, then turned to theside and captured an archer instead.

Dare stared at the board for a long time, then lifted his eyesto stare at the other man. There was a small secret smile playingaround Evon's mouth, and Dare understood then. He looked back down atthe board and made the move which would assure him victory in fourmoves.

Evon grinned up at him. "It would appear I'm yours to commandfor the night, Your Majesty," he said lightly.

He swiftly dropped his eyes as Dare looked up. Then he got upand came around the table. He touched Dare's face softly, leaning downto kiss him.

"You're a very handsome man, Dare," he murmured.

"Evon, I think you're the most handsome man I've everencountered," Dare whispered, eyes wide and unfocused as he turned hischeek to the soft caress. "And by far the most desirable andpassionate."

"It's a little early yet, but I'm ready to assume my role,sire." He knelt at Dare's feet and kissed his hand. "You are mysovereign lord for this night, and I'm yours to command."

Dare leaned down and kissed the broad forehead.

"Come. I want you to please me with your mouth, as you had medo to you last night. That looked like a great joy. I want to knowwhat it feels like to receive so much pleasure."

"Tell me," Dare whispered, holding the trembling body close tohim. "When you spanked me last night, did you enjoy it?"

It was well after midnight, and they had nearly exhausted eachother with the force of their great passion.

"Yes. Because I knew that you'd receive as much pleasure aspain from it. Most people don't realize how close together pleasureand pain are, Dare. Can you deny that you did indeed reach atremendous height of pleasure?"

"No, I can't deny it. But it was an almost savage release. Notthe same kind that you get from a slow and sensual buildup ofpleasure."

Evon lifted his head and looked down at him. "Interesting.There are many people who are quite addicted to such pleasures. Youcan come here to the pleasure house and hire people who'll allow youto inflict far more pain than a spanking. You can use whips or evenworse implements of torture. Or hire someone to use them on you. Suchhave never been my desires, but I know that they exist."

Dare shivered. "But you've never allowed anyone to bring youto the heights in such a way?"

"I've never met anyone strong enough to force me to it," Evonlaughed.

Dare's voice was deep and throaty, his eyes narrowed. "But Idon't have to force you. You've mine to command tonight. Perhaps it'stime you learned about that particular joy."

Evon's face whitened. "I hadn't believed you'd do that to me."

"But I shall, and you'll submit as you've promised."

"Yes, I will. But I admit I'm terrified of it."

Dare's eyebrows lifted, and his eyes opened wider. "Why?You've known pain before. You're a warrior."

Evon rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling."Yes. I've been cut, and I took an arrow once. And I've been thrownfrom a horse a time or two. But that's different."

"In what way?" Dare queried, lifting up on one elbow to staredown at him.

"Getting cut or shot is a one time pain. It happens and it'sover with. It might twinge occasionally as it heals, but warriordiscipline can handle that. And a fall from a horse is the same.You're bruised and stiff, but your warrior discipline can cope withit." He swallowed hard. "But a spanking, or the other, is somethingthat goes on and on. You accept the one slap, but before your mind cancope with that, another follows right behind it, and then another, alltoo fast for you to deal with. And the pain steadily builds, while youburn inside from it."

"And you've never experienced this?"

"No. But I've given it enough times that I understand how itworks."

Dare nodded slowly. "The philosophical understanding which isso different from a real understanding. Such as when they tell youwhat it's going to be like after you kill your first man. And thenwhen it actually happens, it is like they told you, but it's so muchmore."

"Yes! Exactly."

Dare caressed him gently. "Then it's time for you to make yourfirst kill. Over my knees."

Evon's breath blew out in a harsh gasp. "You aren't reallygoing to do that, are you? You're just threatening me."

"Not at all," Dare said calmly. "I fully intend to do it. Nowlie down over my knees. Remember you've promised to comply willinglywith my orders, and without complaint."

Evon took a deep breath. "All right," he whispered.

He slowly stretched out across Dare's knees, positioning hisbody as Dare's had been the night before. Dare caressed the buttocksfor a few moments until some of the trembling eased, then his handlifted and slapped down hard. Evon stiffened and cried out, a wordlesscry of shock and pain.

Dare continued the spanking until Evon's bottom was fiercelyred and the other man was sobbing helplessly. Evon had come once, andwas now twitching madly. Dare stopped.

"Up on the bed. You know the position to take," he saidfirmly.

"No, please," Evon sobbed. "Dare, I'm begging you. Don't dothat to me."

Dare folded his arms. "Do as you're commanded."

Evon took a deep breath and wiped his eyes, then knelt on thebed, shuddering. His hands lifted to the bar overhead, and he bowedhis head, eyes closed, tears dripping onto his chest.

Dare caressed him tenderly, wiping the tears from his chestand face. He showered tender little kisses on Evon's face. Some of thequaking eased then, and when it did, Dare's hand came crashing down.For an instant, Evon's hands left the bar and threatened to come downto cover his cock, but then an iron will caught him, and he slowlylifted them back to the bar again.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," he whispered. "That won't happenagain."

"Good," Dare said calmly, and again lashed out.

When Dare lowered his mouth to the hard, reddened cock, Evoncried out wordlessly. Fluid spurted into Dare's mouth, and he drank itdown eagerly. Then he stretched out on the bed.

"Stay there," he ordered. "I want to see you calm again beforeyou move."

Evon took several long deep breaths, until the tears stoppedand his face was composed again.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he said quietly.

Dare nodded. "You're a good slave. You please me."

Evon's mouth quivered with a mixture of pride and otheremotions.

"Thank you, sire," he whispered.

"You may feed me now. I'll wish to ride you soon, and I needmy strength for that."

Evon shivered, eyes closed, then he moved to the fruit and cutit into sections, feeding Dare and licking the juice from his chin ashe ate.

"You may eat, too," Dare said after he'd eaten one of thefruits. "In whatever manner you desire."

Evon bit his lip, staring down at Dare's body. Then he smiledand cut the fruit into small bits, sprinkling it across the tautabdomen and hard chest. He moved down and slowly nibbled the fruit,licking the juices as they moved across the firm body. Dare smileddown at him.

"You truly are a majestic slave," he said admiringly. "If Iwere your king, perhaps I'd bring you to the palace and keep you in aprivate chamber for my special pleasure. A fine, prancing, magnificentstallion of a slave, worthy of a king's attention."

Evon licked another drop of juice, then closed his eyes. "Perhaps if you were my king, I'd be willing to live such alife, Your Majesty," he whispered.

"I think for the next hour, I'll allow you to enjoy my body asyou wish. Then I intend to ride you, and ride you well, as a finestallion should be ridden."

Evon licked the last of the fruit from Dare's abdomen.

"I'm still hungry. Would you turn over, sire, please?"

Dare laughed and turned over. Evon cut up another fruit andsprinkled it down Dare's back and across his tight buttocks. Then hestarted at the top and slowly nibbled his way down. When he hadfinished all the fruit, he slowly licked his way down the crackbetween the firm buttocks, ending at the small puckered anus. Darespread his legs slightly and Evon drilled at it with his tongue untilit was soft and yielding. Then he stiffened his tongue and forced itinside, driving it like a finger, feeling the tight anus pulsateagainst it. Dare moaned and shivered under him.

Evon moved his hands under Dare's body to slowly caress thehuge balls, while his tongue continued its relentless drilling. Darebegan shaking, his breath coming harshly.

"Yes," he groaned. "Yes, yes."

Evon increased speed and felt the explosion as the hot bodyunder his tongue began coming. He slowed his movements gradually asthe orgasm's intensity passed. Then he crept up to lie on top of Dare,kissing his neck and shoulders. "Rest for a while, Your Majesty," hewhispered. "And then I'll get you ready for that ride."

Dare was riding him, hard, his right hand under Evon to strokethe other man's cock. Then he lifted his left hand and brought it downin a stinging slap on one buttock. Evon yelped with shock.

"Harder," Dare ordered. "Move that ass!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Evon cried.

Dare slapped him again, then switched hands on the cock andslapped the other buttock a few times. Evon shuddered hard and came.Dare allowed him to go soft, still riding him, then reached down tostroke him again.

"Don't, please. I can't get it up again," Evon groaned. "I'mall used up."

Dare slapped one buttock again. "You'll do as you'recommanded, and I order you to rise again."

Evon trembled under him, moving in a mad rhythm offrustration.

"I can't," he moaned. "It just won't come up again."

"Yes, it will! I've ordered it to be so, and it will," Daresaid firmly.

Dare caught the balls in his hand and massaged them, thenbegan stroking the cock again, his strokes in the tight ass longer androugher. And slowly the soft cock began to stir and rise again.

"I can't take it," Evon gasped. "It almost hurts."

"Almost isn't enough," Dare whispered. "Come on. Rise to me. Iwon't come until you do, and I'll ride you like this until I come. Ilove being in your hot, tight ass, Evon. 'Tis better than any wenchI've ever taken, or any ass I've ever been in."

The cock bloomed out into a rigid rod again, and Dare smiled,slowing his movements. "You truly are an exceptional slave, Evon," hesaid fondly. "I think I'd own you forever if I could."

Evon bowed his head. "I think I'd let you if I could," hewhispered.

Dare pumped him hard, forcing the cock to respond to him, andwhen he finally felt it pulsate weakly in his hand, he drove into Evonwith all his strength and let himself go.

Evon collapsed down on the bed, his harsh breath the onlysound in the room.

Dare reached out for a small section of the fruit, and held itto Evon's mouth. Evon took it gratefully.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he murmured.

"You're welcome. My slave has to keep his strength up. Thereare only two hours left until dawn. We have much to do before then."

"If that fruit really works, then you'd better give me a lotof it, because I admit it. I'm spent," Evon laughed.

Dare smiled and kissed him lightly. "You don't have to be hardfor what I have planned for the rest of the night. But you have myconsent to get hard and come if you wish."

Evon rolled over to face him. "And just what do you haveplanned for the rest of the night, my beloved king?"

Dare's smile went warm and loving at the unexpected title. Helicked Evon's lips tenderly before answering. Evon's hand came up tocaress his face.

"First I want you to nibble all over my body again, as you didearlier in the night. Then I'm going to have you lie on your back,like a woman, and spread your legs enough to let me in. I'm going tostretch out on top of you until we're touching head to toe, like lastnight, when I mounted you. And I'll take you very, very slowly andeasily, letting it build so gradually we'll hardly realize it'shappening. Until just before dawn, when we'll finally let go. And thenyou may sleep. In my arms, where you belong."

Evon's finger caressed Dare's lips, and then he closed hiseyes. "Yes, Your Majesty," he sighed.

When dawn came, they were lying on their sides, Evon's backpressed tightly against Dare's chest, a single sheet over them. Darekissed the bare back gently, then closed his eyes and followed theother into sleep.

When Dare woke, Evon was lying on his side facing him, staringintently at him.

"Good morning," Dare said softly.

Laughter replaced the intensity in the warm gray eyes. "It'safternoon."

"How long have you been awake?" Dare smiled, lifting a hand totouch Evon's cheek.

"Not long. Maybe ten minutes," Evon chuckled. "Actually morelike fifteen, I'd guess."

"And what were you thinking as you lay here looking at me?"

"I was thinking of the difference between being a master and aslave."

"And?" Dare kissed him gently.

"I've always been the master before, in any relationship I'vehad. Never surrendering one small segment of control. And last night Inot only surrendered it, but gloried in it, even while it devastatedme to do so. I was terrified, even though I knew you wouldn't trulyhurt me. And I couldn't understand why I was so terrified."

"But you understand now."

"Yes. I wasn't terrified of the pain, but of the fact that Imight love it, that I might joy in it. That I might surrender sototally to you that I'd break, and I'd never be able to command again.That I'd become a true slave."

"That didn't happen."

"No. I can still command. It didn't break me."

"I'm glad," Dare said tenderly. Then he chuckled. "Well, myhandsome slave, I'm not sure I'll ever let you go home now. I think Imight keep you in Aurora with me forever."

Evon sank down on the bed, hands behind his head. "Don't temptme, Dare. By the time this is over, that might be more temptation thanI can handle. But as much as I might wish it, I cannot do it. I havetoo many duties and responsibilities at home."

Dare caressed Evon's chest gently. "You're a member of thenobility. There's no doubt about that. What level are you?" he asked.

"I'm the only son of a duke," Evon sighed.

Dare was silent for a long moment.

"So you're to be a duke," he said at last. "The highest officein the land, save that of the king himself. Much responsibilityindeed. But I have the feeling you don't want that responsibility."

"No, I don't. You're right. I never have. I've seen the pricemy father has had to pay for it, and I shrink from having to pay thesame price. But I will do it, because our people are good people, andthey deserve a buffer between them and that -- and those above us."

Dare kissed his forehead gently. "Evon, if you want to talk,I'll listen to you. And you have my word of honor that I'll hold yourwords in confidence, and that I won't think you dishonorable forexpressing your frustration."

Evon drew him down for a kiss.

"Thank you. But it's not fair to burden a lover with yourtroubles. Come. Let's go get something to eat and then a bath. We haveto rest tonight, since tomorrow we start for Aurora."

Evon was almost asleep that night when the door to his roomopened silently. He looked up, body tensed for movement.

"It's me," a soft voice said. "I don't think we can make loveall night again, since we have to be on the trail early. But I thoughtyou might want to share one time, and then sleep in my arms."

Evon held out his arms. "I would like that, very much," hewhispered.

They lay in each other's arms, kissing sweetly, touching eachother, more in tenderness than in passion. Then Dare turned around sohis head was next to Evon's cock, and his own cock was by Evon's head.Evon accepted the invitation, licking the huge balls and sucking theminto his mouth as he felt Dare doing the same to him. Then they weresucking each other, slowly and gently until suddenly Dare went all theway to the root of Evon's cock, at the same time thrusting his owndeeply into Evon's throat, pulsating wildly. Evon shuddered and letgo, feeling Dare suck the last drop from him.

They were still for a few moments, arms locked around eachother's bodies, then Dare slowly moved up and kissed Evon deeply.

"Good night, my beloved warrior," he whispered.

"Good night, sweet lover," Evon murmured.

Dare nestled him close and they were both almost instantlyasleep.

They'd been on the road for a week, when rain caught them neara small inn. The innkeeper had several rooms free, so they took them,and enjoyed hot meals and baths before retiring. Dare and Evon sharedone of the rooms.

"It's nice to be clean and have a real bed again," Evonmurmured, when the door was fastened behind them. "And to have youalone for a change. I've missed you these past few nights."

"And I as well," Dare said softly. "I've longed to feel yourhands and mouth on my body."

Evon shuddered. "I've dreamed of that. Part of me wants tothrow you on the bed and savagely take you. But another part of mewants to lie back and go slowly, savoring every moment of it, lettingit build higher and higher until we find mutual release."

"I could enjoy either one. I'll let you choose."

Evon took a deep breath. "Then I choose the second. It'll besweeter, even if the other would bring release quicker."

When they were lying warm and content in each other's arms,Dare kissed him gently.

"Evon, I think I'm falling in love with you."

Evon chuckled and caressed his face tenderly. "You're slow. Ifell in love with you that first night, when you didn't cry and beg nomatter what I did to you. And yet you made me cry and beg the nextnight with such a small amount of effort."

Dare shook his head. "It took more effort than you think itdid. You don't give up easily, my friend."

Evon licked Dare's lips gently. "It's going to hurt me to giveyou up. I can't bear the thought of going home and leaving you behind.I don't suppose there's any chance you might go home with me."

Dare rose on one elbow and looked down at him. "Tell me alittle about your homeland."

Evon looked up at him for a long time, then took a deep breathand stared up at the ceiling, one hand behind his head and the otherstroking Dare's back.

"I want you to come home with me, but it isn't fair to you.I'll tell you about my home, the truth, but you must keep what I tellyou confidential. It's dishonorable to talk ill of one's home, evenwhen telling the truth."

Dare leaned down and kissed him gently. "It would be moredishonorable to take a lover home with you without forewarning him."

"I know, and that's the only thing that could make me tell youthe things I'm going to."

He was staring at the ceiling and missed the intensity inDare's eyes.

"One of the worst things about royalty and nobility is thatthey tend to inbreed," Evon said reflectively. "Which after a whilebrings out some nasty characteristics. A wise line brings in somefresh blood every few generations, to prevent it. I'm lucky. Both mymaternal grandmother and my paternal great-grandmother were commoners.They brought enough fire into the line to give us a little more spiritthan most noble lines."

"A lot more, I'd say," Dare murmured, kissing him lightly.Evon smiled and closed his eyes.

"The royal line in my country has degenerated badly. The kingis a selfish, arrogant dolt, who spends little time on government,which his toady advisers are all too happy about since it allows themto run the kingdom as they wish. The king himself spends most of hisfree time with a priceless collection of catamites."

"I'm sorry. I don't know the word. Is it a rare breed ofanimal?" Dare said, frowning slightly.

"You might say that," Evon said harshly. "They're small boyskept for his pleasure. The king doesn't function with men or women,you see. Only boys aged four to nine."

Dare's jaws tightened. "I'd heard there were such men, but aking?"

"Indeed. Who can better indulge such tastes? Who's to gainsayhim? And his advisers know how to cater to him. They search thekingdom regularly to find choice little morsels for his bed. Parentswith pretty boy children try to keep them hidden, or send them to thewarrior academy. My own father sent me to the academy when I was buttwo, frightened of what might happen to me."

Dare shivered. "Does he have children?"

"He has but one, and that a son."

"Don't tell me he'd do that!"

"He might well have, if he'd had the chance. But when he was ayoung prince, his father worried about him and his tastes, and decidedto seek outside the kingdom for a bride for him. They sent to farAurora for a princess to be his wife. The father of the bride drew upan extensive contract to cover the marriage, and one of the smallclauses in it stated that the woman had the right to rear any childrenin her own religion. The king's advisers thought nothing of that. Whocares what religion a boy is raised in, especially when he's in acountry where that religion doesn't even exist?"

"Somehow I have an idea where this story is leading. She sentthe boy away to be fostered in his own religion, and the king couldn'tdo anything about it, right?" Dare smiled.

"You've got a quick mind, my friend," Evon grinned. "That'sexactly what happened. Only two trusted nobles in the land knew whereshe sent him to be fostered, and neither she nor they would tell. Theking can't keep his mind on anything for long, so he didn't worryabout it. But his advisers have been tortured by it for years. They'vedone everything they could think of to find the boy, including sendingspies to Aurora, but they've been unable to find him."

"And this prince of yours is the man you seek?"

"Yes. My father was one of the nobles she trusted with thesecret that she'd sent him to be fostered at Mega, with his uncle,whom I believe must be Beron."

Dare shook his head. "His uncle died when he was small. Beronis his foster father. So you seek to bring your prince back to yourhomeland?"

Evon stared up at the ceiling. "I seek him to inform him ofthe situation. My father would like him to return and begin preparingfor his role as ruler. But of course the final decision will have tobe that of the crown prince himself."

"When you say 'the situation', what do you mean?"

"The kingdom is so rotten now that I don't know if it'spossible to repair the damages. My father thinks it is possible, andthat Prince Chandar can do it. I wish I could believe it, Dare, butI'm young and more cynical than my father."

"What do you think will happen if your prince returns withyou?"

Evon sighed deeply. "I see only two possibilities. If he'scorruptible, he'll be corrupted rapidly there. And then the rottennesswill only grow worse. If he's incorruptible, the advisers will waitonly until he has wed and produced an heir. Then they'll poison him,and they'll make sure his son doesn't get out of their hands to befostered elsewhere. They'll raise him to be the puppet they want."

"Suppose he was incorruptible. Suppose he surrounded himselfwith good men, like you, to make sure no assassin got to him. Do youthink he'd have a chance at correcting the situation?"

"Even I couldn't protect him from poison, my friend."

"There are ways of protecting an individual from poison. Weknow these things in Aurora."

Evon looked at him. "I've heard that there are sorcerers inAurora."

"It's true. Your prince has spent the past ten years at thesorcery academy. I think he can defend himself from poison quite well,if he has good men with him to help protect him from other things."

Evon took a deep breath and then pulled Dare down into hisarms.

"Dare, my beloved, you've just given me the first hope I'vehad for my kingdom in many years. It's probably crazy, but maybe, justmaybe, he can do it."

His heart raced under Dare's ear, and his strong bodytrembled. "It's too much to believe," he whispered. "He can't do it.But, by the gods, maybe he can. Dare, I swear to you and to my gods,I'll help him. I'll give up everything to help him, even if it costsme my life."

He lifted Dare from him and looked up into the blue eyes.

"I'd even give up you for this, and that's the greatestsacrifice I could make."

Dare smiled down at him. "Perhaps I can help as well."

"Beloved, with you and me and a few other good warriors tohelp him, maybe he could do it. Dare, I'm afraid to hope, but I can'thelp it." He hugged Dare hard. "I know we should rest, but my blood isboiling now. Please make love to me."

Dare kissed him fiercely, and Evon rose to him with passion.

Two days later, they came to a wide river just before midday.Evon grinned. "What do you say we stop and have a bath and some lunchbefore going on?"

His men cheered and hastened to dismount. Half of themstripped and went into the water while the other half began caring forthe horses and making a fire.

"Your men are well trained," Dare commented.

"Aye. I picked the finest of the lot to come with me. If we'reto take the prince back with us, I want the best helping me get himhome."

"Hey, Evon!" came a call from the water. "Want fish for lunch?Throw me a knife."

Evon drew his knife and threw it low over the water. Pax, ahuge dark-haired warrior, caught it and dived under the water. Heresurfaced in a few moments with a large dark fish, its body stillwiggling from the struggle for life.

"Wish I could get a few more, but they all scattered when Itook this one," Pax said, handing the fish to Evon, who leaned down toget it.

"How many do you want? I can call them back to you," Daresaid.

He put his hand in the water and closed his eyes,concentrating deeply. Evon watched him as closely as Pax did. After afew moments, Dare took his hand from the water and smiled at them.

"There. They're back, and you can take all you want of them,"he said lightly.

"How did you do it?" Evon asked, as Pax went back under thewater.

Dare shrugged. "Sorcery."

"I didn't know you were a sorcerer."

"I'm an Adept, which is more or less an advanced student. Iwent to the sorcery academy for a few years after I won my sword."

"What else can you do, besides enspelling fish?"

Dare laughed. "Some healing, of course. I can conjure food ordrink to me when I want it, or start a fire easily. Things like that."

"What kind of healing?"

"Wounds. I'll show you. Here. Cut your arm. Just a smallshallow cut."

He handed Evon his knife. Evon shrugged and cut a small slashin his arm. Dare ran his finger slowly down the slash, concentratingintently, and it closed, leaving only a faint pink mark.

"Amazing," Evon breathed. "Can you do that with more seriouswounds as well?"

"Yes. But it's very draining. It draws on your mentalresources just as fighting draws on your physical resources. There's alimit as to how much can be done without resting and eating."

Pax came over with another fish. Evon absently stuck Dare'sknife in his belt and reached down to get it.

Later when Pax was finished with the fish, and came back withEvon's knife, Dare took it and stuck it in his own belt, in place ofthe one Evon was now wearing.

They were just sitting down to eat when a small group ofwarriors came riding up. Evon stood, hands near his weapons. Darenoticed that his men put down anything they were holding, and theirown hands strayed near their weapons, while their eyes stayed glued toEvon.

The leader of the warriors halted the group twenty feet fromthem, and rode on alone.

"We are warriors of Lord Hazelton," he said courteously. "We'dhoped to bathe and eat here before continuing our journey. Will youshare the space with us, or would you prefer that we wait until youmove on?"

Before Evon could answer him, Dare stood up. "Hazelton's men?How is His Lordship? And Peter, his elder son?"

The warrior's face creased in a broad grin. "His Lordship isfine, and only wishes he had an elder son, or any son for that matter.Peter is his sister's son, who is fostered with His Lordship. We takebetrothal contracts to Mega for his only child, a lovely daughter."

Dare moved forward and held out his hand, letting his eyes gogold as he did so.

"My name is Dare," he said.

The warrior nodded slowly as his eyes met Dare's. "My name isKel," he said, as the eyes went back to blue. He shook the offeredhand firmly.

Dare turned to Evon. "They're all right, Evon. I trained withHazelton's nephew. Let them bathe in peace."

Evon nodded. "We caught some fish. You and your men arewelcome to share it with us, Kel. There's plenty."

"Excellent. We thank you. Hit the water, men."

They all stripped and plunged into the water, leaving theirhorses to graze near the other horses.

Evon shook his head. "Too trusting. I'd never let all of mymen leave their weapons and go in the water while a group of strangersstood guard."

Dare smiled. "They wouldn't have trusted you as much if Iweren't with you. As I said, I know their lord's nephew. They know Iwouldn't be traveling with anyone who meant them harm."

Evon shook his head. "Still, 'tis too lax."

Dare just smiled and bit into the fish.

After they ate, Dare drew Kel to one side. "Thank you for notgiving me away. Do you plan to go by the warrior academy while you'rein Mega?"

"We could. Do you have a message to send?"

"My foster father is there. His name is Beron. Just tell himthat you saw me and I was well."

Kel nodded. "I'll deliver it personally, Highness. May thegods go with you and bring you safely home."

Dare smiled sadly. "I'm afraid my path home may be fraughtwith many rocks, but I thank you for the good wishes. And I wish thesame for you."

Evon looked over at him a little later, as they rode down thehighway.

"You're very quiet this afternoon, Dare. Anything wrong?"

Dare smiled at him. "Those warriors just brought up someunhappy memories, that's all. I'm fine. All I need is a few hoursalone with you, my beloved."

Evon took his hand and squeezed it. "I need it, too, Dare."

It was mid-afternoon two weeks later when they arrived at thesorcery academy in Aurora. Evon looked at it curiously as theyapproached the gate.

"It's so white and graceful. It looks nothing like a militaryacademy," he commented.

"And is nothing like it," Dare chuckled. "There's a gardenwhich rivals that of any king. We'll have to take a long walk throughit."

Evon took a deep breath. "Dare, I don't know how much of mytime he'll take while I'm here. Or even how long I'll be here."

"Don't worry about that. I have business here, and won't havemuch free time either. But I'll spend as much time with you aspossible."

Evon started to speak, then closed his mouth as they drew nearthe massive gates.

"Enter, my lord," one of the guards said, bowing courteously."If you'll give your horse and your men to this boy, he'll see thatthey're cared for properly. And if you'll go with me, I'll see to abath and refreshments for you, then take you to the Master."

Evon dismounted and inclined his head slightly. "I thank you."

Dare touched his arm. "I have to go take care of some things,Evon. I'll see you later."

Evon smiled and nodded, then followed the guard to the baths.The woman in charge of the baths courteously provided him with acomfortable gray robe to don afterward. Then he was taken to a smallroom for a meal.

"Would you like to rest first, my lord, or go to meet theGrand Master?" the servant asked as Evon finished eating.

"I'd like to meet the Grand Master. Actually, I'd like to meetPrince Chandar, but I assume courtesy requires that I meet your Masterfirst."

"Yes, my lord," the man smiled.

"All right. Lead me to him."

The Grand Master was a red-robed old man, bent and gray, morewrinkled than anyone Evon had ever met. But his amber eyes glowed withintelligence and curiosity. Evon bowed deeply before him and thenintroduced himself.

"You honor us with your presence, my lord," the old man said,his voice surprisingly strong for one so old.

"Nay, Master. 'Tis I who am honored to be here," Evon saidcourteously.

"You may sit. May I offer you wine or kizra?"

"Kizra, please."

The old man's hands moved, and suddenly a steaming cup ofkizra appeared on the table before Evon. A glass of wine appearedbefore the old man.

A sudden dilation of his pupils was the only thing whichbetrayed Evon's amazement.

"You seek your prince?" the old man asked, amusement in hisvoice.

"Yes, Master."

A small bell appeared on the table and the Master rang it. Aservant appeared in the doorway.

"Send the Crown Prince of Hearivon to me," the old man said.

The servant bowed and disappeared.

"You have been long on the road," the Master said to Evon.

"Nearly two months, Master. And the same to return. A long,weary time."

"I invite you to spend a few days here and rest before yourreturn."

"That's not my decision to make, though I thank you for thecourtesy. I must abide by my prince's wishes in the matter."

The Master smiled. "He is not so cruel as to send you back outon the trail without a few days of rest, unless the matter were one oftremendous urgency."

Evon smiled. "Nonetheless, it must be his decision, not mine.I am but the bearer of news, Master. He is my sovereign, and mustdecide what to do with that news."

"He has been a son to me. It's difficult to think of him as acrown prince."

The door opened and a tall man with blond curls and goldeneyes entered the room, dressed in a robe similar to Evon's, exceptthat the newcomer's was a rich blue color. He walked across the room,but before he could speak, Evon had knelt at his feet, head bowed.

"Your Highness," he said.

"Who are you, warrior?" a deep voice asked regally.

Evon lifted his head to look up at the majestic figure.

"Evon, son of the Duke of Crystalia. I bring news for you fromyour homeland, Your Highness."

"Please take your seat, my lord. What is this news you bring?"

Evon glanced back at the Grand Master. "Would you prefer totalk in private, Your Highness?"

"The Master may know anything I know. Sit down and drink yourkizra before it cools. I'll join you with some wine, while you give meyour news."

Evon bowed slightly, and waited until the prince had seatedhimself before taking his seat again. Chandar moved his hand slightlyand a glass of wine appeared before him. Evon lifted his cup and tooka drink, feeling his heart race.

"I was told by my guide that you had become a sorcerer, YourHighness, but I admit that until the evidence confronted me, I foundit difficult to accept."

"I've been told I'll need many skills and much help if I'm tobe king in your country, my lord."

"In my country, Your Highness?" Evon asked softly, emphasizingthe word 'my'.

A quick grin flashed. "I see I have to guard my tongue withyou, my lord. Of course it is my country, too, though I haven't beenthere since I was two years old. It's rather difficult to think of acountry as your own when you have no memories of it."

Evon took another drink. "There are many people there who'llbe all too happy to tell you everything you need to know, YourHighness," he said, trying to keep cynicism from his voice.

"Or at least everything they think I should know, true ornot?" the prince asked, amusement in his voice.

Evon looked up at him then, and a grin broke through. "Yes,sir."

The golden-eyed man leaned back in his chair. "So what is thisnews you bring me?"

Evon looked down at his cup, then slowly lifted his eyes.

"The Queen is dead," he said softly, gently.

"I know. I've known for several weeks. But thank you forcoming to tell me."

"No one could have -- oh, sorcery."

"Do you have other news?"

"A request from my father. He would like you to come home andbegin preparation for assuming the throne. There is much that needs tobe done, Your Highness. My men and I would be honored to escort you,if you'll permit it."

"And is there more?"

"No, Your Highness, unless you wish specific news aboutanything. I'll give you whatever information I can."

"You'll rest here, and we'll talk more later. Then we'll leavein three days."

He stood, and Evon swiftly came to his feet to bow deeply."Yes, Your Highness."

Chandar left the room after a brief nod. Evon drew in a deepbreath, hope shining in his eyes.

"You seem impressed with your new sovereign," the Master said,eyes glinting with amusement.

"I am, Master. And hopeful, but very fearful on his behalf. Heknows not what he faces going back there."

"Perhaps he knows more than you think he does. And perhapswith someone like you at his side to advise him, there's more call forhope than fear."

Evon looked down at the old man. "I hope you're right, Master.Because while I'd die willingly for him, I think I'd much preferliving for him," he said wryly.

The old man laughed.

"You have a sense of humor which matches his. You two will dowell together, I think."

He rang the bell, and a servant appeared.

"Show Lord Evon to his suite, please."--ÿ

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