Maiocxx

Cody and Lucas

A Personal Slaveboy Story

Chapter One

The worst thing he had ever been allowed to do to his Master when he lost was to tie him to a chair and suck him off, very, very slowly. That was fun: he had kept Master squirming and squealing for over an hour.

But Master had never left him tied up all night before. Each time they played and Lucas lost, things got a little more extreme. Then, last night Master had added another touch: a beating on his rump with a cane.

That had left six red welts and, while it did hurt, it was nothing like the ones his birth father had given him so many years ago. But they did add to his discomfort.

His jaw ached from the gag, his ass stung and his arms and legs were cramped, but the worst discomfort was: he had to pee. And unless his Master came to release him soon, he would wet the bed and make a mess.

Why did he let his Master do this to him? Simple! Lucas was a slave boy and Cody was his Master. He loved Cody dearly and wanted to make him happy. If Cody was happy, Lucas was happy. Most of the time Cody treated him very kindly 3; they were more like brothers than Slave and Master 3; but when they played the 'game' his Master could get a little carried away.

After what seemed like (and was) more hours, he finally heard someone moving around in Cody's room next to his. He was in agony; he couldn't hold his pee much longer, that was certain. He hoped Master would come in right away and release him.

"I'll be there in a minute!" Cody called from the bathroom they shared. Lucas felt some relief.

"Cody, come and eat your breakfast! Alexander is waiting for you!" called Ruth, his mother, from upstairs.

To his horror, he heard Cody run up the stairs. He had forgotten him! It was the last day of school before the summer recess and he was excited. Alexander was their neighbor and they always walked to school together. That was scant comfort to the hurting boy, now on the verge of panic.

Everything was quiet for a while. "Please, please Master, come and let me out!" he screamed into his gag. But no one answered his increasingly desperate pleas. The he heard someone else enter his room.

"Oh Lucas! What has Cody done to you?" Ruth turned and shouted, "Cody Andrew get your ass down here at once!" Lucas had never heard her talk like that before. She must be really angry.

"Oh shit! I forgot Lucas!" Cody explained to Alexander as he dashed down the steps to his room.

Ruth had already removed the blindfold and gag by the time Lucas reappeared.

"Please, Ma'am, I've got to pee very bad. I can't hold it any longer." She grabbed the 11-year-old boy around the waist, rushed with him into the bathroom and held him, guiding his penis as he at last relieved himself. Then she carried him back and laid him gently, on his bed. Cody, in the meantime had retrieved his keys to his Slave's cuffs and he began to release him.

"Cody, what is the meaning of this?"

"We were playing a game last night and Lucas lost. This was his penalty." He stared at the floor hoping it would open and swallow him.

"Game!" thundered his mother. "This is no game. This is abuse! And how did he get those welts on his buttocks?"

"That was part of the game, too," he admitted.

Ruth was horrified at what she was seeing and hearing. "Get upstairs and go to school. Your father will deal with you tonight. Just wait 'til he hears what you have done to Lucas. Now, GO!"

Once more upstairs, Alexander observed, "Dude, you're in deep do-do!"

"Yeah, I've never see her this mad before." Cody explained what the fuss was about and they left for school in silence.

"What do you think they'll do to you? Even my mom wouldn't approve of my torturing Dakota."

"I didn't torture him!" Then ashamed, "I left him in a tight hogtie all night. I don't know what my dad will do!"

"Tommy Grant's parents took his slave away and sold him because he didn't take care of him,"

That comment by Alex, turned Cody cold. He lost all his 14-year-old bravado and began to cry.

"I'm sorry," said Alex. " I didn't mean to hurt you. You don't really think they'll do that, do you?"

Cody could only sob. The fun of the last day of school had been completely ruined. It was his fault and he knew it.

Back at the house, Ruth left Lucas on the bed, face down and returned a few moments later with a tube of salve and a jar of rubbing lotion. "Just lie still and try to relax, Lucas." She applied the salve to his welts and rubbed the lotion on his arms and legs, helping him to stretch them out. His skin was so smooth and soft! Ruth's treatment felt so good on his aching arms and legs. Too good! He found himself getting hard again. Fortunately, he could hide his boner; he was lying on it.

Ruth began to cry softly. "Oh Lucas, how could he treat you this way. We all know that he loves you dearly."

"It was just a game we play, Ma'am. He didn't mean to hurt me. Please don't punish him on my account. He just forgot, that's all." By this time, he was in tears, too.

"It's not a game, Lucas. It is abuse. He's just a kid and he still does dumb things, but never like this. You are very dear to John and me. We won't stand for this kind of behavior. It is against everything we hold sacred."

She held the boy and they wept together.

"Try to get some sleep. When you are ready, come upstairs for breakfast. Don't worry about any of your chores today." She leaned over and kissed Lucas before leaving him to recover. The salve and lotion were doing their work and Lucas soon felt warm and sleepy. He was sorry that he had gotten Cody into trouble. But all the same, he knew Ruth was right; it was time to put some limits on their 'game', Cody needed to be punished. Ma'am had hugged him, comforted him, cried with him and kissed him. How lucky he was to be part of this family. He might be a Slave, but he would never, ever abandon this family. He fell asleep feeling secure and loved.

Lucas had been born into a household that was bereft of love. His father was the leader of a very conservative sect who's God was one of wrath and punishment. They believed everyone was evil and would incur their God's displeasure if they showed even the slightest bit of love or mercy.

Children were inherently evil and must have the evil beaten out of them. To this end, children must be whipped severely every day. Every family in the block belonged to this sect and all the children were kept naked to better show off the effects of the punishment they received. If a particular child didn't show sufficient amounts of welts and cuts, Lucas's father supplemented them, using cane, tawse and whip. If the child's buttocks, legs and back were not bloody, he wasn't being punished enough. They must not play, or go to school or go outside the apartment block where they lived. Effectively, they were invisible.

Lucas was taught a few basic reading skills by his mother and was then expected to continuously read the cult scripture aloud while kneeling when he wasn't being 'cleansed' by his father. Food was scarce and he was chronically malnourished, looking like a four-year-old by the time he was seven. It should be no surprise that he never smiled. Indeed, he didn't know how to smile and had nothing to smile about. The children in the block tried to comfort one another, but that hardly made a dent in their grim existence.

One day, when he was eight, his father caught him lying next to a little girl his age as they explored each other's bodies. He was so enraged, he beat Lucas unconscious, dragged the bloody child straight to the Slave Dealer and sold him on the spot. He screamed that Lucas was lazy, stupid and immoral. Lucas never saw either his mother or father again.

The Slave Dealer was appalled by his purchase. He had really done it to rescue the boy, an action unprecedented for him. He kept him for a few days and tried to clean him up before sending him on to the Boy Slave School located in the State Capital.

There were three classes of boys at the school:

• Class one: Free children, waiting to be adopted as a free son. They have full rights as citizens and the parents have the full responsibility to raise them as their own kin. The School is a temporary home until the necessary paperwork can be completed.
• Class two: Can be adopted as free child or as slave. These slaves need to be educated and can be set free by their owners at anytime, as long as they would not put a burden on the government. They can also be re-adopted, that is passed onto another owner, with court approval. If adopted as a free-child then their status automatically becomes Class One. A judge had assigned Lucas to Class two.
• Class three: Usually reserved for those children who have committed juvenile crimes, but not always. This Class can only be adopted as slaves and do not have to be educated; they have no rights, and cannot be set free during their lifetime. They can be re-adopted (i.e. sold) at any time without court approval. They are segregated from the Class 1 and Class 2 boys and are treated very harshly. What little education they receive is concerned with controlling their behavior. It is mostly beaten into them. Most of them will end up working on farms or plantations; mines will buy a few,

When he first arrived, he was so small the other boys bullied him terribly. One of the older boys finally took pity on him and tried to protect him from the worst. But that stopped as he grew and the bullies discovered he wasn't a pushover after all. The school staff did nothing to stop the bullying; a slave must learn to survive in an often uncaring and sometimes brutal world. Some Slaves would be bought by Masters who would treat them kindly. Others by Masters who were cruel and abusive.

He remained naked, but that wasn't new to him 3; it was a traumatic experience for most young slaves and served as a constant reminder of their status. He was polite to all, a hard worker who never complained no mater how hard life at the school became 3; for him it was a huge improvement 3; and learned his slave lessons well. Far from being stupid as his birth father had claimed, the schoolteachers found he was very bright. He went thru the government supplied basic slave education program, covering four years lessons in less than nine months. But he never smiled.

The most important part of his training was accepting his Slave status. He was a Slave and would exist solely to serve his Master and to please him. Everything else was irrelevant. Many of the other boys focused sadly on their former life as 'free boys' and unrealistically hoped to be 'free' once more. Most would never achieve that. For Lucas, his memories of being 'free' were ones of pain and terror, so he was unencumbered with that guilt. Still, he filed the notion away for future thought. Right now, his job was to be the best Slave he could be and he excelled.

One important aspect of his training was learning about his budding sexuality. Many Masters required their Slaves to satisfy their sexual appetites and a Slave better be prepared to do this. The 'homework' on this topic was practiced every night. Lucas participated, but without a great deal of enthusiasm. The staff, again, did not interfere.

Although boys Lucas's age usually stayed at the school for at least a year, they decided he was ready after nine months and put him on sale. The sooner they could sell him, the greater was the return on the investment the state had made.

The very morning he was first offered, Ruth Davidson, came looking for a personal slave for her 12-year-old son, Cody. She thought a 9-year old would be perfect. It was to be a birthday present that same day. Lucas was shackled and displayed nude along with several other boys his age. Ruth took one look at the sad-faced little boy and her heart melted. She looked no further. Something about this child stroked her inner soul. For his part, Lucas looked at this woman, saw into her soul and, for the very first time in his young life, he faintly smiled.

Ruth and John Davidson were long time members of the 'Loyal Opposition' as the party out of power in Parliament is called. He was a computer systems engineer with a lucrative practice and she taught art in local public and private schools. They didn't oppose slavery per se 3; particularly that resulting from conviction for serious crime 3; but they had worked tirelessly to soften the harshness of many practices in the original acts. They especially tried to work in the areas relating to orphans. After all the only things these children had done was to have chosen the wrong set of parents.

For some years, John had represented their district in Parliament, and their views on a more humane and just system were well known. He was soundly defeated last term, following a sensational crime 3; and equally gross miscarriage of justice 3; committed by two Class 2 Slaves, a 12-year-old-girl and an 11-year-old boy. They attacked their Master and gravely injured him.

Whipped up by a sensational press, the public demanded retribution. They got it; without benefit of a trial or even a hearing, the two children were publicly hanged. Their small bodies were not heavy enough for the drop to break their necks and they hung for hours slowly strangling. What was never revealed until more than a year later was that the Master was a notorious child abuser who had physically and sexually mistreated them for years. Nevertheless, the Government fell and a new one elected.

The new Government was definitely not the friend of orphans. Some of the more extreme members wanted to execute all Class 3 Slaves, once they reached age 14 and wanted to castrate all Class 2 boys without exception. Even a sensationalized public could not stomach that, however, and the bills failed in Parliament by a wide margin. But, John and Ruth recognized any gains they might make would be outside the realm of politics.

They would try to help a single child. Rather than having another child of their own, they focused on adopting a Class 2 child.

Cody had enjoyed playing with Alexander, his neighbor, and his slave, Dakota, for years. He dearly wanted to have slave of his own. His parents waited until they were sure he was mature enough to bear the heavy burden of Slave ownership. His 12th birthday was the occasion.

Lucas was freed from his shackles, and dressed in ragged slave shorts. A slave collar and a set of slave wrist and ankle cuffs were included in the purchase. The cuffs were designed to lock together easily and could be opened only with a key. Recent legislation favored them as a positive identification of the Slave's status. So, dressed somewhat and adorned with his slave collar and cuffs, Lucas stepped out into the wider world with his new Ma'am. It was frightening, but Ma'am held his hand to reassure him as they got into her car for the trip home.

On the way she need to get him some more suitable clothes. Her neighbor, Alexander's mother, had recommended 'SLAVES PLUS' on 28th Street as a good place for slave clothes and other slave necessities. So they stopped there. By law she could not leave Lucas alone in the car without restraining him and she did not want to destroy the fragile trust between them by doing that. So, holding his hand, she led Lucas into the store. She immediately regretted it.

The principal merchandise lines were all types of restraints and torture devices. The store was full of naked little boys demonstrating them. Nine and ten-year old boys in chains, fastened to racks, in cages and a few with odd looking boxes or wire baskets covering their boy parts. The centerpiece was a slightly older boy 3; 12 at the most 3; hanging by his wrists from a vertical rack. A heavy iron weight was swinging from his balls. If Ruth was appalled; Lucas was terrified! She pulled the shaken boy past the displays heading to the clothing section. As they passed the hanging boy, Lucas let go of her hand and stood transfixed looking up at the boy.

A wave of pain passed over the hanging boy's face. The he noticed Lucas staring at him. "Hello, Little One. Yes, it's me." He groaned. "I belong to the store owner, Angie, now and she 3;. unhhh 3; takes care of me. She treats me well and I 3; ahhhhahhha. 3; demonstrate her goods. The others are rented from their owners."

Lucas began to cry softly.

"Don't cry for me, Little One It 3; doesn't 3; hurt 3; very 3; much! Arrrgh! Your Mistress looks 3; kind. Is she?" Before Lucas could answer, the boy passed out and simply hung there, not moving.

Ruth, meanwhile, snatched up the first reasonably nice pair of shorts she saw, added an open neck knit shirt, and paid cash for her purchase. She just wanted to get out of there and to get Lucas out of there before he was completely traumatized.

Back in the car, she tried to comfort Lucas, but found herself so upset at what they had just seen, it was some time before she could even talk. She just held the sobbing boy in her arms. "Those leaches prey on naive slave owners and actually encouraged them to mistreat their slaves," she thought. Finally composing herself, she gently asked her young companion, "He was a friend, wasn't he?" Lucas nodded thru his sobs. "He was the only boy who helped me when I was first in the School. He kept the worst of the bullies away from me 'til I got big enough to take care of myself. He was sold soon after that. I didn't think I would ever see him again. I never knew his name even. He said it was too dangerous to tell me."

Anticipating his next question she told him gently, "Lucas if I could do anything to save that boy in there, I would do so in a flash. But, I can't. The law says I can't interfere with another slave owner's treatment of her slave. Neither can another person interfere with our treatment of you. So the law both harms and protects. If I tried to, I could loose you and Cody might be taken from us.

"She has 'broken' him and he is now hers to do as she wishes. I could tell that he was in terrible pain. But, he is probably as happy as he could be under the circumstances. She probably has him trained so he actually craves pain. One day she may go too far."

That happened one day almost six months later. Alexander and Dakota were over and the two older boys were playing a computer game and teasing the slaves by keeping them in their 'respect' poses and not releasing them so they could go off and play. Alexander causally mentioned that Angie's slave had died while he was demonstrating a new kind of rack and she had been fined. Lucas immediately broke his pose and ran crying from the room.

"Come back here!" yelled Cody. "I didn't give you permission to leave!" Angry that his Slave had acted so rudely in front of Alex, he found him lying on his bed, bawling hysterically. "Get up! Get up at once!" Even a dozen smart smacks across his ass failed to dislodge him. It was the only time Lucas ever completely defied him. He must be very careful how he handled it. Alexander bade a hasty goodbye and Cody went in search of his mother.

Ruth explained about Lucas's friend and seeing him being tortured at 'Slaves Plus'. "You must comfort him, but you must not permit open defiance. That's bad for him 3; and for you. You'll have to punish him, but do it gently and do it from love. Your father and I never said managing a slave would be easy. Particularly one you love so much." Cody blushed.

Returning to Lucas's room, he began to say how sorry he was that Lucas had lost 3; Lucas interrupted him. "Master, thank you for sharing my loss, but what I did was very bad. I defied you! I embarrassed you in front of Alexander and Dakota! I did not have permission to leave. I am very sorry I did those things. Please punish me hard so I won't do those things ever again."

Cody wore out his hand on Lucas's butt. Lucas cried, from sorrow for his unknown friend, and because he had let Cody down. The pain was horrible, but he could take that. When it was over, he asked permission to kiss Cody's feet. "I love you Master! Please forgive me for being so bad. I will always love you!"

Still very upset at what they had seen at 'Slaves Plus', Ruth gazed at him, "Lucas, the things you just saw in there will never, ever be used on you. Neither Cody nor his father nor I would permit it. I will never set foot in that awful place again and neither will you. I chose you for Cody because I see a fine young man in you and fine young men are simply not treated that way 3; not in our family. Can you understand what I'm saying?"

Through his tears, Lucas nodded. He felt much better. He felt her love. He would be all right! This would be his family! The fine spring day quieted his fears, the excitement (and a little fear) of his new owner and the celebration (whatever a birthday party was) took hold again. He could smile again.

They arrived home without further trauma.

John was waiting for them and swept Lucas into his arms. Lucas simply couldn't believe his good fortune; this man was not going to beat him bloody every day. He loved Sir immediately.

While Ruth went off to get ready for the birthday dinner, John showed Lucas the house and grounds. He made sure Lucas understood that the room downstairs next to Cody's was to be his room. "A room all my own?" "Yes, you and Ruth will go furniture shopping tomorrow." He replied, indicating the single bed and table. "This will have to do for tonight. You and Cody will share a bathroom. Why don't you get undressed and have a good hot shower and put on your new clothes. Then, come up to the kitchen and we'll have lunch."

"Aren't you going to lock me in?"

"No."

John took the time to examine him from head to toe to be sure there were no cuts or bruises that needed attention. Except for a few scars on his behind, his skin was flawless. The hot shower was a luxury he had never had before and John had to show him how to operate it and explain what the shampoo, fine soap and fluffy towels were for. Lucas scrubbed himself clean and came out without the Slave School odor he was used to. Just a good, clean boy smell.

John told Ruth, "The poor kid has never had a warm shower before. He'll probably run the whole tank out, so be prepared. I checked him over and he is absolutely flawless. You picked a magnificent boy and I love you for it."

Ruth blushed and kissed him.

For lunch, there were all sorts of things he had never eaten before: a sandwich, fresh plums, and a glass of real milk! And John and Ruth ate lunch with him. After they were finished, John took him into their bedroom. "Lucas, you asked if we were going to lock you up. I'm sure you have been told that's often done with young slaves. But do we need to? Would you try to run away?"

"Oh Sir, I would never run away! Why would I do that? At Slave School they told us what happens to a Slave who runs away. Beside, I think I'm going to like it here very, very much. I would never run away!"

"I believe you Lucas. Now why don't you curl up in my bed and rest. I'll come for you when we are ready to prepare Cody's surprise, because YOU are it." He then left and closed the bedroom door.

Lucas crawled onto John's bed and relived all that had happened since this morning. "The woman, his Ma'am, and the man, his Sir, showed their love 3; even if he wasn't quite sure what that was 3; and if felt very good! Why would I run away? I'm not stupid! I'm ready to pledge myself to my new Master. He looks like a very nice boy," he thought, eyeing the picture on the nightstand. "I wonder if he'll brand me like the boys at the school say." He soon fell asleep; his dreams were good ones for the first time in his life.

He awoke in time to hear Cody arrive home from school. Lucas could tell by the sound of his voice that Cody was excited and looking forward to his 'party'. Ruth called Lucas into the kitchen and fed him a delicious meal. Lucas had lost count of how many really good things he had tasted for the first time that day.

"Lucas, we will almost always eat our evening meal as a family, and that includes you. But, tonight we want to give Cody a special surprise gift. You! So will you help us play a game with him?" To Lucas, the games the older boys at the school had played were no fun. But he sensed this was a very different kind of game and he nodded his agreement.

"OK, just sit here quietly and I'll come for you when it's time." She left him and went into the dining room. Lucas squirmed with anticipation, but, truthfully, he had no idea what to expect. But, somehow he knew it would be good.

After what seemed like hours (actually only 15 minutes or so) she returned, got a cake out of the cupboard, placed 12 candles on top and lit them. She tied a big red bow around Lucas's waist, handed him the cake, whispered to him what to say and shooed him into the dining room in time to hear Cody say, "I hope it's a chocolate cake with 3;." He stopped in mid sentence and sat with his mouth open, staring at the boy holding the cake.

"Happy birthday, Master. My name is Lucas and you are now my Master!"

It took Cody a few minutes to comprehend what Lucas had said.

"My own Slave! Oh Mom, Dad! How I've wanted one! Oh thank you, thank you," Then remembering the boy holding his cake, "Hello Lucas!"

Lucas's training kicked in. "Hello Master. How may I serve you? He started to kneel, but Ruth pulled him back to his feet. "Please set the cake down in front of Cody." He did as she instructed and stood back ready to serve his Master.

Cody blew out the candles and cut and served the cake, including a piece for Lucas. "Careful," his mother admonished, "Lucas isn't used to so much rich food. Go easy."

Lucas added another very enjoyable food to his growing list of firsts.

Cody was excited and Lucas was excited with him. "Oh wait 'til I tell Alexander and Dakota!"

"I think," said his father, "that could wait until morning. You and Lucas need time to get acquainted. He'll have the room next to yours, so why don't you two run along. I think your mom and I can handle the dishes."

Cody grabbed Lucas by the hand and hurried his nervous new slave down to his room. He sat Lucas on the bed, pulled up a chair and the two of them sat for a long time just looking at each other.

Lucas finally broke the ice. "Master, I pledge to be your faithful and worthy slave," he said as the School had taught him.

Cody gulped, "And I will try to be a kind and thoughtful Master." He had learned those words from Alexander. He held out his hand, Lucas took it, and the deal was sealed. He sat down on the bed beside Lucas and put his arm around him. The hug set off a pleasant ache in both boys' guts. Standing Lucas up in front of him, he asked, "May I undress you?"

"Yes Master. You are my Master. You may do any thing you want to." And he began to remove his shirt.

"No, stop. I want to undress you!" Lucas stopped and Cody pulled off his shirt. He rubbed his hand gently over the Slave's smooth chest. It was so soft! Lucas's little nipples hardened instantly at his touch and the little boy trembled, his breath coming in gasps.

Cody took a deep breath and slowly pulled off the boy's shorts. Lucas was harder than he had ever been before, but not embarrassed by it. "Please turn around!" Lucas did as bidden and Cody stood up in front of him.

"Oh Lucas!" he sighed. "You're beautiful." No one had ever told Lucas that before! And what was this pleasant ache in his gut? His whole body shook and he could hardly breath. "You're so beautiful. I love you!" That was more than Lucas could take. He threw himself at Cody's feet with his arms about Cody's legs and blubbered.

"What's wrong Lucas? Please don't cry. What did I do? Why are you crying?" He pulled the sobbing boy to his feet and hugged him.

"Oh Master. No one has ever told me they loved me before. Oh Master, is it true? Am I really beautiful? Do you really love me?"

"Lucas, you are the most beautiful boy I have ever seen. And I love you with all my heart." He dried Lucas's tears on his own shirt.

"Oh Master! I love you! I will always love you! I will always be your loyal and true Slave!"

"Come", said Cody, "Undress me!" Lucas did so and now there were two very hard pricks facing each other. "Lie down on the bed beside me!" And like he had done one time with Alexander years before, he explored every inch of Lucas's body. His skin was so soft and warm! He hugged him and it felt fabulous against his own nakedness. He encouraged Lucas to return his exploring. Timidly at first, but with increasing excitement, Lucas let his hands roam over Cody. The found each other's hardness and began to lavish attention on them. Cody knew what to expect, and Lucas did, too. But, for Lucas, it was the first time he gave himself to another boy with pleasure.

Cody was what is called a 'late bloomer'. He was still largely undeveloped at age 12. Lucas was big for his age 3; most of all in his boy parts 3; so they were rather evenly endowed, even though Cody was three years older. As a result, and with each of them stimulating the other, they achieved very exciting dry orgasms almost simultaneously.

After some minutes, they regained breath. The toll of the day had exhausted Lucas and Cody sensed it. They kissed, and Cody dismissed his Slave. Lucas fell asleep in his new bed in his new room almost immediately. Cody was far too excited to go to sleep. He tiptoed to the doorway between their rooms and watched Lucas's chest rise and fall. He stood there for the longest time, with tears of joy running down his cheeks. Finally, he crawled into his own bed and slept.

Two boys had pledged their hearts to each other. Two boys were madly, head-over-heels in love!

The next morning, there were more surprises for Lucas; breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast and marmalade. Will Ruth ever run out of new foods to tempt him?

Ruth and the two boys left to do a lot of shopping 3; Lucas had nothing and needed everything. John, remained behind to get the new bedroom into shape: shelves to hang, carpet to install and different sheets and blankets on the bed. The latter had been Cody's favorites when he was younger, full of stars and planets.

Their first stop was at 'Boys Are Us' an upscale boys clothing store. Some of the 'everyday' outfits the boys chose would be marked with the 'slave mark' required by law. But, a few of the dress outfits would not be marked. Ruth vowed to find some way to remain within the law and still have Lucas look splendid. He was actually a very attractive boy and would have looked good in anything. He also needed underwear, socks and shoes.

She had explained the 'dress code' to Lucas before they left. In the house he (and often Cody, too, if he wished) would normally be naked, except for evening meal or when there were guests, when she insisted both boys dress up. When Lucas was outside, he must wear one of the marked outfits. He had no trouble with the nakedness; he had been naked his entire life. Clothes, especially underwear, would take some getting used to, however. Being naked had one other advantage; it cut down on the laundry. Ruth and John both enjoyed seeing the boys naked around the house; it deepened their love for each other.

While clothes were OK, the next two stops were high excitement. At 'Ekea' they picked out a fine study desk and chair, some lamps, a large storage carrel and several smaller pieces as well as some artwork and posters to hang on the walls. A medium sized gym mat was also included at Ruth's insistence. Cody smiled, wrestling was one of his favorites and he now had a 'willing' partner.

But the crown of the morning was 'Computerware'. Ruth picked out a powerful laptop computer just like Cody's and a print server so Lucas could share Cody's color printer. Out of his own money, Cody bought Lucas a phone/watch, to match his; they would be able to talk to each other even if they were miles apart. Ruth was pleased with that too as it provided a measure of security for both boys.

The last stop was all Lucas's, the 'Bookmaster'. He could hardly contain himself but managed to choose a few CD's (once Cody explained what they were) and a few books. He had never had any of these things before and was truly overwhelmed. The SUV was filled to capacity, almost no room for the boys.

Since they had missed lunch, on their way home they stopped for ice cream. The proprietor at first didn't want a Slave in her shop. One look at Lucas melted her like a spilled sundae on a hot sidewalk. More new food for Lucas! Ruth and Cody watched in awe as Lucas demolished a banana split and a large milkshake, hardly able to eat their own dishes. He had such a beautiful, dreamy smile on his face. They would have to do this often.

The rest of the day was spent unpacking, arranging, building and decorating. By suppertime, the computer was hooked up to the home network and the room would be the envy of any young boy. John had ordered in pizza. 'Stop, stop!' thought Lucas. 'I can't keep track of it all.'

That evening, as the two boys lay on Cody's bed, the dam broke. All the pain, all the sorrow, all the terror of his young life came gushing out, most of it incoherently. Wise well beyond his 12 years, Cody didn't try to talk and didn't panic. He just held the hysterically screaming and sobbing boy in his arms and gave him what the experts call 'body' comfort, Lucas had never had a real 'parent', never before a real friend. It was a very necessary catharsis.

The next day, a Sunday, they spent the day 'settling in', taking only a few moments for meals. Other new delicious treats from Ruth seeming inexhaustible store of new and completely unknown foods. That evening, on Lucas's bed, free of the pain of the previous night, they made delirious love, lying awake for a long time hugging each other, before Cody finally withdrew to his room and sleep.

The next day was a school day and, after Cody left with Alexander, Lucas learned what the price of his sudden wealth would be. He fully expected to have to work hard for his Master and Ma'am and Sir. Ruth explained his 'onerous' duties:

• He would be responsible for seeing that Cody was up, showered, and ready for breakfast at the proper time. This was not as simple as it might sound.
• He would keep both his and Cody's room clean and neat and do their personal laundry and bedding. There was something called a 'washer' he would learn operate and soap that was actually supposed to be used in it.
• He would help Ruth with the cooking. Now, maybe he would understand some of those mystery foods conjured up 3; in fact, he became quite a good cook, himself.
• He would help Ruth with housecleaning and other laundry. Vacuum cleaners, dust mops and many other truly marvelous tools to help. Scrub brushes he was already well acquainted with.
• He – along with Cody – would help John with yard work and home maintenance. More new tools to learn. FLOWERS to plant, grass under his bare feet!

The Slave Dealer had told Ruth that Lucas was bright. She started him on the standard government-issue slave education program at the 4th Grade level and soon decided it was a waste of Lucas's time. The law required Class 2 Slaves to be educated, but frowned on anyone not using the government program. Can't have uppity slaves get too smart for their own good, was the popular belief. Enlisting the help of a friend at the University who shared her beliefs, she had Lucas secretly tested.

Bright?

He blew to top off all the schedules. She had picked out a genius!

She and John fully intended to free Lucas when he came of age, but they would have to figure out how to handle his intellectual prowess until then. Cody agreed with their plans, so she told him about the test, but swore him to secrecy.

With help again from her University contacts, she enrolled Lucas in a home computer – based course for gifted children – very gifted children. Lucas absorbed it all like a dry sponge. She had to actually limit him to three days a week, to avoid unwanted attention. Lucas observed it all with awe, but there was absolutely no jealousy. He told Lucas about his schoolwork, particularly science. Lucas said he hoped he could be Cody's assistant when he became a famous scientist. 'Fat chance! More likely he would be Lucas's assistant!' Cody thought.

One of the important lessons for both Cody and Lucas was learning how to behave in public. Being in public with a Slave entailed certain laws and rules which Master and Slave must be sure to observe. Slaves must always wear marked attire and must always be under complete control.

In addition, free persons they encountered expected certain things – sometimes some of them very unrealistic – and they had to be considered as well. Free children, for example, could be very cruel in their treatment of a slave, especially one who was young. More than one young Master handled those kinds of situations so badly that Master and Slave were excluded from any kind of real public life simply to protect themselves.

Ruth often sent the two of them on short errands, where they had to walk. They were close enough to home that, if they ran into real trouble, she or John could go to their aid. But the idea was to allow them to work things out. While the responsibility was primarily Cody's as Master, Lucas had to understand what was expected and completely support Cody's actions.

"It is not easy, especially in the beginning," she told them. "Most of those you meet will treat you both with courtesy, so long as Lucas observes the proper Slave behavior. You must always walk a few paces behind Cody and immediately go to your knees with your head down whenever Cody stops. That's what is known as your Position of Respect. Cody, you must determine whether Lucas is allowed to speak while in his Position and when it is OK to come out of it."

"Unfortunately, some free persons regard slaves with contempt. They will try to get you to allow them to do all sorts of cruel and degrading things to Lucas. The important thing to remember is that you are in control. The law gives them the right to ask you, but they cannot force you. Police have special rights, but never ask for cruel or degrading behavior. You are the Master and no one can interfere. That's a lot to swallow, isn't it?"

Their first few forays were uneventful. Everyone they met complemented Cody on his Slave's behavior; Lucas was content to do his very best, and the experience was positive. They learned to travel so they did not attract unwanted attention, but still enjoyed the chance to be 'outside'. In the park, they could meet other young Masters and Slaves and have fun with them. They often played soccer, sometime with mixed teams, sometimes Masters vs Slaves. Almost no one paid them any attention; they were just a group of young boys having fun.

That idyll changed one morning, however, when they encountered a gang of street urchins. There were six or seven about 9 or 10 years old and a much younger one, barely beyond toddler. Cody had to stop and Lucas went to his Position.

"Hey, mister slave-master, can we have fun with your Slave?"

"Steady, Lucas! Don't do anything they ask."

The oldest boy – all of 10 years – walked up to Lucas, bold as brass, dropped his shorts and waved his little prick in Lucas's face. "Suck my dick, Slave!"

Lucas didn't move a muscle.

"What's a matter with your Slave. Why don't he do what I told him to?" he whined.

"Because I told him to ignore you. I may just decide to tell him to punch your face in!" That was an idle threat, as no Slave could ever strike a free person without serious repercussions. It had the desired effect, however.

The boy jumped back. The littlest boy tugged at him. "Please, Toby, let's go! I'm scared!"

"Stop your fuckin' crying, shit-ass!" And he gave the kid a vicious slap across the face. As the little boy collapsed into a heap crying, the rest ran off seeking an easier target.

Lucas pointed to the crying boy; Cody nodded. Lucas crawled over to the little boy and took him in his arms. He hugged him, dried his tears and tried to sooth the nasty welt the older boy had dealt him.

"Thank you, mister slave. I'm sorry my brother was so mean. He makes me suck him sometimes. I gotta go, now." And he skipped off, probably in search of another beating. Lucas returned to his Position.

Cody watched this entire scene with undisguised admiration. Lucas's behavior during the confrontation was perfect. The comfort he showed the little boy was awesome. "You are released, Lucas. Very well done!"

"Thank you, Master. Can we go play some soccer, now?"

During the summer, Cody was around all the time to supervise his Slave. So Ruth did not have to be concerned about meeting the requirement that a Slave was never left unsupervised. But when school was in session, there was a problem. Ruth usually supervised Lucas when Cody was in school, and once Cody arrived home, Lucas belonged to him. But Ruth had her teaching assignments. She could not take Lucas with her and could not leave him alone unsupervised. She really did not want to shackle him; that would be a violation of the trust among them.

Lucas was astute enough to see the problem. "Please Ma'am, I know the law says you must be here when Cody is at school. If you need to shackle me to go to your classes, I understand. We both know I would never run away, but the law doesn't."

"Bless you, child. You are such a good, understanding Slave. But it hurts me to do this to you." She had found an old metal cuff and chain that would fit and at least allow him to move around his room. But she felt just wretched the first time she put it on him. "There has got to be a better way," she thought.

Ah, the wonders of modern science! Searching the web, she found a device that fit the need. A chip to fit on his collar and could be programmed to administer a paralyzing shock if the wearer tried to leave a defined space, sort of an electronic fence. It could be integrated into their home alarm system, too. If there was an emergency like a fire that meant the house had to be vacated, it shut the device off.

Setting the device as low as possible, she got Lucas to try it out. The shock was painful, but did not harm him. She hugged him and they both agreed it was better than being trapped in his room. Both Cody and John knew how to disarm the device. The shackle and chain went into the trash.

Alexander and Dakota came over sometimes; Lucas had met them the first week. He liked Dakota a lot, but Alexander frightened him a little. He kept Dakota on a very short leash. Indeed, when they were there, he and Cody were very much more Master - Slave. He worked especially hard at being the very best, and both Cody and Alexander had nothing but praise for him.

At both boys' urging, Dakota showed Lucas all there was to know about sucking. After that, a blow-job-a-day became the norm for Cody. Lucas could see – and feel – how much Cody enjoyed them and he was thrilled he could make him so happy.

The two were very close in size and weight, although Cody was a little more sexually mature. He had a few pubic hairs now, and ejaculated for the first time during one of the daily orals. Lucas was surprised, but not turned off. Cody explained what was happening and assured him he would also cum in a few years. If Cody was happy, Lucas was happy!

They were fairly evenly matched at wrestling. The mat was a good investment. Sometimes it was strip wrestling, but that tended to be hard on clothes. Mostly, they grappled, just enjoying the erotic feel of their naked bodies, skin to skin. The loser – not always Lucas – had to jerk off the winner before he could get his own release.

Cody taught him how to play chess, and was soon hopelessly outclassed. Alexander was the school chess champ and endured just one crushing defeat before suggesting Cody buy him a computer chess game – an advanced one. Lucas soon had that licked as well. Unfortunately, Slaves could not play for Grandmaster.

But their great love was computer games and here they were evenly matched. Cody had quite a few and added to his collection as his allowance permitted. Lucas didn't receive an allowance, but was occasionally permitted to pick out books and games, too. It was Cody's responsibility to finance this out of his allowance, which he did cheerfully. As Lucas needed new clothing, that also came out of Cody's clothing allowance. John and Ruth wanted to teach him responsibility and his care of his Slave was part of that.

Cody's very favorite game was one called 'Assassin and Spy'. It was a roll playing game in which each player tried to outwit the other while facing dangerous situations. There were 15,000 variations, but at the end of a game, one of the two players was always chained in a prison cell. Cody won nine times out of ten; he seemed to have a talent for it.

It was his idea to actually restrain the looser and Lucas accepted enthusiastically – at first. From symbolic tie-ups he soon progressed to tickle-ties and other forms of light 'torture'. Then to lengthy spread eagle and hog-tie variations. He was getting more caught up in it all the time, but Lucas was powerless to do anything about it. He loved Cody dearly and accepted it without complaint. It was a small price to pay for being part of Cody's life and this family.

But tonight he had gone a bit over the line!

Despite being the last day before summer vacation, school was sheer agony for Cody. What Alexander had said about a boy loosing his slave, frightened him more than anything he could remember. He rushed home in turmoil to find his mother waiting for him.

"You are to go to your room and stay there until your father calls you! No TV, no computer, no books! Lucas is helping me. Don't even think about seeing or talking to him. Think about what it would mean if he were taken away from you."

Trying bravely to hide his tears, Cody did as ordered. He sat down on his bed and cried his eyes out. He had never been so miserable in his life. After a while, a note was slipped under the door from Lucas's room. It read, "Oh Master, I'm so sorry I got you into trouble. Can you ever forgive me? I don't want to ever leave you. I love you! Lucas." It was meant to comfort Cody, but did just the opposite. He put his head down on his arms and sobbed like a baby.

After what seemed like hours, John called his thoroughly chastened son into the living room. Lucas was there, naked as usual and in the traditional Position of Respect beside him. "Don't touch him," ordered his father.

"Your mother told me what she found this morning. She was so upset; I came home at once to comfort her. We are very sad and disappointed by it. Can you think of any reason why Lucas should remain your slave?"

Cody collapsed in a heap in front of John. "Oh please!" he begged, "don't take him away. I know I have done wrong, but I could not bear it if he were no longer mine!" He cried and sobbed like a little child.

"Please sir," said Lucas, with tears streaming down his face.

"Be quiet, Lucas," John said softly, "I'll talk to you later." Then sternly, "Get up Cody and face me! Wipe your face!" He handed him a handkerchief. Cody managed to stand and somewhat wiped his tears.

"What you did to Lucas last night was abuse. You may have considered it a game, but your mother and I do not. Lucas is a loved and cherished member of this family. As a slave owner, you may have the legal right to treat him that way, but, in this family, no person has the right to abuse another."

"Yes, father, I know! And I'm very, very sorry. May I speak to Lucas?"

His father nodded. "Lucas, I'm so very, very sorry that I mistreated and neglected you. Please forgive me!" Having been told to be quiet, Lucas could only nod tearfully. "Father, please punish me!"

John was surprised. "How do you suggest I do that?"

"I should be tied up and beaten the same as Lucas was."

His father thought for a moment. "All right, but Lucas will do the punishing. Until and unless I say otherwise, he is now my slave and you are his slave." Lucas was astonished and started to protest, but John waved him silent. "Go to your room, get undressed and put on a pair of gym shorts. Go to the toilet; make sure you pee, because you will not be able to once your punishments starts, just like Lucas could not. Wait for us there." Cody went off to do as his father ordered, knowing full well that he could loose Lucas permanently if he screwed up.

John held out his arms and enfolded the weeping Lucas, giving him permission to speak. "Oh Master, don't punish Cody because of me. I'm just a slave!"

"Lucas, you are not 'just' a slave. We love you and count the day very fortunate when you came to us. Cody will be punished for what he did to you, but it is not because of you. He needs to learn a hard lesson, and you must help him. It will be very hard for you to punish him, but it must be done. Can you do that?"

"Oh yes Master, I will do anything to stay with him!" Then, "Would you really take me away from him? What would happen to him, to me?" He began to cry again.

"No, Lucas, I would not do that. It would destroy you both. I would not do that to my son and, just as important, I would not do that to you. No matter what happens, you will always be loved and safe in this home. Come." And they went to confront a very scared and miserable boy

"Where are the keys to Lucas's slave cuffs?" Cody got them from a drawer and handed them to his father. "Where is the cane you used on Lucas?" Cody got it from his closet. "Where did you get this?"

"From a guy at school. He uses one on his slave and said it was fun."

John shook his head sadly, "Well you're going to find out how much fun it really is in a few moments. Now, then, Lucas is going to beat your ass and then tie you up for the whole night, just as you did to him." Cody turned white at that thought. "Tomorrow, you will do some hard labor as many slaves are forced to do. Depending how you behave thru all this, I may let you have Lucas back."

Cody nodded and hung his head. Lucas was terrified. "Be strong, Lucas, " John whispered to him.

"Lucas, strip him!"

Reluctantly, Lucas moved over to his Master and pulled down his shorts, leaving Cody naked. Despite his fright, Cody had a raging hard-on. "I see," his father observed, "that you are enjoying your punishment. You will not enjoy it much longer." Handing Lucas the keys. He directed, "Remove your slave cuffs and put them on Cody." Cody was soon adorned in wrist and ankle cuffs, the mark of his slave status.

"How were you positioned when Cody beat you?"

"Over the chair back, Sir."

"Cody!" Cody bent over the chair leaving his ass pointing upward. "Hold on to the legs and don't you dare let go until I say so." Then to Lucas, "You are to give him six hard cuts across his ass, the same as he gave you. I want you to swing as hard as you can. I want to see a red welt after each one."

Lip trembling, Lucas took his place. He looked at John, pleading. John shook his head. "Courage, Lucas. Do it!"

Lucas swung and there was a resounding crack as cane met flesh. Cody had been paddled as a small child when he needed it, but nothing prepared him for the pain he received. The pain was so great that, at first, his mind refused to accept it. Then, suddenly, he snapped back to reality; it was HIS ass that hurt so. He gasped. The pain served to focus his whole attention on two things: hanging on to the chair legs for dear life and that it was his ass that was on fire. A fiery red line showed on both cheeks.

The second cut brought forth another gasp and the beginning of tears. At the third, Cody heard someone screaming and suddenly realized it was he himself. By the time six red stripes were implanted, he hung over the chair, spewing snot and tears freely, screaming and sobbing hysterically.

After the last one, his mind strangely took him back to when he had inflicted the same punishment on Lucas. Lucas had jerked with each cut of the cane and he had a few tears, but never once cried out. What Cody, of course, did not know was that Lucas had endured beatings just as harsh from the time he was an infant.

Lucas, for his part, was thankful that ordeal was over, but ashamed that he was aroused by the experience of beating his Master. John commented, "It's OK, Lucas, perfectly natural. Cody, you may stand, but don't touch your behind. I want you to remember it for a while. You'll soon have other pain to deal with."

Both boys were really frightened, now, unsure of what John might do next. Handing Lucas the ball-gag and blindfold Cody had surrendered, he instructed the trembling boy, "Put these on him, and make sure they won't come off. Then lead him over to his bed and lay him down on his stomach." Lucas did so and the scene was set for part two of Cody's punishment.

John pocketed the keys to the slave cuffs. "Lucas, fasten Cody's hands behind his back, but be careful not to touch his rear. Now hook his feet together. Now use the chain to pull his hands and feet together into what's called a hog-tie, just like you were. Pull them up tight; I want his hands and feet to touch. Don't worry. He'll be very uncomfortable, just as you were, but you won't hurt him. Have a good night, Cody. You can yell into your gag all night and no one will hear you. Lucas, you are to leave him completely alone. Stay in your room. Don't try to comfort him. Don't help him!" Lucas was mortified to discover that tying up Cody gave him another erection.

John left the light on in Cody's room, steered Lucas into his room and shut the door. Whispering, he told the shaking boy, "Don't be afraid, Lucas. I know this has been hard for you, but it is important Cody learn this lesson. I want him to believe he has been abandoned, just like he did to you. But I want you to watch him. He'll groan a lot, but that's OK. If he should start to choke or have trouble breathing, take his gag out at once and call me. I'll be down later to check on him. Will you do that for me? And for Cody?"

Lucas nodded yes vigorously. He dried his tears, opened the door quietly and took up his post, guarding his former Master.

About 10:30, John returned and sent Lucas to bed. He removed Cody's gag and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"My arms and legs hurt like hell!"

"Good! Now you know what it feels like."

"Well, my ass doesn't feel too good, either."

"Now you know what that feels like, too."

"How is Lucas?"

"He's OK. I've a question for you. What would have happened if you had started to choke with the gag in and you were all alone?"

Cody turned deathly white. "I guess I would have died."

"What would have happened if Lucas had choked last night?"

The enormity hit him. "He would have died!" he began to wail.

"Precisely! Cody, you were very, very lucky. We could easily have been burying Lucas today!"

Cody wept out of control for a good five minutes. "If that had happened, I would have killed myself!"

"Yes, I think you might have and this family would have been destroyed. Just so you know, I wanted to you think you had been abandoned, but Lucas was watching over you the whole time." Cody let that sink in.

"Oh, father, I was so stupid, so uncaring!"

"You're a kid, Cody. Kid do dumb things. Lord know there are lots of adults who do dumb things. If you learn from this experience, painful as it is, that is the beginning of real wisdom. Lucas has a few things to learn, too."

Do you think he will ever forgive me?"

"He already has. That's how much he loves you."

"I don't deserve it!"

"Most of us don't. But we get loved in spite of that.

"By the way, I have no problem with the two of you playing tie-up games, provided you both want to and share the torment. Most boys your age love to do that. But one of the ironclad rules is that you never, never let a tied-up person alone, especially if he is gagged."

"Oh father, I swear I will never, ever do that again. I'm so scared at what could have happened!" And he wept some more.

Finally, composing himself, "Father, Lucas is the most important person in my life, after you and Mom. I love him so much, it frightens me some times. Promise me if something should ever happen to me, that you and Mom will adopt Lucas and make him your son."

John was surprised, but secretly pleased. "Well, I'll have to discuss that with your mother, but I think I know what her answer would be. I'll promise we would consider it. Now get some sleep, if you can. Your punishment isn't over yet. You have a very hard day ahead of you. You're going to find out how some slaves are treated and you probably won't like it one bit."

"Aren't you going to let me loose?"

"Nope! You forgot to let Lucas loose and I'm going to 'forget' to let you loose. Go to sleep!" Cody groaned 3; John knew his muscles must be cramping badly, but he wasn't about to stop his punishment. Cody would recover, hopefully with a lesson etched into his very soul.

He tiptoed into Lucas's room, watched the boy sleeping peacefully for a few moments and thought to himself, "How could anyone have been so cruel, so evil, so completely uncaring to put this lovely, courageous little boy into slavery?"

He closed the door and took up his vigil beside his hurting son.

Early the next morning, John released Cody from his bonds, but shackled his feet together with a 3-foot [90 cm] chain. His legs were so cramped he could barely stand and walk. John gave him two percosets to ease the pain, fed him a breakfast of unappetizing gruel, slathered him with sun block and led him, still naked, but with a slave tag prominently displayed, out into the garden. "Nothing like a little hard work to help those muscles," he told the boy. Lucas followed at a distance.

On their way out the door, Cody turned to Lucas and said. "Lucas, I 3;"

"Silence, slave," interrupted his father. "You do not have permission to talk! Lucas, please go in the house and help Ruth this morning." Lucas sorrowfully did as he was told.

John put Cody to work building a new retaining wall at the back of their property. The day was brutally hot and humid. He made sure Cody had enough to drink and gave him salt tablets. If he became too hot, he cooled him off with a bucket of cold water. Lucas watched from the window; he didn't understand what was going on.

Ruth saw his distress and came and put her arm about his shoulders. "Ma'am, why is he treating him so?"

"He wants Cody to know first hand how some slaves are treated. Some families treat their slaves well, like we do. Others do not. He wants Cody to know what could have happened to you if you had not come to us. Many families treat their slaves kindly, but very much more strictly than we do. That is their choice. For example, Alexander loves Dakota just as much as Cody loves you, but Dakota doesn't eat meals with the family, he is chained every night and cannot leave his room without Alex's permission. It is quite possible you might be free some day. Dakota? I don't know. I hope so; he's a fine boy, but I'm not sure he could survive as a free person. Anyway, that is Alexander's decision."

Hw wasn't sure what Ruth meant that Dakota might not survive as a free person, but that was not his immediate concern. "But Ma'am, it makes me very sad that Cody is being punished because of me! I'm just a slave!"

"Lucas," she said, hugging the trembling boy to her, "you are not 'just a slave'. You are a member of this family, loved like a second son and a little brother to Cody. What Cody did to you could have killed you and we would be in deep mourning. He needs to know what he did was very wrong. His father will teach him that today."

"Yes, Ma'am," sighed Lucas. She hugged the boy, loving the feel of his naked skin, so soft and warm, against her.

By noon, Cody was on the verge of collapse. Every muscle of his body ached. John allowed him a short break, fed him some more gruel, doused him with water and they went back to work.

By 2:00 the wall was finished and Cody had had all he could take. "How much would you like it if you had to work like that every day of your life?" he asked his exhausted son.

"I don't think I could stand it, Dad"

"You would have had no choice, because that is what some slaves must endure. Would you like Lucas to have to go through that?"

"God, No!" He began crying again, his teen bravado complete extinguished. "It would kill him!"

"Probably so! But that is the life he might have had if we had not chosen him. That could still happen if we have to sell him because you don't care for him. Think about that!"

By this time Cody was an emotional basket case. For some minutes he huddled in a heap and cried until there were no tears left. John released his shackles, hugged him for a full minute. and told him, "You were very brave today. It's a hard life and many. many slaves must endure it You did well to endure it for just one day."

"Thank you, father."

"You are Lucas's Master, legally and morally. But you are much more than that. We don't know much about his first 8 years, but it was evidently very grim."

"Yes, he told me about it, well, sort of. It was hard to understand him, he was crying so hard."

"It's good he shared that with you. It shows he trusts you completely. Otherwise, he would continue to bottle up all that hurt. I suppose I'm the father he never really had and your mother is the mother he never had and longs for so desperately. But you! You are his big brother, the first real friend he has ever had. You are his hero – every young boy needs a hero – and his lover."

Despite his exhaustion, Cody blushed all over.

"Yes, your mother and I both know that you have sex together. Do you both enjoy it?"

"Yes, very much", Cody admitted.

"Good! You should. There's not a thing wrong with enjoying what God gave you and each other. Just be a little more careful where it leads."

"I will, dad, if you let me have him back."

"I'll think about it. Go take a shower, take two more percosets and get some sleep." Cody barely made it through the shower, gulped the little blue pills, and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

John called Lucas. "Thank you, Lucas. You have been very brave and Ruth and I are very proud of you. I know it was not easy for you to help to punish Cody and watch him suffer, but it was necessary for him and for you. Stay with him and when he awakes, rub this salve on his butt and rub his legs with this lotion. Then come and get his supper tray. Would you like to wait and eat with him?"

"Oh, yes, Sir!"

"Good! He needs a friend right now. After you have both eaten, you may tell him that you are his again. But not before."

"Oh Sir, thank you, thank you, thank you!" And he threw his arms around John and hugged him, before running off to be with his Master.

Lucas sat in the chair beside Cody's bed and kept watch. It was after dark when Cody awakened. "Please lie still," said Lucas as he began to apply the salve and lotion. He really liked rubbing Cody's ass and legs, but hid his hard-on from Cody. The salve and lotion were really good and Cody's body felt much better when Lucas had finished.

"I'll be right back," said Lucas and he returned in a few moments with their supper. Lucas sat in the chair to eat, but Cody lay on his belly. The salve wasn't quite that good. They ate in silence, but Cody could tell that Lucas was bursting to say something. When they finished, it came out in a rush.

"Sir says to tell you that I am yours again!"

"Oh, Lucas, I hurt you!. I nearly killed you. Can you ever forgive me?" cried Cody.

"Master, I love you and I know that you love me. That is all that matters. I gave my life to you. I would die for you! I'm just a slave and ...."

"Lucas you are not 'just a slave'. You are my very best friend, my little brother, and the love of my life! Don't give me that 'just a slave' stuff!"

"Yes Master! Thank you, Master!"

"Lucas, if I ever again do anything to you that causes you pain or makes you uncimfortable, I want you to tell me right away. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master!"

"Why didn't you cry out when I whipped you?"

"My birth father whipped me much worse than that from the time I was little. My ass was bloody nearly all the time. All the kids in our apartment building were kept naked and all of us had bloody asses. Until I got to the slave school, I thought all kids were treated that way."

"Oh Lucas, I didn't know!"

"Ma'am and Sir don't know either. Please, Master, don't tell them!"

"I won't Lucas, if you don't want me to."

"Thank you, Master. I'm just a 3;." Cody's glare stopped him. "LUCAS!"

"I'm sorry, Master."

"And another thing! When it's just the two of us together like this, ditch the Master-Slave thing. It's Lucas and Cody!"

Lucas's eyes got big, "All right. Ma 3; Cody, if you say so, but it feels strange for me to call you by your name,"

"You'll get used to it. Just be careful when we're not alone. I want to keep these cuffs on for a while to remind me what it means to be a slave. There's a new set in my top drawer for you. Is that OK?."

Lucas was astounded. Cody wanted to be marked as a slave!

"Now, you have given your life to me and I have something to give you in return. My love! Now, lie down on my bed on your back and spread your legs. Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you."

Moving gingerly, Cody lifted Lucas's legs over his shoulders.

'Oh my gosh!' thought Lucas, 'he's not going to 3; is he?' Feeling Cody's mouth and tongue engulf his prick. he nearly passed out from the feelings coursing through his body. "Oh Cody, I'm going to cum. I'm cumming, I'm cummmmmmming!" And he exploded into Cody's mouth.

It took five minutes for Lucas to stop gasping and return to earth. "How was that?" asked Cody.

"Ohhhh, that was the most super, wonderful feeling I have even had!"

"I'm glad you liked it, because, from now on we'll share blowjobs. By the way, you squirted a little!"

"Really? I can hardly stand it! Let me do you right away."

"No, not tonight. This is your night, Lucas." But blowjobs became a treat they enjoyed nearly every night. It didn't take them long, either, to learn that sixty-nine is not just one less than seventy. "

"I'm so happy that you are mine again and I've one more gift for you. If you would like to, we can sleep together in the same bed from now on. How about it?"

"Like to? That would be just the best thing I can think of."

"Come on, then. It's late!" And the two boys snuggled down together in Cody's bed. They kissed, really kissed, for the first time, and were soon asleep. Cody's last thought was, "I guess it wasn't too bad a day after all."

John looked in on them later to be sure Cody was all right after his ordeal. He found them 'spooned' together, with Cody's arms around Lucas. "What a beautiful sight", he thought.

Chapter Two

Cody wanted to take his Slave on a camping trip. John thought it was a great way for Lucas and Cody to spend some quality time together away from them. Ruth wasn't quite so sure Cody was ready for a wilderness adventure all alone – mothers are like that – but reluctantly agreed. It was time for Cody to step out and he would have Lucas with him.

So, one beautiful Saturday morning she delivered campers and their gear to a trailhead on the Mountain Crest Trail. She tried, with mediocre success to keep her concern from showing. After all, she would see them again in 2 days, 7 hours and 35 minutes. They were well equipped with the usual supplies for 2 nights and 3 days – ample food, being the most important. They each carried a small transmitter that would immediately alert parents and authorities should anything go amiss.

Cody also carried a small, sealed pistol. The area they would be in has its share of mountain lion and bear. He and John had spent many hours practicing and he knew both how and when to use it, if it became necessary. It was carefully concealed in his pack. Empire law prohibited slaves from handling firearms. Even picking up a firearm meant automatic slavery for life. Threatening another slave or a free person with one usually meant execution. Cody had explained this all to Lucas and the young slave understood.

They hiked several miles to their intended campsite on a small lake where there was a well-constructed shelter. Dressed as they were in serviceable camping clothes, they soon were ready to shed them, as the day grew quite warm. So, after stowing their gear and eating the lunch Ruth had packed, a plunge in the lake was the important order of the day.

They stripped each other, but Lucas barely put his foot into the glacier-fed lake and balked. It was the one of the few times he ever refused to immediately do what his Master asked of him. Not to be denied, Cody grabbed him and threw his naked, struggling, squirming Slave into the icy water. Lucas's shriek could have been heard back in the city.

Once he caught his breath, Lucas had to admit it wasn't so bad and did cool him off. Cody discovered another part of Lucas's reluctance; he had never learned to swim! In fact, it was the first time he had ever been in a lake, stream, swimming pool or even a large bathtub.

Cody was determined to teach Lucas to swim. As he did with almost every opportunity presented to him, Lucas took to swimming like a fish. Before the afternoon was out, he was not only competent, but downright good at the basics.

Later in the afternoon, hunger won out and Lucas cooked their dinner, carefully following the instructions Ruth had given him. Cooking over a propane stove wasn't that different and Lucas had become a fairly gifted cook under Ruth's tutelage.

After diner and dishes, Lucas sat quietly with Cody as they watched a fiery sunset over the lake, each with his own thoughts. Cody: what a wonderful Slave he had, one who was also his best friend; Lucas: how could he have been so fortunate to have a wonderful Master like Cody. The day had been nearly perfect and they soon crawled into sleeping bags.

As is often the case in these mountains, the temperature that night plunged drastically. Snug in his new polar-tech bag Cody slept soundly until he was awakened by the noise of Lucas moving about the shelter. Lucas was using Cody's old sleeping bag and they had thought it would be adequate. When he finally struggled fully awake, Cody saw Lucas was sitting up with the bag wrapped around him, shivering violently.

"Lucas, what's the matter?"

"Oh M-M-M-Master, I'm s-s-s-so c-c-c-cold! I can't get w-w-w-warm!" he stuttered thru chattering teeth.

"Why didn't you tell me? Here, come in with me. There's lots of room and I can warm you up."

Lucas was like an ice-cube. Cody hugged him tightly, even stripping off his and his slave's tops so they could get skin-to-skin and Cody could warm him. Slowly Lucas warmed in his Master's embrace, stopped shivering and relaxed.

Cody lay there enjoying the feeling of Lucas next to him. His skin was so soft and it felt wonderful against his! He could feel his Slave's heartbeat. 'Maybe we need to sleep together often,' he thought.

Lucas lay there feeling warm, safe and full of love for his Master. This was a person who could never knowingly hurt him! This was a person for whom he would gladly give his life! Little did he dream that might someday be tested. After Lucas drifted off to sleep, Cody put his head on the boy's chest and listened. His soft breathing and the steady throb of his heart were like the finest symphony to Cody.

Cody's 14th birthday had been celebrated a few weeks before the tie-up fiasco, in the usual family style. He received a new computer and a broadband computer connection to the Internet. This meant that Lucas could also access the Internet and could download his coursework instead of receiving them on CD's.

Lucas's records did not indicate his birth date anywhere. So Ruth had decided it should be two weeks after Cody's and they had had it duly registered with the Court. So he had turned 11 just a day or two before the fateful night. They lavished books and CD's on him.

The family enjoyed lots of outings that summer: the mountains, the beach, summer theater, and concerts in the park. Lucas was always included. He most often went along as their faithful slave to serve them, or so they wanted everyone to believe, always dressed in his best looking slave clothes. There was a problem when they went swimming – the boys usually skinny-dipped – which they solved by writing 'SLAVE' on Lucas's back with washable marker.

Occasionally, when they went out to dinner, Ruth insisted he be dressed as Cody's brother – no slave markings. She loved to dress them both alike; they looked like twins. She did keep a slave tag in her handbag, in case they were questioned. Their friends knew what was going on and, although some of them did not approve, they never complained.

That summer, too, Cody's relationship to Alexander began to change. They would always be friends, but both found their interests changing, as often happens with boys of their age. Alexander had long ago concluded that his place in Cody's universe had been taken by a little (well, not so little any more) dirty blonde angel. But Alexander had Dakota and was not jealous at all. He continued to be awed by Lucas's intellect.

No one should think Lucas's life in the family was one long party. While he was loved and cherished, he had his work to do. Ruth and John were exacting in their expectations and he really did labor like many household slaves.

In the two years Lucas had been with them, there had been some times when punishment was in order. Lucas had developed an acute since of mischief – making up for being denied a childhood for his first eight years. Indeed, when the two of them got themselves into some scrape meriting a spanking, it was usually found that Lucas, not Cody was the 'ringleader'. So the usual punishment was Cody being turned over John's or Ruth's lap for a bare bottom spanking and Lucas receiving the same from Cody over his lap. The discipline was thorough, but always fair and loving.

A fairly typical example of an escapade that required punishment was what had come to be called 'The Great Mud Caper'.

A small woodlot separated the Davidson property from one of their neighbors. The ground lay well below street level and a small pond had formed from the runoff. Having been that way for many years, the pond teamed with all sorts of interesting wildlife and tended to attract curious boys. At one end the pond was clear and excellent for wading; at the other there was a perfectly lovely, gooey, muddy swap. It also attracted curious boys.

They enjoyed both wading and slopping in the inviting mud, careful to remove their shorts and shirts so they wouldn't get them mud-stained. It was well hidden, so there was little danger they would be disturbed. All the same, washable marker identified Lucas as SLAVE, so the letter of the law was filled. Recent rains had washed quite a bit of road oil into the swamp further enhancing the gooey properties of the mud.

The Caper, as was often the case, began with a dare. Was Cody brave enough (or foolish enough, depending how you looked at it) to coat himself all over and stand along the side of the street and wave to the passers-by? "I dare you to join me, you little devil!" was Cody's reply. Lucas was trapped, but was quite willing to give in.

Stripping each other completely, they rolled in the oil-enriched slime until they were liberally coated, head to foot. Then, with a delicious thrill at the naughty behavior they were about, they clamored up the bank and displayed themselves for the entire world to see. A number of cars went by, with nary a bit of attention. No one had any interest in two mud caked, naked boys. They were about to give up any hope of attention when they suddenly got more than they wished.

Ruth went by on the way home from one of her classes. She glanced at them, waved merrily, and sped homeward.

"Oh shit! We're busted!" cried Cody as the two of them slipped down the bank to the pond. "We'll hear about this!"

To their absolute horror, they soon had another catastrophe to deal with; the stuff simply would not wash off! No matter how hard they rubbed, the oily coating stuck to their hair and skin like thick, brown paint. They had no choice but to pull on shorts and shoes over their grimy bodies and sneak home as best they could.

In the meanwhile Ruth had arrived home just as John was getting out of his car. Barely controlling herself, she told John what she had seen.

The two of them laughed so hard they had to hold each other to keep standing. They did agree, however, Cody would have to be punished and punish Lucas, in return.

John met the 'mud-men' at the back door armed with strong soap, scrub brush and garden hose. Their clothing was beyond redemption, the boys only a bit less so. Trying valiantly not to laugh, he gave them both a scrubbing they would not soon forget. Four scrub and rinse cycles for each removed most of the oily mess from their skins, but they would be brunettes for some time. Scalding hot showers and more strong soap at least made them fit to be indoors again.

Dinner that evening was solemn and silent, even though Ruth had to excuse herself twice to run into the kitchen and giggle.

After Lucas did the dishes – one of his nightly chores – he joined the family in the living room where Cody awaited, fidgeting silently, waiting for the boom to fall. Lucas went immediately to his Position.

"Well, what was the purpose of your little exhibition this afternoon?" asked John gently.

"It was a dumb idea. We wanted to see if anyone would pay attention to us. They didn't." Cody replied, eyes downcast.

"We thought we might shock the neighbors a bit. Goodness knows they need it," chimed in Lucas.

Cody winced. This was going very badly! He finally regained his courage. "Lucas, shut up! Go to your room and assume your Position. I will deal with you later!"

Lucas jumped as if struck, then hurried downstairs.

"Good Cody! I hoped you would step in. Now, did it ever occur to you that someone might have been injured if they were shocked by you?"

"No, sir. I didn't think of that."

"Did you think about your mother's and my embarrassment if someone recognized you?"

"No, sir. I didn't think of that either."

"Lucas put you up to it, didn't he?"

"I'm his Master and I'm responsible for what he does 3; But, yes," he sighed.

"Let's get this part over with. Drop your shorts and underwear. Over my knee."

Cody positioned himself; his dad could spank so that it really hurt and he gritted his teeth at what was to come.

"Why are you being spanked?"

"Because I did something which could have injured someone and embarrassed you and Mom. And for letting Lucas talk me into it."

"Very good. Twenty spanks for each." And he began to methodically spank both ass cheeks.

Forty strokes later, he stood him up again. Despite his resolve not to cry, tears did flow and John held him and gently dried his son.

"We're not finished yet. There are some things we need to talk about."

Pausing to let Cody regain his composure, John went on. "There are two very different parts of your relationship with Lucas. First is the easy one. You love each other fiercely. You are his older brother, his best friend, his hero and his 'special friend'. And you return that love just as strongly. Your love for each other is a wonder, a thing of great beauty. Your Mother and I would never do anything to change that."

"Yes, Dad. If anything were to take him from me, I couldn't bear to live."

"I know, son. You are our greatest treasure and Lucas is a close second. Which brings us to the hard part."

"You are Lucas's Master and he is your Slave. You can't escape that. It is not only the law; we want you to be a real Master to him. It is important for both of you. That means there are times when you must be willing to say NO. He will accept that as long as he understands why. I think you would never be satisfied with, 'Because I said so!' You are very good explaining that kind of thing to him. You just don't always practice it when you should. We have seen you lead him magnificently, but many times he dominates you and that is not pretty to watch and not good for either of you."

Cody nodded. His dad had hit the nail.

"His mouth has a tendency to work overtime. You were horrified at his impertinence this evening, and well you should have been. You stepped in as a Master should have."

"I know. I must punish him for that. I was really angry with him, but I see it was partly my fault."

"Bravo! You've rung the bell!"

"Thank you, Dad. Thank you for the spanking! I needed that. It hurt like hell, but I know you did it in love."

"The tough part, son, is knowing when to be Master and when to be friend and sometimes both at the same time. We can't help you do that. You have to work that out together. Lucas is a very unusual boy 3; And so are you. Your mother and I have every confidence in both of you. We never said it would be easy."

Cody nodded.

"You have an unruly Slave to discipline. I expect he is feeling pretty miserable by now. Go to it 3; In love."

Cody kissed his dad, and withdrew, carrying his shorts. He found his Slave where he told him to be with a look of abject terror on his face. "Master I 3;"

"Be quiet, Lucas. I'll tell you when to speak. I'm thoroughly pissed-off at you and I don't want to punish you with anger in my heart." The silence was thick for a few minutes.

"Lucas, look at me and don't interrupt until I am finished. Do you know what you have gotten us into? Look at my ass!"

Lucas gasped. It was fiery red.

"Yours will look the same shortly. What we did this afternoon was childish. It was embarrassing to our family and also dangerous. On top of that, you were very disrespectful to me and to Dad this evening and it is not the first time. To make matters still worse, I have let you dominate me at times. Well, tonight we are going to learn who is Master and who is Slave."

Lucas was thunderstruck. Master had never talked to him this way!

"I can't bear to sit down just now, so lean over the chair and grab the legs. Now count!"

Lucas was soon crying hysterically, but managed to keep up the count. Cody was minded to give him more, but stopped at forty. His anger had all but left him, replaced by resolve. There was no way he could stay angry with Lucas. He gathered the crying boy into his arms and held him until the tears stopped.

"Oh, Master. How can you ever forgive me! I have been a brat! I have embarrassed you! And you are right; I have not been your loyal Slave. I am so ashamed, so ashamed! I don't deserve a Master like you. I don't deserve 3;"

"You will always be forgiven."

Lucas began to weep again, "I love you with all my heart and I will, will, will, will…"

"I know, Lucas, I know. My love for you will never change, either. But, we both must grow up a little."

That night, they slept in their own beds – on their bellies.

They stood for breakfast the next morning. Ruth hugged them both, as she was getting ready for her class. "Because of yesterday's little caper, you are both grounded for the rest of the week. Dad and I would like you to clean up the yard today. It needs it badly. Be sure to drink enough water and use sun block. And 3; we love you both." And she was gone.

By late afternoon, the grounds around the house would have been the pride of any landscaper. Both boys dressed in their finest casual clothes for dinner. John and Ruth praised them for the appearance of the yard.

"Lucas did most of the really hard work."

"But Master did all of the planning."

"Well, you both did a fine job."

After dinner, Lucas asked, "Master, I would like to speak to Ma'am and Sir this evening. May I do it alone?"

"No, Lucas. I will go with you."

Lucas thought for a minute, and then realized his Master was right. "OK."

While it was Lucas's duty to clean up after meals, Cody often helped him, so they could have more time together. They finished up quickly and hurried into the living room where John and Ruth sat on the davenport reading.

Taking a deep breath. Lucas asked, "Ma'am, Sir, may I speak to you about something very important? Master says it is fine with him."

"Of course, Lucas," replied Ruth.

Lucas fell on his knees in front of them, bowing his head to the floor. "Ma'am, Sir, I want to apologize for the thing we did yesterday. I get these dumb, crazy ideas sometimes and I don't think. I am very sorry to have embarrassed you."

"Lucas," said John, "you're a kid. Kids do dumb things, have crazy ideas. Lord knows, there are many adults who do dumb and crazy things. Learning to think things through is part of growing up. You'll make it, with flying colors."

Lucas was near tears at his next statement. "Oh Ma'am, oh Sir, Master says I have been disrespectful to you! I don't want to ever be disrespectful to you. If I am ever again, please punish me."

"No, Lucas, that is your Master's responsibility. But, yes, you have been disrespectful to us. Never to anyone outside the family for which you are to be praised. You have a way with words and it can get you into difficulty. You speak before you think. The old saying, 'Engage brain before starting mouth,' is a good rule."

Lucas took a deep breath. "Ma'am, Sir, did you know that Master wants me to call him by his name when just the two of us are together? Is that being disrespectful?"

"That's Cody's decision and I would never try to change it. It's your way of showing love to each other. It is definitely not disrespectful. You have never once slipped when you were with someone else, even Ruth and me."

Lucas and Cody both sat thinking about that. Cody had not realized his parents knew.

"Lucas, please get up and come to me," invited Ruth. Cody nodded and Lucas rose and stood before her.

Holding him by his shoulders, she looked deeply into his eyes. "We have always been a rather happy family and I think Cody has had a very happy childhood." Cody nodded vigorously. "But since you came to us, the happiness and joy you have brought to all of us has been spectacular. None of us can imagine this family without you. Keep on being Lucas, the boy we love and cherish."

Lucas's tears were those of joy.

After they had gone down to bed – in Cody's bed tonight – Ruth turned to her husband. "What is it about that child? When I first saw him in the slave lineup, something grabbed me; it was almost physical!"

"I've felt it, too. I can't explain it. I feel the same about him as I do about Cody! It's almost as if Lucas were our own flesh and blood, even though we know he's not."

"John, there will come a day when we must free Lucas and that will be one of the happiest days of my life. I know it's not yet. But I know just as strongly you and I and Cody will know when."

"Our own flesh and blood!" she thought. "But that's impossible, dismiss that thought!" But a tiny seed had been planted.

The home soon returned to its usual joyous state. Two adults and two lively boys, both of them still full of mischief, but more grown up.

It was when Ruth and John entertained guests at home that Lucas's star really shown. Depending on the circumstances, he sometimes served the guests naked, but that didn't bother him or Cody. He was an exceptionally good-looking boy, and more than one guest would like to have spent a night with him, but he was NOT for 'rent'. (The very idea of that would have horrified them all.)

He served their guests and the family members faultlessly. Many of the foods served, he had helped to prepare and he was proud of his culinary skills. For one afternoon garden party, he actually chose and prepared the entire menu. Cody basked in the approval given to him as his Master.

One evening as they lay together in Cody's bed, Lucas asked him a very serious question. "Cody, the first night we were together, before you even knew anything about me, you said I was beautiful. Why did you think I was beautiful?"

Cody could see this was something very important to Lucas and wanted to be sure he got it right. He also sensed that Lucas wanted very badly to share something with him.

"Lucas, when you stood naked in front of me that night, I was so excited to have my own Slave. But. I suddenly saw a very beautiful little boy; more beautiful than anyone I had ever seen – oh, I can't explain it exactly. You have such a nice body, a little snub nose that sets off those cute freckles, dirty blonde hair, just like me. You're so warm and soft! Even then, your boy parts were extraordinary!

"But, what I saw was a boy I could love with all my heart. I was so excited at that idea, I hurt all over. Does this make any sense to you? No, not very much, I guess. I can't tell you what beauty is, but you are, it."

Lucas nodded thoughtfully.

"And then, I started to run my hands over your body. When I touched your nipples, you just purred like a kitten."

"Then when you stripped me and we lay together and played with each other's bodies 3; I can remember every touch like it was just a minute ago. I was so thoroughly entranced someone could have stabbed me and I wouldn't have felt a thing. I hoped with all my heart that you would feel the same and 3; you did."

"Yeah," breathed Lucas. "I didn't even know what love was. I had that same hurt-all-over feeling. I thought I was in heaven! I kept waiting to wake up from the dream. But it wasn't a dream! It was real! You were real! I could at last have someone to care for me and make me feel better than I ever felt before. I think I stopped breathing a few times. And when we both cummed, I really almost did die. Was I being selfish?"

"No, Little One!" – for some reason, Lucas shuddered – "You pledged to be my Slave and I pledged to be your Master. That was not selfish, at all. Did you understand at all what that meant?"

"Some, but not much. But it's sure been fun learning!" he chuckled.

"I agree. These past two years have been the happiest of my whole life.

"Mine, too."

"Now, how about a good suck before we sleep?"

Neither boy needed a second invitation. Lucas reversed. Two sets of lips met two engorged pricks, two tongues worked over two glans, and two sets of balls emptied their boy cream into two waiting mouths. It was all Lucas could do to swallow and rearrange himself in Cody's arms before they fell asleep.

Shortly after the New Year, Cody begged Ruth to allow him to have his nipples pierced and ringed. "No way," said his mother. She wasn't ready for her 'little' boy to have that done, although she knew several of his schoolmates were adorned. "Well, how about Lucas?" he wheedled. "He's your Slave," replied his mother.

So, after carefully saving his allowance, he and Lucas set forth to the jeweler's on a Saturday morning in February. He hadn't told Lucas where they were going. "Lucas, did you see how cool my friend Daniel looked last summer with rings in his nipples?"

"Yes Master, he looked very nice."

"If I wanted to get some for you, would you be OK with that?"

Lucas thought for a minute. "I guess that would be OK," he replied, not at all sure. He knew Cody could just order him to accept, but he was sure he wouldn't do that. "Does the piercing hurt much?"

"Some," he lied, "but it's over in a second or two."

By this time they were outside the shop and Lucas knew he would do it, if for no other reason, than to please Cody. He didn't know about Ruth's refusal to allow Cody to have his done.

They entered the shop. At first the proprietor did not want to serve them. But when Cody said it was for his Slave, the man was all smiles and helpfulness. After all, the boy was just a Slave, even if he was a bit young.

Lucas soon found himself strapped to a padded table. The jeweler rubbed his nipples to make them hard and then injected them with something to make them grow. The thrust of the piercing needle really did hurt, but Lucas didn't even blink. He would show his Master how strong he was. The other part of his anatomy that had got hard when his nipples were stimulated quickly deflated when the first needle pierced him.

The jeweler applied a solution to disinfect the small holes and left him to recover. The preparation also quelled the pain and changed the skin composition so the holes would never grow shut.

Cody chose a set of fine gold rings that could easily be inserted and removed. Lucas would probably not want to wear them all the time. 'Nice of him,' though Lucas. But when he saw his new rings in the mirror, he really did look awesome.

In a week or so, he would enjoy having his nipples pulled when they lay together at night. Ruth had to admit, Lucas looked very exotic when he wore them and almost was sorry she had refused Cody.

While Cody had been waiting for Lucas to recover in the shop, he found something else that intrigued him: a set of rubber and leather cock-rings. They had a small ring that fastened around the base of the penis and testicles and another smaller ring that fastened around the penis above the testicles, joined by a short chain. They were adjustable to fit any size and had a small black box that served to unlock them and also stimulated the penis with a mild electrical current. Since Lucas was already undressed, he had him try one on. Lucas loved the feeling immediately.

So, he purchased a set for each of them. They were kept carefully hidden at home. In a real test of trust, each boy kept the other's control box. The soon found them an occasional, very stimulating adjunct to their nightly sex play. The device would stimulate them to near orgasm and refuse to let them achieve it. After an hour or so in its thrall, they had gigantic orgasms that left them completely exhausted. Fortunately, neither of them had any kind of heart condition, or there might have been two very happy, but very dead corpses to greet Ruth the next morning. They kept them well hidden, but they were decidedly dangerous. Such are the ways of young boys.

One day, Cody had the bright idea to wear his to school. Lucas tried to talk him out of it, but he was adamant. Under an especially baggy pair of pants, it would go unnoticed 3; he thought. He took the control box along, completely forgetting he had Lucas's box and Lucas had his.

About noon, Lucas received a panic phone call. "Help me! I can't stand it! Get this thing off me!" Unfortunately, the school was just far enough away to render the box useless, despite how much Lucas tried. Ruth wasn't home when Cody staggered in the door. Lucas soon had him unlocked and relieved; he had been stimulated continuously for more than seven hours!

Ruth, just before supper, asked Cody, "Anything interesting happen in school today?" He turned beet red, ran back down to his room and hid. Lucas meanwhile was having giggling fits. Ruth had no clue what was going on and decided she didn't want to know. "What do you suppose that was all about?" she wondered. "Oh well, if it was important Cody will tell me in his own time. If it wasn't important, I don't need to know."

Cody never wore his away from Lucas again. It was many years before the existence of the cock-rings was shared with either parent.

His 15th Birthday in May was a major turning point in Cody's life. He had owned Lucas for three years and both were now quite content with their Master-Slave relationship. Lucas continued to adore his Master and Cody showered his Slave with love also.

It also marked the acquisition of Cody's first 'wheels': a shiny red motor scooter. It came complete with a rear seat that would accommodate a passenger and a helmet that would have made most experienced motor-cross professional envious. The two of them could now explore a much wider area without Ruth or John having to provide transport.

Within a few days, Cody was checked out, licensed and ready to venture forth. The only limitations were that he must observe an 11:00 PM curfew and he wasn't allowed to carry free person passengers. Slaves were OK so long as they were secured using the attachment that came with the scooter.

While this no-too-subtle insult to Lucas made Cody angry, both agreed it was a small price to pay. In practice, Cody rarely secured Lucas; they had soon discovered how to make it look like he was secured. Ruth and John agreed completely, recognizing how dangerous securing him might be if they were involved in an accident. A fine they could all endure; a badly injured or even dead Slave they could not endure.

At his own birthday two weeks later, Lucas received his own futuristic helmet. They were ready to roll, with some parental restrictions, of course. None were onerous; Ruth and John had long ago learned they could trust Cody's judgment in most things and the use of the cycle would prove to be more of the same.

Cody had decided this was the summer he wanted to give his parents a special gift – an authentic Hawaiian Luau. He had studied their culture in school and, although disappointed to learn they did not sacrifice virgins – even boy virgins – he was fascinated by what he learned. His slave was excited by this idea also, so the two boys worked together most of the spring and early summer to get ready.

The day before the big event, Lucas dug the fire pit, lined it with rocks and started the fire, which would cook the whole pig that Cody had spent his entire allowance for. Early the next morning, they filled the pit and left everything to roast, anxiously hoping they had got it right. They need not have worried.

After decorating the yard with lanterns and setting up the other luau trappings, they went to dress (or undress, to be more accurate). They dyed their blonde hair dark and applied body makeup to most of each others bodies – rubbing it in excited them so much they had to relieve each other before continuing .., and oiled their bodies until they shown like polished bronze. In their tapis and feathered headdresses they were the very model of a young Hawaiian noble and his slave.

All the neighbors had been invited, including Alexander and Dakota. "You two look absolutely great," goggled Alexander. "Good enough to eat! Dakota is still grounded, so he couldn't come."

Although neither Cody nor Lucas would admit it, they secretly enjoyed showing off their almost naked, developing bodies to anyone who wished to look and admire them. And Alexander was quite right; they did look great, even very erotic. Indeed, if the proper words had been spoken, they might have been ravished on the spot.

The meal was superb, Ruth and John were resplendent in their Hawaiian finery and the party was a huge success.

Ruth and John were thrilled with their 'present' and hugged and thanked both Cody and Lucas for their effort. The neighbors were impressed as well. As a final 'act' the two boys entertained with traditional Hawaiian music. Lucas's voice had not yet changed and his high boy soprano blended perfectly with Cody's mellow baritone as they sang the songs they had practiced for months. Their performance drew a thunderous applause from all the guests. Two proud parents stood with tears in their eyes at the end of this perfect day.

Later that night, our two young bucks, discovered their body makeup would not wash off. "Well, think how great I'll look on the beach," boasted Cody. "Yeah, with your little white ass shining like a beacon," replied his slave. Cody whirled around to face him, trying to be insulted by his impertinence. Then he dissolved into a fit of laughter, joined a second later by Lucas. "Well so will you." Cody giggled. "Your little prick will look like a little white worm!"

The boys were sorry that Dakota could not have come to the Luau. They knew he was grounded, so they asked Alexander if they could stop by to show off Cody's cycle. Alexander, rather reluctantly it seemed, gave permission. Dakota seemed distant and both Cody and Lucas noticed that he was wearing a cage around his cock and balls. They didn't stay long; Alexander seemed pre-occupied as well.

On the way home, Lucas asked, "Master, what was that cage thing covering Dakota's boy parts?"

"We'll discuss it later." Cody knew this would inevitably lead to a discussion of the difference in Alexander's treatment of Dakota. It was much more strict than Lucas received, even a little cruel, and he didn't want Lucas to think Alexander was some sort of monster.

That evening, "That thing on Dakota's boy parts is called a chastity device."

Lucas puzzled, "What's it for?"

"It keeps Dakota from getting a hard-on."

"What? Why would Alexander want to keep Dakota from getting hard?" Naked as usual, he was starting to get hard.

"It's his way of controlling Dakota. He's at an age where he gets hard often, just like you do."

Fearfully, "Are you going to put one of those on me?"

"No, never! I like to see you hard and I know you wouldn't like it at all. You'd go bonkers in one of those things. I would never do that to you."

"You tell me that Alexander loves Dakota. Then why would he do such a thing to him? I could tell Dakota was very uncomfortable this afternoon."

The fat was in the fire.

"Lucas, Alexander does love Dakota, but it's a different kind of love than we have. It's also connected to his family's view of slave-holding."

"I don't understand, Master." Lucas's use of his title while they were alone told Cody he needed to be very careful.

"Alexander and his family believer their purpose in slave-holding is to make Dakota into a perfect slave, one that will be a slave all his life. You know they treat him well, but much more strictly than we do you. That means controlling every – and I mean EVERY – every thought and action."

"Even his sexual feelings. He's not allowed to have any unless Alexander gives him permission. He's a lot better off than some slaves. Their Masters have them castrated when they're about Dakota's age."

Lucas was horrified!

Cody continued, "Are you happy here, with me, with our family?"

"Oh yes, yes, yes! How could you think otherwise?"

"I don't."

"But believe it or not, Dakota is quite happy where he is. I don't know much about his background, but he probably came from a family where security and control were most important to him. He gets plenty of that from Alexander. And he loves it!"

"He doesn't even know how to use a telephone. But he doesn't need to. He couldn't drive Alexander's cycle if his life depended on it. If he had to prepare his own food, he would starve. He will never be free again; he wouldn't survive.

"That's terrible! I feel so sad for him!"

"Don't be sad. He is as happy as he will ever be. Admire him for his courage! As much as Alexander will let you, be a friend! Be kind to him, but don't pity him. He adores Alexander and needs him as a strict Master. Alexander loves him very much and needs Dakota as his obedient slave."

"It's true that Alexander and his parents think differently than we do, but that doesn't make them bad or cruel. It's their decision. They are not mistreating or neglecting him."

"Mom and Dad believe their job as a slaveholders is to love you and to raise you to be the finest person you could be. Slave or free, they will always love you and work toward that."

"That's deep!" Lucas was silent for a while trying to work thru what Cody had said. "Master, you said 3;"

"It's me, Cody, remember?"

"Yes Cody, sorry! You said our love was different?" Now it got really tough, but Cody could see no other course than to be completely honest with Lucas.

"Lucas, we're both Gay. Do you know what that means?"

"Yeah, it means that I like boys and you like boys."

"Not just like, love! And I love one boy in particular 3; YOU."

"And I love just one boy, too. Guess who. So we're different, but OK?"

"Very OK. I can tell by the way you shudder when I lick or nibble one of your nipples. All I have to do is put my tongue on the tip of your prick and you go crazy. And I do the same when you do those things to me. And the way we like to cuddle together? Oh, Lucas, please strip and do me before I burst."

"Yeah, I'm so hot I could boil water!"

In a matter of seconds Cody's clothes were in a heap on the floor and they were hugging, kissing and playing with each other. They quickly got into sixty-nine position with Lucas on top for a change. Their simultaneous orgasms produced huge quantities of cum and it took a very long time for them to come back to the living. In fact, they fell asleep without changing positions or turning off the lights,

Luckily, John did not check on them that night. But, he would not have been surprised, and not upset. He had suspected for some years that Cody was strictly male oriented and it did not trouble him. Ruth might have a bit of a problem, but he loved her dearly and would help her thru,

Twice more that night, lust conquered the need to sleep. But, the next morning, both boys were invigorated.

They rode the cycle to the beach every chance they had. They soon discovered a small cove off the coast road, with a sandy beach about 50 yards wide, bounded by high cliffs and open to the sea, but perfectly safe. No one ever intruded; to get to it they had to secure the cycle on the cliff top and climb down a hidden trail.

It was always an afternoon of sun, sand, swimming and sex and they named the cove 'Our Place'. They not only had fun, but it also was a place where they could share their dreams for the future and pour out their hearts to each other. Much of the time, they simply held each other and watched the surf. When they were grown up, they would always remember this summer and this place.

To the casual observer (if there had been one) they were simply two young teens having a good time, sexual and otherwise. Master and slave? No way! Brothers, perhaps! Maybe even twins with the bond that twins often share! Most likely just best friends.

By the end of August, their 'tan lines' had all but disappeared and their left over body makeup had faded. Two golden young Adonises.

That summer, too, Cody took judo lessons. John had insisted he be able to defend himself and his Slave if it became necessary. The discipline was good for him also. They found a well qualified instructor and Cody progressed rapidly, soon achieving a Black Belt. The law forbad teaching judo to a Slave, but a Slave was expected to defend his Master if he were attacked.

One evening, John asked him, "How are your lessons going."

"Fine, Dad. I'm going for Brown Belt next week and Sensei says I should be able to qualify for Black Belt before school starts."

"And I'm almost as good a he is," chirped another voice. "Oooops!"

"Cody! You know you are not allowed to teach judo to Lucas!" exclaimed his mother.

"Well, Sensei said to practice at home," explained Cody. "I can't very well practice with an inert body."

"You two are the limit!" replied Ruth. John tried hard to hide his smirk. "Just be very careful, Lucas. Don't give the secret away."

"Yes Sir and Ma'am. I understand." The very last thing he wanted was to get Cody in trouble with the Law.

The boys continued to enjoy tie-up games from time to time. The emphasis was on creativity, with the Internet often providing inspiration. Some of their most unusual contortions would have qualified them for Cirque de Soleil'.

Some involved tickling. One night, Cody bet Lucas he could tickle him until he peed himself. "No way!" challenged Lucas and the contest was on. Even without Lucas being tied up, Cody found every sensitive spot on his Slave's body and played them like an orchestra.

Lucas lost, big time! Cody had insisted they play on Lucas's bed 3; smart boy! With Lucas in charge of laundry, they fortunately could hide their pratfall from Ruth. But, they decided not to have a return match.

One evening as they were getting ready for bed, Cody was surfing the net while waiting for Lucas to join him. "Hey, Lucas, you should see this!"

Lucas appeared, toothbrush still in hand, in time to see a boy about his age tying his ankles to a strait-back chair's legs. "This Master claims he can order his Slave to tie himself up, get hard only when he tells him to, and cum without touching himself when he tells him to."

"Yeah, sure!"

"Let's see what happens."

The boy on the screen finished fastening his legs and then sat up and reached around the back of the chair with both hands until there was a click and his hands were secured behind him. "Must have a set of cuffs like my old ones."

"Well, Slave," said an out of sight voice. Are you ready to show our audience how well you are trained?" The boy nodded. "OK, get hard!" As Cody and Lucas watched spellbound, the Slave's prick began to rise and swell until it stood up straight. "Very good.!" The Slave sat there with his prick throbbing. "Now, cum for our viewers."

The Slave began to strain at his bonds and screw up his face. Suddenly, he erupted, and pumped a good-sized load onto his stomach and chest, then sagged in his bonds covered with sweat.

Cody hit the PAUSE button. He and Lucas looked at each other. "You don't suppose Alexander is trying to train Dakota that way, do you?"

"It might be something like that, Lucas. But I don't think he would go that far. And Alexander would never make Dakota perform for someone's entertainment, I'm sure. Wait, I think there's more."

He hit the PLAY button. The scene changed. The Slave was now standing on a table with his feet spread by a wide separator bar. He reached forward with one hand and placed it in a small noose hanging from the ceiling. Then, straining to place his other hand in the other noose, he swung forward off the table and was left hanging by his arms in sort of an 'X' pattern. The table was hauled out of the way. He was more than a foot [30 cm] off the floor. The instructions were repeated again with much the same result. He bucked and swung and produced another healthy load of sperm.

The final scene had the Slave sitting on a raised bar, fastening his ankles to some rings on the bar about two feet [60 cm] wide. Having accomplished this, he slowly swung down so he was hanging upside down. The cuffs again fastened his wrists behind his back. Amazingly, he was still soft as he had been at the start of the other scenes. Upon command, he hardened again. The third cum was ordered and he did not disappoint. He pumped all over his front, including several shots straight into his open mouth. The site closed and left our two boys breathless.

"They must have a buzzer in his ass. He couldn't have cum without some stimulation," opined Cody.

"Oh, I don't know. I think I could do the chair one," rejoined Lucas.

"Thirty smacks on the bare ass say you can't."

"You're on, Master. Boy will I enjoy giving it to you,"

They pulled up a chair and Cody watched with mounting interest while Lucas fastened himself just like the Slave on the PC had done. The only difference was that he was already very hard. At Cody's command, he struggled pumping his lower body up and down as far as his bonds would allow. Despite the strain on his face, he couldn't quite go over the top. "Oh shit! I'm almost there. But I keep loosing it!"

"Want me to help you?"

"No, please don't touch me!"

"Well, how about this," and Lucas stood in front of Lucas and began to stroke his member. That was all the inspiration Lucas needed.

Cody released him and grinned evilly. "Ready for your punishment?"

"What do you mean? I cummed without touching myself."

"Yeah, but I had to help you." Lucas could see he wasn't going to win this one, so he tried for compromise.

"OK, how about 15 smack for each of us?"

"All right I'll go first." Positioning himself over Lucas's knees, he took his quota without crying and only a few tears. Then it was his turn to blister Lucas's behind. Over the months he had learned how to spank his Slave so that it really hurt – both physically and his pride when he could not help crying.

"Tears started to flow at about 5, crying started at 10 and howls greeted the 15th. As soon as he finished, he took his Slave into his arms and gently kissed him and licked the salty tears from the boy's chest and cheeks. "Next time you'd better be careful what you bet on."

"Yes, Master." There was one behind a little pink and the other bright red.

"C'mon! It's time we were in bed." As they spooned together, Cody felt his bed partner's ass, "Wow! Your ass is really hot."

"Well what did you expect? You beat me half to death!"

"You're a cheeky little bastard, tonight."

"Yeah! In more ways than one. Seriously, you'd better put some stuff on me or Ma'am will wonder why I can't sit right at breakfast. I'll get it"

He left and returned with a jar of salve: Ruth's All Purpose Ass Soother as they called it. Actually they referred to it as RAPAS (pronounced, 'rape us') cream.

"Get on top of me upside down so I can reach your butt," directed Cody. He proceeded to apply the salve over Lucas's hot buns, rubbing it in well, loving every second. His finger strayed down to Lucas's little rosebud.

"Hey, you didn't spank me there!" Lucas protested, but not very much.

"Just being thorough."

"You just like to play with my ass!"

"There is that! You have such a sexy little bubble-butt! And you know you love it."

By this time the cream had worked its wonders and all was well behind. As he turned around to get in his usual sleeping position Lucas had one more quip. "Well, if it's all the same to you, could you do it without the spanking next time?"

They both giggled themselves to sleep.

The cycle was a godsend for Ruth. No longer did she have to transport the boys to beach and other favorite venues. It also gave Cody a great deal more freedom: freedom that he usually used wisely. But Ruth did have some concerns. She insisted he carry his communicator and that Lucas be properly dressed without fail whenever they set off for an adventure.

Early one fall Saturday, they rode the cycle to the trailhead on the Mountain Crest Trail where they had gone to camp almost two years ago. They secured the cycle and hiked in to the lake, where Lucas had had his 'baptism'. It was too late in the season to swim, but they enjoyed the crisp fall day just exploring the shoreline. Not another soul disturbed them.

About half way around the lake was another trail connection. One branch led over the mountains to the east; the other led back to the city. They stopped to rest here and were suddenly interrupted as a cycle with two figures – one a boy about Cody's age and the other an older man – skidded to a halt in front to them. They had 'run-away slaves' written all over them.

"Well, what have we here? Nature boy and his faithful Slave!" Cody began to reach for the transmitter, but the man suddenly brandished a pistol. "I'll take that. Hm' Quite nice. I'll bet that if I push this little button, cops will come out of the woodwork. And, if I smash it, the same thing will happen, right? So, I think I'll put this where it won't cause us any trouble." And he threw it far out into the lake, where it bobbed harmlessly in the water, continuing to send out its 'all-is-well' signal.

Cody studied the boy. He was obviously very sick. From his Position, Lucas saw the same signs.

"Come on Jake, we need to get out of here!"

"Don't fuss so Danny. I want to have a little fun before we toddle off." To Lucas, he said, "Why don't you come with us. Now's your chance to be free." And he aimed the pistol at Cody's forehead.

"You may speak, Lucas."

"I would never leave my Master. Why do you think I would? I love him and he loves me and treats me like a brother."

"Oh God! A couple of 3;"

"Jake, come on, before I pass out!"

"Oh shut up, Danny. They may have something we can use." To Lucas, "So your kind Master loves you, does he. Danny, show the Slave how your kind master loved you."

Danny swayed a bit, then pulled up his shirt and turned around. A red inflamed burn ran from his shoulder to his waist. "That's what a blow torch will do to your skin. Show him the rest."

"Must I?" "Yes! I want them to know why I'm going to kill them."

Danny slowly, in great pain, dropped his shorts. His balls were a mass of charred and blistered flesh. They had been burned off! What was left was green with gangrene.

Both Cody and Lucas lost their lunches. Jake opened his shirt; where his nipples should have been, there were two bloody slits instead. The boys heaved again.

"Here, Danny. Keep this trained on smart-shit there." To Cody, "Tell your slave to do what I tell him to and maybe I'll kill you both quickly rather than slowly."

"Do what he says, Lucas"

"Good! Strip him!" Lucas hesitated, then slowly undressed his Master. In a few minutes, Cody stood naked, shivering in the fall air. Jake took a rope from the cycle bag. "Put your hands in front of you." He tied Cody's hands together, so tightly that Cody winced. Then he threw the other end of the rope over a tree limb, hauled the boy about a foot [30 cm] off the ground, tied the rope off and left him hanging there. As he stood back and admired his naked, dangling captive, he whipped Cody on his back with a tree branch, bloodying it.

Lucas made his move. He jumped Danny and wrestled the pistol away from him. Yes, he had crossed the line, a major firearms violation, but he could care less. He just wanted to rescue Cody before this madman really hurt him.

Bad move! Jake grabbed the gun away from him again and punched him in the gut. Lucas collapsed in a gasping heap.

"You're right, Danny. We need to get out of here. You, 'Lukie'" he kicked him, "get your clothes off! All of them!"

Lucas undressed and Jake stuffed both their clothes into his cycle bag. Taking a pair of steel handcuffs, he backed Lucas up to a tree and shackled his hands around it, throwing the key into the dust between the two prisoners.

"I'd like to stay and watch you tear your hands off trying the reach the key, but we really must be going. Just think what the bears and cougars will do when they find all this nicely trapped fresh meat."

Cody was desperate. "Please let my slave go. I promise we won't tell! Kill me if you must, but don't hurt him!"

"Jake, please don't hurt them! If you do, we're no better than the old man was."

Jake sighed. "I don't know why I listen to you, Danny. All right, I'll give them a chance. But, if we're caught, we'll tell everyone you helped us escape. You know what that means."

"Yes! Please! We promise."

Danny moved a log close to Cody. He whispered to him, "I won't let him kill you. I won't! I hope you get loose before the critters get you."

Cody whispered back, "I hope you will find peace." Even if the police did not catch them, he had felt how Danny was burning in pain and fever. He could see that Danny had only a few days before the infection-spawned fever killed him. The cycle roared off over the mountain.

By swinging himself a bit, Cody managed to reach the log and stand on it. That took some of the pressure off his arms and he could concentrate on freeing himself.

Jake had done an exceptional job, and it was almost two hours until he at last slipped his hands free and dropped to the ground. He found the key where Jake had dropped it and had Lucas free in a few seconds. They stood holding each other for a few minutes trying to calm each other from this frightening experience.

They were completely naked and it was starting to get dark, now and cold, too as they stumbled back to their cycle. At least the runaways had not seen it. Holding Lucas in front of him to keep him at least a little warm, they drove home as quickly as they could.

It was fully dark, when the finally reached home. Both John and Ruth rushed outside as they pulled into the driveway.

"Cody, Lucas! Where have you been! Where are your clothes? We were frantic! What happened to you?"

"Mom, Dad, we've got big problems. Lucas handled a gun trying to save me from two runaways!" Further explanations waited until Cody had his back treated and they all had eaten a hasty supper. No one was very hungry.

Cody gave his parents a full account of what had happened, while Lucas sat in the corner in misery. He knew his touching the gun was going to be trouble. What he didn't know was that Cody's promise was much, much bigger trouble.

John made a telephone call to a friend on the police force. "I think he can guess why I'm interested, but I've been friends with Rupert Gann since we were boys. I think he'll cut us some slack."

"I want you boys to shower and go to bed. Both of you take three of the blue pills in my medicine cabinet." The boys went down to their rooms.

John and Ruth sat in the darkened living room and just held each other. After a long time, Ruth asked, "How bad is it, John."

"If those two are caught and tell the police that Cody and Lucas helped them escape, Rupert won't be able 3;" He couldn't go on. Both of them failed to see two naked boys crouched in the shadows next to the stairs.

John began to cry softly: Cody had never seen his dad cry before. "They'll be subject to the Escaped Slave Act. Lucas will surely be hanged and probably Cody, too," he sobbed. That was more than the 'shadows' could take and they burst into tears, ran to Ruth and John and buried themselves. The whole family cried themselves out.

"Sir, I'll tell them I was the one and Master had nothing to do with it!"

"No Lucas, Cody is responsible for your actions," sobbed Ruth.

"If Lucas is hanged, I will go with him!" Cody didn't feel very brave, but he WAS Lucas's Master and he would never desert him.

Ruth, "Oh, John, what can we do?"

"I will go to the Prime-minister and beg for their lives. I will go to the Queen and beg. I will give my life for Cody and Lucas." To the boys, "I will not let either of you hang for a simple act of mercy!"

At that moment, the phone rang. John took the call. "That was Rupert. The report is they have them trapped on the coast road. There's no way they can escape. The cliffs are 500 feet [150 m] high."

Silence ruled again.

"How will we know, Dad, if they accused us?"

"The police will simply come and get both of you. We'll not be allowed to see you again until your trial."

They sat in silence, once more. Two hours ticked slowly by, the only sound the hall clock.

The doorbell rang. All of them jumped at the sound. Ruth managed to stagger to the door. The rest were paralyzed by terror.

A policeman in black body armor stood in the doorway. "Are you Mrs. Davidson?" Ruth nodded, numbly. "Do you have a son named Cody and a Slave named Lucas?" John sprang to his feet in time to catch Ruth as she collapsed!

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