The White Druid

THE WHITE DRUID

================

Part 4

-------- CHAPTER 17 ------------------

At that moment, the boy's father, a druid, and Marco entered the room. Vercingetorix had watched Kist talking to his son; he sighed and recognized how unfair they had been with the Briton boy. Marco then told the father and to his colleague:

Please, leave us alone with your son; you can listen to him from the other room while I question him." The father understood but the druid was not very pleased. As soon as they left, Marco placed his right hand on the boy's forehead and immediately noticed what he was looking for.

"That's the place where I feel the pain." The boy said. Marco did not retrieve his hand and the ache vanished."

"How do you feel now, Worten?

"It is gone!" I feel nothing!" Marco explored the naked body trying to find more signals of the sickness but found nothing. He knew for certain what the boy had and where the problem was.

"We have finished little man; now you can dress and play with Kist. If you feel again any pain you must take the medicine provided by your druid. Tomorrow afternoon we'll return. The boy's father entered again and Marco stared at him. He understood what the White Druid wanted.

"Son, you can do whatever you like best; Kist will remain with you if he wants to."

"I do, sir." Kist immediately said. Do you have any nice written story to read?" This shocked the man but said nothing. He went to a large wardrobe and extracted a large scroll.

"This is about the Punic Wars many years ago. Do you like this, son?"

"Yes, father. Kist will read it for me." The strong man forced a smile and left the room accompanied by Marco. They walked along the corridors until entered a large and well-cared garden. In the centre, there was a marble bench and both men sat down. The great warrior then asked:

"Well, what do you think about my boy?" Marco ordered his thoughts to answer the intelligent father.

"I wouldn't be fair if I said different from what Yankton told you; he was right. The boy has a tumour into his brain and up to now there is no solution for it." The man sighed as Marco continued. "When I went to Egypt, some physicians tried to remove a similar tumour by performing trepanation, but the boy died in a few minutes. They had never succeeded in it." He paused and Vercingetorix asked.

"Do you mean he has to continue with the aches until he passes away? I can't bear watching him suffering, I prefer..." He did not end the sentence as Marco stopped him.

"He doesn't need to suffer. Thanks to the Great Mother who gifted me, I think I can help him, but I can't do miracles. I can heal his pains but I can't stop his life ends, though I don't know when; most likely you won't have grandchildren. I wonder how long he will live, but the aches will disappear forever. While the Great Mother keeps him alive he will be a normal boy." Vercingetorix rose from the seat and hugged Marco. Marco knew the great warrior was almost close to breaking.

"Marco if you do that, I will never thank you enough for this great favour. After all, we have to die sometime, but he's too young to bear those terrible pains. Please proceed as you think it is necessary and as soon as possible."

"During the morning, Kist and I must go to the forest to pray for the Great Mother and take some sunshine to fill our spirits with energy. I'll carry out the operation tomorrow afternoon." Marco guessed the man's thoughts, and added: "You don't need to provide us with an escort." Vercingetorix was amazed by how the druid guessed his thoughts. They returned to the boys' room, the children did not notice their presence as they were engrossed in the story that Kist was reading.

"If I can remember, Kist didn't know to read or write." Marco grinned.

"He's very intelligent, and with a little help, he has learnt quickly. My boys helped him." As soon as the young boy saw his father he went to him and jumped on his chest; the strong man rubbed his son's back as he said with soothing words:

"The White Druid has told me he will relieve you from your headaches, though he ignores if they will return or not; that's the Great Mother's business and he's only a man." The boy kissed his father's cheek as he whispered into his ears.

"For the first time after the pains started, I fee really well and happy today, dad. Kist is doing what I always wanted to do; you must promise me something, dad.

"What is it, my son?"

"Once I am cured, you must give Kist his full freedom, he had not said anything to me but I know he wants it, and when he grows will return to Britannia to find out about his family. He's very reluctant to speak about it, but I know he wanted this before he accompanied Yankton to meet the White Druid."

"It is granted. He deserves it, only for these moments..." The boy interrupted his father.

"Do you know that, besides a great warrior, you are the best father in the world?" The man hugged tightly his only real son. The clever boy disentangled from his father's arms as Marco was talking with Kist about the next morning's walk. That was heard by Worten as Marco added:

"If you like and your father has not any objection, you also can come with us. A morning in the countryside will make you better than being here alone." The boy stared at his father that wasn't ready to accept it unless an escort was provided for safety; but the White Druid then advised: "I'll lose my life before anything can happen to the boys."

"Alright, White Druid. I take your word." Then Kist asked to his master and to the young boy's father.

"May I stay with Worten tonight? There is more than enough space in this bed for both." The men grinned and left the room. As soon as the adults were gone they returned to the reading. They ended the story almost near dinner time. After the supper, the boys returned to their room, they were excited. Then Kist asked his friend.

"Since I slept with the Eduo boys I always do it naked, do you mind...?" The younger boy grinned cunningly, went to the door and locked it; soon he was naked and went under the covers as Kist did the same. They were facing each other, the faces only centimetres separated. The younger boy touched Kist's silky hair and face.

"Kist, I always wanted to do this, even in my nightmares I saw you as you came to release my pain, but I was very sad when it started again and you were not near me." Kist approached and kissed the little boy on his forehead.

"You were all the time in my thoughts, my little brother, and I would do anything to please you, even my life if with it I could cure you. But my master is a great man, greater than he seems to be and you or your father can imagine; I cannot release a single word about what I have watched him doing, but trust us."

"I'll do whenever you are near me, Kist." He then grinned and changed the subject.

"Why are you grinning, little rascal?"

"Do you remember what we did together in the forests before my aches started? I have thought many times and my little brother immediately starts getting hard, like now." The boy raised the covers and there he had a fresh little penis harder than a rock, the head poking thru the foreskin. Kist touched it with care as the little boy sighed.

"In the Eduos' land you don't need to lock the door or to hide; you can do whatever you like whenever you don't attempt their freedom. Girls and boys can do anything to enjoy their mutual lives. Marco, my master, has three boys under his custody, so I joined them and we had had the most wonderful night you can imagine; I thought I was in heaven." Kist's words even excited more the younger boy.

"Please Kist, do it to me what you did with your Eduos friends."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am. I promise not to tell anybody, this will be our secret, our bond as two brothers. I have dreamed many times with you being my big brother and doing things together." Kist smirked in complicity; he had learnt a lot with the twins and now was ready to send this little boy to the moon's orbit.

He dragged the covers to the bottom of the bed, and in front of him appeared the lovely boy little stick in all its glory. The older boy did not hesitate, and in seconds he took the little boy's whole package into his mouth; Worten moaned in pleasure showing a great smile on his face. Kist sucked slowly and eagerly the hard penis; after some time the younger boy closed the eyes, placing his hands on his friend's head, now he was concentrated in his lust. Soon he started breathing hard as involuntarily gasped. Kist lapped the dickhead with the tip of his tongue as he started jacking himself off. After some minutes, Worten's body tensed as he spread his legs giving more space to his friend. Kist felt that the boy was close to his orgasm and increased the speed of his sucking. Soon Worten could not control himself; he was breathing hard and suddenly he raised his heaps trying to get the maximum of his little penis into his friend's mouth. Kist knew that the boy was reaching the peak of his orgasm, and in order to prevent his yell being heard outside, he left out of his mouth the little cock and continued with his hand while he sealed his lips on Worten's. The sound of his yell went thru his nose as he kneaded Kist's butt cheeks and tried to drill his friend's navel. Worten collapsed on his back as Kist broke the kiss; he was sweating and struggling for air. Kist then continued jacking himself off and in seconds he discharged his little load on the little boy's belly, still, his penis was jerking with each heartbeat. Worten opened the eyes as he watched his friend lapping his belly cleaning him as a cat does to his kittens. Kist lay on his side near the little boy as he extended his white thin arms and hugged his friend gently.

"Thanks, Kist, it has been more than wonderful, especially when I saw the explosion of colours." Kist grinned and caressed the lovely boy's face with the back of his hand.

"We better drift to sleep if we want to hike tomorrow to the river."

"Yes, you are right." Worten then gave a peck to Kist on the lips as he smiled. Then Kist dragged the covers up to them. Kist unlocked the door and blew the candle. A few minutes later they were rock asleep cuddled into each other arms. The following morning at the sunrise, they walked up to the kitchen and had a huge breakfast; Marco and Vercingetorix were already there as Worten grinning jumped on his father's lap and kissed him. The man could not believe what his son was doing. With a bump in his throat, he dragged his son to his chest and kissed him on the head.

"How was the night, son?"

"Wonderful, I can't believe I feel good!" Vercingetorix rubbed tenderly his son's back with a sigh. After breakfast, the three left the fortress walking to the near forest. As they crossed the tree line, a group of five men appeared in front of Vercingetorix.

"You must look after them without them noticing your presence. Stay hidden until they return home."

"Understood, sir." The five men ran to the forest. Marco, Worten and Kist were having a great time; the boys were playing, climbing to the trees and running on the soft grass. Marco was lying on his back receiving the sunshine on his nude body. Soon Kist said:

"Master, can we swim in the river? The water is not very cold."

"Yes. Why not? I'll accompany you." The three jumped into the crystal water, as the guardians' boss commented to his nearer man.

"Who could say that Worten has been so ill? This man deserves all our respect, no matter whether he is half Roman and half Eduo."

Yes, he must be a great man. I have been told that on his way to here, he repaired our boss son's leg. He told me he would like to meet him to thanks for what he did to his child, but Vercingetorix doesn't allow anyone to talk to him.

They swam for some time, then naked as they were, laid their back on the soft grass to the sun. Around midday they started walking up to the fortress, followed by their guardians. Marco knew the men's presence but he understood Vercingetorix's caution regarding his only son. They had lunch and went to play in their room, while Marco got ready for the operation.

"I can't remember when I was as happy as today, Kist; all I can recall is my headache day and night and the nasty medicine that I had to take, which makes me sleep but with nightmares." The boy felt sorry for his friend; he would have liked to give strong hopes to him, but he could not; Marco was the only one who might do. He hugged tenderly the eleven-year- old boy.

"Please have faith; the Great Mother will cure you." Marco and the boy's father entered the room.

"How is my boy?"

"Very well father." Then Marco said to the man.

"In some minutes we'll start, Worten will feel nothing, except that he wants to sleep for a while, but that's a consequence of the small portion of the drug that I have put into the water. I prefer nobody is here, except Kist to help me because I will experiment the worst part." Vercingetorix was not silly and assumed Marco's reasons.

"Don't worry my friend; I'll be in the next room so that no one disturbs you."

"Thanks for your understanding." The man went out closing the heavy door behind him. Marco then sat down on the bed's edge with the two boys around him. "Worten, as I said to your father, you will feel nothing, except probably some ticklish and happiness, though you will be a little asleep." Then Marco turned to Kist. "Kist, this will be one of the few times that I'll spend almost all my energies, therefore I'll feel very tired and most likely I'll want to lay on the bed; if this is the case, before you put me under the covers, give me this glass of milk with honey. Understood?"

"Yes, master." Kist seemed seriously concerned as he gave the glass of water to Worten; after drinking it he went to lay in the centre of the bed, but Marco told him:

"Please Worten; lay near the edge of the bed and with no clothes at all on." He drunk the water and took off his tunic, lying on the bed; Kist covered him with a fine sheet. He started chatting with Kist, but after a few minutes, he closed his eyes and showed the large eyelashes that Kist much loved since he knew the boy. Then Marco also got naked, except for his britches; his barefoot pressing the marble floor. Kist felt how his heart started to beat strongly as his master retrieved the cloth covering his friend; he began murmuring arcane words like if he were praying. Then placed both of his white hands on Worten's forehead, he continued murmuring incompressible words, as when he cured the broken leg some weeks back, but longer. A powerful brilliant white-blue light appeared in his fingers, but this time creeping thru his arms to his body, and then to his legs as waves, disappearing as it reached the floor. His body seemed a lighted torch without fire. The man's face contorted with a strange grimace as if he was feeling great pain and could not get rid of it. Kist could watch his master's body transparent as a ghost. On the contrary, Worten had a beautiful angel smile and his red lips parted to show his white child teeth in a beautiful smile. Kist felt a wave of love for his friend, and at the same time, he was very scared about his dear master. Long minutes elapsed and the light got less brilliant until it slowly faded out to nothing. Kist knew his master needed him; he took the glass of milk that he drank eagerly. Then dragged Worten to the centre of the bed and pushed his master to lie where the boy had been. Both were hard asleep. Kist covered them and then went to the room where his friend's father was.

"Sir, everything is over." Vercingetorix nearly jumped from his seat and then entered the room. The strong and brave warrior could not stop two tears dribbled along his cheeks as he watched his son lying on the bed with beautiful red cheeks. The boy opened the eyes and watching his father, quickly stood, jumped from the bed and ran into his father's arms. The man embraced and kissed his offspring tenderly as he caressed his back and hair.

"How do you feel, my son?"

"Wonderful dad and very hungry; I never felt before as in this moment." Vercingetorix then placed Worten on the floor and hugged Kist very tightly.

"Thanks, Kist for what you both have done to Worten; I expect your master to recover his senses to hug him. Now we better carry him to his room so he can rest comfortably there." The man called his personal assistant, and some minutes later four strong men transported Marco in a stretcher to his room. He gave special orders about his new friend as Worten said.

"Dad, I would like Kist to sleep with me tonight." Before the father could answer Kist said.

"I like the idea Worten, but my master will need me when he wakes up. I'll see you tomorrow morning, and then we can play or run if your father has not any objection." Worten put on his tunic, gave his hand to his father and both left the room. Kist went to his master's room, closed the door and kneeled near him on the bed; with all the tenderness he could muster, caressed the sleeping man's forehead and kissed him. Marco slept until night; as he moved the boy neared him caressing his hair; the young man grinned to him, extended his arm and ruffled the white silky hair.

"You are a good and efficient assistant, my boy!" Kist grinned; he could not stop hugging the man placing his white head on Marco's neck whispering.

"I love you Marco Tulio; thanks for curing Worten, he's a good boy, too; Vercingetorix doesn't deserve his son. He is more like his mother used to be." Marco moved and sat on the bed's edge, then he caressed the boy's hair again and his face, and then hugged his assistant on his forehead.

"Kist, I'm very fortunate having around me so good boys that soon will be men. You don't need to thank anything regarding Worten; what we have done was to heal his pain forever, but unfortunately, his sickness is still there, though he won't feel it anymore." He then changed the subject. "Now, please bring some food, we need to recover our strengths as soon as possible. Don't forget we still have a long trip back home." Marco's words filled the boy heart with emotion as he mentioned "home". Yes, he thought his home was far away near Dart, Doro and Denit, not here.

The following day everybody was happy. Worten came to wake them up announcing the beautiful and sunny day. After heaving a huge breakfast, as before, they went to the forest and swam in the river as Marco lay under the sun. They returned when the day was winding down near the sunset, all fully recovered. The boys went to their room and Kist read another story to Worten. After dinner, the children went to bed together and made what hot boys do when they are alone and want to please each other in all senses. Worten learnt that night what love really means when two human beings are devoted to each other; that would make harder their farewell but they did not mind since they would keep their friendship in their hearts forever.

The warriors watched the two boys and the White Druid walking to the forests as Vercingetorix explained to his high-rank officers what Marco had done to his son. Needless to say that the news about the cure of Worten by the White Druid spread thru The Gals like the wind from the West, even reached Brittany and the Sacred Island (today Ireland) where the Druid Council was having the annual meeting. Many added or changed the events that never took place. Nevertheless, only a few persons knew the real name of the White Druid and what had really happened in the large fortress. The oldest man that was presiding the Council said:

"There is not any doubt that the Great Mother has chosen her son. The prophecy is being completed."

CHAPTER 18 ------------------

The next day Vercingetorix and Marco had a long conversation regarding the current situation. The boys were playing in the gardens surrounding the fortress, promising many things that they knew would never comply; but they were boys and had different hopes out of the adults. Marco was saying to the great warrior:

"Do you know what would be my best wish? To end this war and return to watch you and Worten together; he loves dearly you in spite he has nothing in common with you; he is a peaceful human being. Please don't confuse with coward, he's braver than you can imagine." Vercingetorix sighed, he knew very well his son.

"I don't know. Unfortunately, I have a must, to win the war and expel Rome's army from our land. In respect to Worten, you are right, he's like his mother was and if he lives long enough, I will never try to convince him to take the weapons to fight in absurd battles. Some times a decision can change the destiny of a nation." He paused and Marco asked:

"What are you referring to?" The strong man grinned.

"Just some months ago, I had the support of Secuanos, Helvetians, Germans... and many other smaller tribes, as well as the neutrality of the almighty powerful Eduos. A stupid man spoiled the whole thing by killing Diviciaco. I should have killed him when Kurt gave me the opportunity, now our forces are more or less equal."

"I don't want to talk about politic situations. Please don't say anything that Julio should not know; I won't be able to deceive him if I am asked. My heart bleeds for equal when I find an Eduo, Secuano or Roman soldier wounded; for me, all of them are human beings rather than soldiers or warriors, therefore, I'll help all, no matter whether they are friends or enemies."

"Thanks for your honesty. Besides, I owe you the life of my son and this will always be in my heart; a debt that I'll never be able to pay back."

You owe me nothing, but to the Great Mother who gifted me with the powers." He paused for a moment. "However I would like to ask you for a favour."

"Name it, if it is on my hands it is granted." Marco sighed.

"It is in your hands and it will cost you nothing: I want Kist's manumission so he can stay with me." Vercingetorix grinned as he answered.

"Strange coincidence; Worten also asked me that before he was cured, that was his condition to submitting himself to your operation, and I granted it, so you are a little bit late. However, from the legal point of view, I couldn't get his manumission, I am not his owner." Marco stared at him with a question in his eyes as the great warrior continued. "Kist is not and never was a slave, but a free person coming from a great Briton family; he is an orphan under my custody, so I can transfer this if he agrees. Unfortunately, we have not been very fair with this boy, except my son... Tomorrow I'll give you the document with the details."

After four days together enjoying each other company, the moment of the departure arrived. That night they talked, played and read until Kist knew his friend was very tired. He had done on purpose in order to avoid their farewell. When the boy was hard asleep, Kist got dressed, kissed his friend's lips and on his forehead and said goodbye with tears on his face. He assumed they would never meet again in this world. He pushed the door and entered Marco's room; he still was asleep reading a document; he watched his new boy approaching, stood and both went into a tight embrace. Kist could not stop his tears as Marco undressed him and both went under covers, no a word needed to be expressed. Before dawn, they had a huge breakfast as a slave brought the mules from the stable; Vercingetorix was there to say goodbye.

"Goodbye my child," Said the great man as he ruffled the boy's white hair. "Be a good boy to your new father, I'm sure he will treat you better than we did here." Kist thought not to say anything but he changed his mind in the last moment.

"Thank you, sir. Please tell Worten that I love him; I'll never forget our friendship since he has a place deep in my heart. I have left a little written note for him; he must read it when he learns how to read." He could not continue because he was near breaking. Both men hugged wishing good luck. Marco then said:

"Should you need me, please, call me and I'll come. Goodbye and good luck." The mules started a low trotting and some moments later they disappeared into the thick forest. For a few hours, Marco and Kist advanced to the south-west avoiding any farm or village, so they could get home as soon as possible. Both were involved in their own thoughts, Kist had his heart broken because he did not say goodbye to his friend and former master, but on the other hand, he hated his father. After some time, he thought that the worst would be to come back again, however, he planned to go directly to Britannia and try to find his family, though the best thing would be to remain with his dear master Marco, forming part of his family though it seemed impossible. Probably Worten had not complied with his word and his father freed him. His thoughts were interrupted by Marco's voice.

"Kist, it is near the sunset and we have not stopped for lunch. This is a good place to spend the night and give some rest to the mules." They stopped under something like a rock canopy that would shelter them and the animals from the bad weather.

"Yes, sir. You are right; it seems we are flying away, but we are not." Marco giggled as the boy dismounted and started getting ready everything to spend the night. Worten's father had provided another mule to carry food and the presents for the boys. After finishing dinner, they sat down on an old dry log looking to the West, where the sun was disappearing behind the green and far mountains.

"Kist, you are too silence. What are you thinking about?"

"I should say the same about you, shouldn't I?"

"Yes, clever boy." Kist sighed. "But I have many problems to think about... and the most important one is near me: you!"

"Me?" The boy got astonished, how could he be a problem? He thought. "I am a poor lonely slave boy that must return to grow up amongst barbarians, now that I have enjoyed the sweet flavour of the friendship and freedom." His throat tightened and could not continue speaking as his blue eyes blurred.

"You are a little liar." Kist near jumped from his seat hearing Marco calling him liar, but the man added quickly before the boy could say anything else. "You aren't a poor lonely slave boy that must return within Vercingetorix's people." Without any further explanation, Marco rose from his seat, went where his mule's saddles were and extracted a little scroll; then returned where the boy was sat and with his head bent. The man continued speaking. "First, you are not alone, because you have the boys and me. Second, you are not poor, because Vercingetorix has given me a fair amount of money in gold coins to attend your education, or for you, if you don't want to be educated. And finally, third, you are not a slave and never were; certainly, you are an orphan, but probably you have family in Britannia." Saying this Marco gave the boy the scroll. "Please, read it." He could not believe what he was reading. Marco was his legal tutor and protector!!! He stared at the man slowly, rubbed his eyes and felt a great need to hug and to kiss him. But instead of crying of happiness, he pushed the man to the soft grass and began making ticklish to Marco as he shouted:

"You are the greatest rascal I ever saw. Rascal!!! I won't forgive you for not telling me anything before!!!" Marco reciprocated the boy as they rolled on the floor laughing and crying at the same time. Finally, they stopped as Kist was on top of his new guardian, sat on his chest, straddling him. They kept silence and expectant for some seconds, and then Kist bent his head and kissed the man tenderly on the lips. After some seconds, the kiss changed from tenderness to passion as the boy introduced his tongue into Marco's mouth; he received it with real satisfaction because he had thought many times about this young Apollo. However, at that moment he was aware he had the boy's custody, and that changed everything. He broke the kiss before the boy's surprise. The lad felt hurt as he thought was being rejected, but Marco caressed the silky white hair and gently said:

"I love you Kist and I know you love me." The boy was astounded because he noted Marco's erection near his own.

"Why have you broken the kiss, then? I like what we are doing and I know you liked it, too."

"You are right, my boy, but I have your custody, so I am as your own father, the same as I am for Denit and the twins. That makes me responsible for you and of them; therefore, I should not have sex with you as a stranger would do." The boy lay on his side and watched carefully Marco.

"I don't mind what the law says; we are alone here very far from any inhabitant and I want to express you all what I have inside my heart since I saw you with the twins. That night a cried bitterly because I wanted to be loved and caressed as they were. I have missed my father or brother from that instant, and now that I find them you reject me." Kist started crying, and then stood and ran along the meadow followed by Marco; he caught him near a large tree. He turned the weeping and inconsolable boy to him and hugged him very tight while he felt the boy's convulsions as he cried. Marco started rubbing softly his back.

"Kist, my dear Kist! I will never reject you, but you should understand me. What I don't want is to take this as normal, now I am your father or brother and you are my son. We can do it in very exceptional instants because we love each other and you are only a child. I have gone thru this stage in the past and I always thanked the person that was honest to me." The boy wiped out his eyes and hugged Marco on the waist.

"I understand, brother. I'll take it as you said, but I am too happy and want and need to share my happiness with you because my heart will never be happier than it is now." Marco grinned and Kist grinned, too. He prepared the bed near under a large canopy that would shelter them from any wind. The weather was warm considering they were in autumn, but that occurred some times in The Gauls, especially, when a rainy winter was expected. They lighted a little fire duly protected, to give them light rather than warmness that was not necessary. For the first time in his life, Kist got naked in front of Marco. The man contemplated the boy's beautiful features and sighed.

"If we ever go to Rome, the sculptor working for Julio Caesar will make a portrait of you, you are even better than Apollo; you must be proud of what the Great Mother gifted you, Kist." The boy moved a little in order Marco could watch him carefully. Then he took his hand and both went under the fine mutton furs they used as covers. The boy was already hard and he extended his hand and untied Marco's britches cords. Both lay facing each other, their faces only a few centimetres separated.

"Marco, I thank you very much for wishing to carve my figure but I'll never get naked voluntarily in front of any man, except you. You are the only one who deserves it." Before Marco could say anything, Kist sealed his lips on Marco's; their tongues swirled inside and soon the boy was gasping and moaning with pleasure. He wanted a quick release of his sexual needs but he could check Marco was in the same situation, so in a few minutes their bodies tensed and in seconds they exploded as volcanoes spurting their hot loads. When they quietened, stared at each other and started to laugh.

"You were really in need." Marco teased the boy.

"You, too. It was necessary, anyway; now the best part will come."

"Let me have the lead, Kist; I'll send you to the outer space." The boy grinned as he lay on his back with his dick pointing out to the rock ceiling and over his head. More relaxed now, Marco started kissing the boy's neck and sucking his ear lobes. Kist was very excited and Marco thought he will never reach his objective because the boy would come before. He descended to the perfect chest and sucked his little nipples that were very hard. Instinctively the boy placed his hands on the man's head as he started moaning and breathing hard. Then Marco raised the boy's arms and licked his clean and devoid of any hair armpits. Kist felt a great sensation of a mix of laugh and lust; he did not know what to do as his orgasm was approaching. Marco then stopped his caresses and turned to the boy's face, kissing him on the forehead. Kist did not understand as Marco chuckled. Stammering and near crying he could say:

"Why have you stopped, now that I was so close?" Marco enjoyed the beautiful perplexed figure as he kneaded the silky boy chest, pinching his hard nipples.

"I told you I wanted to send you over the stars, and that is part of it." Kist did not understand, he knew Marco had a great experience because that was what the twins had told him. More calmed now, Marco resumed his task on the excited boy; he drilled with the tip of his tongue the boy's navel; quickly he moved to his ball sack. With some difficulty, he took the two pears into his mouth and sucked them. He could observe that Kist was tilting his head from one side to the other of the small pillow, spreading the sweated silky hair; he knew the boy was on the last steps of reaching his orgasm. Marco placed his left hand on the boy's ball sack dragging down the foreskin, so the wet dickhead appeared in all his glory covered with precum. Quick as a ray, he engulfed the boy's dick to the hilt and started sucking like a vacuum up and down. Only a few sucks were necessary as the boy's body tensed, his legs stretched out, raised his hips and stopped breathing; in seconds he groaned loudly as a wounded animal, starting to spurt his small load of boy semen into the man's mouth. Marco drank it as he continued sucking the boy's dick until he felt the penis gets soft. Then he stopped and laid his elbow near the boy's face: he was hard asleep. He gave a peck on his sweated forehead and drifted to sleep. He thought to end the moment by masturbating himself, but he felt immensely happy and did not like to make a profanation of the boy's moment; the Great Mother would understand.

At dawn, with the first lights coming from the east, Kist woke up and found himself cuddled in Marco's arms; the man was deeply asleep. To his mind came the memories of the previous night as his dick started to get hard. With the care of not waking him up, the boy disentangled from Marco and went to pee. He came back and cuddled again within Marco's arms, but his dick continued hard and he wanted to pay him back. Slowly he moved, so his head was in front of the man's cock in a 69 position. Softly he started touching Marco's dick that immediately began to stiffen; he was excited as he knew the man had not had any release before.

After a few moments, Kist dragged the foreskin and took into his lips the fat head; he watched how Marco, instinctively pushed out his hips facilitating the boy his sucking. He heard how the man was moaning as his big balls hardened. All the sudden, he felt lifted from his position to be on top of Marco's belly and his hard boy cock in the man's mouth. He grinned because he did not need to care about waking him up. He put all his efforts into sucking the big tool until it reached his throat near gagging him. He assumed what would happen within a few minutes and that even encouraged him more. Due to the differences between Kist and Marco, the boy made great efforts to keep into his mouth as much as possible the man's dick. Kist was in his glory as he felt how Marco raised his hips, moaned in pleasure, and in seconds noticed the warmth of his semen on his throat and more spurts on his palate and tongue. As he tried to swallow all of it, his body responded to Marco sucks kneading his butt cheeks. At that instant, the beautiful colour display arrived and he spurted his small load into the man's mouth. After some relax on top of the human being that he adored, he turned to recover his normal position in front of Marco, as their lips met in a tender union, savouring the mixed seeds. They remained quiet during some time enjoying the bliss of the moment; Kist head lying on Marco left shoulder as Marco caressed gently his smooth back. The boy then murmured:

"I love you, dad. I wouldn't change this moment for all the gold of the world, as I have found my real father." Marco pressed the boy to his chest, he then whispered back.

"My beautiful son, we must get up, otherwise we will never reach home." The boy giggled happily as he jumped out, took the man's hand, and both naked ran to the stream to clean themselves. Laughing and joking they returned; dressed, prepared the mules, and after having a huge breakfast they rode the animals and continued their trip bound the south's lands. Some minutes later they were riding thru the forest and meadows. The following six days they complied with the ritual of having sex after dinner, and chat about the future; this full of hopes for the boy, and some concerns for the man, who foresaw the problems of the current war. One of these nights as they were relaxed, Marco stroked the blond hair tenderly and asked the boy.

"What do you plan for your future, Kist? Remember you have now the means to do whatever you think is the best for you." He thought for a moment as he cuddled even closer in Marco's arms.

"I am not very keen on wars and fights, but otherwise, therefore, I don't like to be a soldier. After all these days together, I'm thinking to follow your steps, but not as a druid, since I'm sure the Great Mother has not gifted me as to the twins; but as a physician. I want to learn and study how to heal persons from his pains, as you are doing; so you are my best teacher. I promise I'll be a good apprentice."

"That's a good idea, my boy, I applaud your decision. In fact, the druids, as physicians, have not a good future, except here in The Gauls and probably in Britannia. In Rome, the person who practices medicine is a physician, and the person who handles religion is a priest. If Julio Caesar finally wins this war, almost certainly this will be the system, though he is very respectful with old ways of life. My father is considered one of the best physicians of Rome, and I'm sure he will be more than happy to help and teach his grandchild." These words filled the boy's heart; he turned facing his official father and pressed his naked body against his.

During the seventh day afternoon, they heard horses approaching; Marco wanted to miss them but Kist knew this was impossible, since they were in the middle of a large meadow, and the riders were a boy and a seven-year-old little girl on a pony. They were Kobe and his little sister. As they met, Kobe jumped with agility from his horse and dragged Kist from his mule to the grassed floor; they rolled on it until they stopped, then they stood and both hugged.

"I see that the cure was a complete success." Kobe large black eyes said everything, he wanted to hug and kiss that pretty boy, even in front of Marco and his sister but he restrained himself and then extended his hand to the White Druid.

"Thanks, White Druid for the great favour you made me, and especially to Worten. At home, my mother has been waiting you for a few days. My father has been called by Vercingetorix and he departed this morning; he was really pissed because he wanted to talk to you, but he had to obey his boss' orders. Let's go home and sleep on a good bed tonight. They followed the boy that did not stop talking about what the people said about the White Druid.

"Don't believe so many things, Kobe, some of those things are far from reality," Marco said, as the boy grinned. He then added:

"The worst of it is that I cannot brag telling them that you have cured me and that I know you personally because I promised Kist about keeping secret your visit."

"You all did very well, Kobe, otherwise we might have not reached in time to cure Worten; so, as soon as we leave tomorrow, you will be able to brag as much as you want." The boys yelled as they entered into the large farmhouse. Kobe's mother received them happily and the servants took the mules into the stables and the luggage was stored in Marco's room.

Kobe's mother was a fresh woman in her early thirties with long blond hair that cascaded on her back like a gold stream. None of her children was like she was; the boy had very much the same features as his mother, but his hair was light brown, a mix of both progenitors. She had had another boy younger than Kobe, but he passed away from smallpox when he was five y/o. She was a practical woman and had an agreement with her husband: while he was out he could fuck any girl or woman and she would do the same when he was absent. Her husband had not any problem with this since her parents were Eduos and he found their freedom as normal.

All had dinner together; the girl went to bed early and the boys to their room. When they were alone enjoying the conversation about different matters, the woman spoke to Marco.

"I suppose you have asked yourself what a woman like me is doing in a country like this, and being married to a near wild man as my husband is." Marco thought to enter into her mind but preferred what she had to say. "I am coming from an aristocratic family, but never accepted men's rules until my husband came and asked my parents to marry me. Yes, he was almost a barbarian, row material, I thought, needed to be polished. I got my goal; the fact that he's an Eduo descendant helped a lot." Marco grinned as took off from her forehead some blond hair.

"In that case, my dear lady; since both are near Eduos, let's follow their customs." He stood, kindly and with extreme education, he took her hand, blew out the candles and both entered her large bedroom, where the little girl was rock asleep in her large cot. They got naked, ready to spend a large night of love and enjoyment.

CHAPTER 19 ------------------

Kobe was enthralled in pleasure hearing Kist reading the story about the battle of Salamina that had taken place more than four hundred years back. It was written on one of the scrolls that they had taken from his mother archives. When he put away the large scroll, Kobe that had not forgotten the last visit, stood and got naked; without any more preliminaries he undressed Kist, both were hard as the blond haired boy missed his daily sex session with Marco. They stared at each other and grinned, and then Kobe kneeled in front of Kist and took his dick into his mouth. After some sucks, he stood and dragged his friend to bed.

"Now I want you to honour the promise that you made me some weeks ago of fucking me." Kist was not surprised, he knew his friend would claim for it; however, he was not ready to accept being fucked by his friend. He mentally thought that only Marco could do it, but he knew his new father would never ask him this, nevertheless, in this instant, he wanted to put clear this objection.

"Kobe, I'll please you as much as you want, but I must be honest to you, I... I don't want you or any other person to fuck me." Kobe grinned satisfied.

"Neither have I wanted to do it. Tonight I'll be your lover boy or girl, as you prefer." Kist sighed relieved. "What shall I do? I'm very hot now. I have been thinking about this since you left last time. When I was alone, used some fat and introduced my fingers, once I introduced in my butt a polished hammer's handle but the sensation was not very pleasurable, though it excited me."

"You are really hot, Kobe, this time it will be different. Do you have butter or olive oil?

"Both, I'll bring the oil." He stood and went to the kitchen to pick it up. In his way he heard the groans from his mother, as Marco was taking good care of her; that even excited him more as he grinned. He came back with a little pot containing the yellow and slippery substance as he commented: "The White Druid must have a big one, even larger than my father's because my mother is moaning like a wounded fox." Both laughed loudly.

"How do you want me to fuck you?"

"I don't know; I have never done it before, so you choose the way as far as you go very deep in me."

"In that case, you will fuck yourself." Kobe got serious as he thought his friend was rejecting him; but Kist rubbed his cock and added: "I mean you will have the lead." Kobe smiled and sighed satisfied. "Now put yourself on four legs with your head down, so I can grease you properly." Kobe did as instructed and Kist poured some oil on the boy's hole, then introduced one finger and spread it inside, he repeated this but introducing two fingers. Kobe moaned in pleasure as Kist involuntarily pressed the boy's prostate.

"Kist, please, do it again, that's fantastic and feel wonderful." For Kist this was a revelation since he ignored it; mentally he promised himself to ask Marco about it. He did again and Kobe near had his orgasm. Breathing hard he said: "Oh Kist that's marvellous, you are so good... thanks."

"I think you are ready now. My dick is rather thick and large for my age, so I think you will enjoy it right from the beginning." Kist stared at the quivering hole and could not stop his lust. Then he placed his cock on the pink hole and pushed hard, a third of it entered into Kobe's premises. The boy moaned and gasped.

"Your finger is very thick," Kobe said.

"It is not my finger, but my dick; I could not wait and..." His friend interrupted him.

"Hell, don't stop now; go ahead and fuck me hard!!!" Kist grinned, then retracted a little and pushed again even harder, almost the whole dick was embedded in the boy's guts. Kist placed his hands on Kobe's hips, retracted a little and pushed again, going entirely into his friend's guts. He moaned a little as he used his intestines muscles to accept the strange tool to his cave. Kist then said:

"How do you feel, Kobe?"

"Fantastic, stay there for a while and then go for it entirely." Kist chuckled as he answered.

"I'm entirely in you, and I think with a few moves I'll leave my load into your fantastic hole."

"That's good. C'mon, go for it and don't worry about me, I am fine; my balls are aching and need to be emptied." Kist retrieved leaving only the head inside, and then quickly shovelled all the way in, Kobe groaned; after some fucks, he was greatly enjoying it, especially when Kist's dick touched the magical point. In a couple of minutes, Kist started fucking his friend as a rabbit, he could not control himself and noticed how Kobe pushed back to meet his strokes. The boy under him was erratically breathing and moaning in pleasure, he could not bear the strange sensation that he was feeling, much better than when his little sister sucked him. He could not resist anymore and went flat on his tummy as he felt inside of him the warm sensation produced by his friend's warm load. In seconds he experienced the best orgasm up to now discharging his load on the white sheet. Kist also went flat on top of his friend breathing hard and sweating. They remained quiet recovering from his action. After a few minutes of relaxing, Kist moved on his back, and then Kobe turned facing his lover, still, his dick in him, bent his body and their mouths joined in a tender kiss.

"Did you enjoy it, Kobe?"

"It has been marvellous." Kobe now had his head on Kist white left shoulder, and added: "There is not any doubt now, Kist; I am a fucking homo, and do you know what? I like and enjoy it. Probably my father will be pissed when he knows it, but I don't mind." The boys separated and lay on the bed facing each other.

"Don't be so sure, Kobe; Marco explained to me that it can be part of growing up and that you can change later, around sixteen, even you can be bisexual."

"What do you mean with bisexual? I am what I am and I will be in the future." Kist laughed loudly as he caressed tenderly his friend's face.

"Bisexual means that you may like males and females as well." Kobe's eyes shone as two jewels with a lively smile on his face.

"That would be great!!!" Then as if he was talking to himself added: "...enjoy girl pussies and thick men cocks... It must be even greater. I'll pray for the Great Mother she gifts me. Right now I have started with young males like you. Right now I don't feel attracted to anyone, except boys." He then hugged his friend again.

"In either case, it is not a crime being homo, Kobe; there are thousands like you, they hide this by marrying and having children, and from time to time they meet their lovers to fuck each other."

"I must think about it, even if necessary, we'll come back to the Eduos' land. The greatest would be to be bisexual, and then I would be able to give my father grandchildren as he is expecting, and after fucking a girl, I could meet one of those black slaves that have long and powerful cocks to fuck my butt." They laughed.

"You are incorrigible, Kobe. I like you having so good temper, even when you talk about serious matters." Kobe introduced his fingers thru Kist's long silky hair and rubbed his scalp.

"I like you, too, Kist. Be sure that I won't participate in this stupid war. I'll take care of my family while the others go to fight. After all, Rome is a good solution to gather all Gauls as a single and powerful people, forgetting old tribe fights." He paused and then unexpectedly said: "You should cut your beautiful hair shorter; you look like a girl, though you have a great cock."

"You seem a practical boy, I hope you are the luckiest boy of this wonderful country. About my hair, I think you are right; I'll tell my master to cut it as you like." As Kist ended his sentence, Kobe pushed him on his back, scooted down a little and took his friend's dick into his mouth, one minute later he straddled Kist, raised his butt and inserted his hard tool into his premises, impaling him. They continued their lovemaking until they were exhausted, then drifted to sleep.

Marco and Kist had planned to resume their journey the following day; however, they delayed it for another three days enjoying their days and nights. They all were too happy and did not want to leave; especially Marco that had spent the best time of his life. The fourth day, at the sunrise, everybody was content and happy in the large yard, though Kist could watch some water in the woman eyes. They hugged and kissed, rode the mules that had been loaded with a good provision of food, and resumed their trip to the south-west. They weaved their hands until the farm was out of sight. Kobe's mother placed one arm on her son's shoulder and the other around her daughter little neck; Kobe stared at her mother and could watch a tiny tear dribbling along her fresh cheek. She then murmured.

"I wish they were not so far from here." Kobe grinned and asked:

"Has he been tender, mother?" She pushed her children to her, kissed them on their head and answered her son.

"Yes. Very tender my son, very tender." She repeated. Nothing more needed to be added.

Marco and Kist continued their journey without stopping for lunch; they decided to lose the minimum time. The weather could change at any moment since the rainy season should have already started. Kist knew very well the trails and shortcuts that they had to follow, taking any chance to stop in caves or shelters that he knew. From time to time they enjoyed their bodies by having nice and tender sex, because especially Kist, liked even more than sex, the moments afterwards when he cuddled in Marco's arms in the bliss of their union. He knew that those moments would get an end as soon as they reached home. One week later, when they were cuddled in front of a fire and into a cave, Marco informed the boy.

"Kist, I think something special and good has occurred on the farm, it is only a premonition and I am not yet sure, but..."

"I have the same sensation, because all of us, apparently, were happy leaving but I felt that something was missing." He paused. "As far as it is good... I promised no one will ever know about this trip, father; so whenever you like I'll be happy to talk about it."

"Thanks, son. Good nights.

"Good nights, father.

They hurried up, and some days later, tired and some dirty, entered the walled town where Marco had his new house. The slaves came to receive them with yells of happiness since they felt very lucky having a master like Marco that treated them with respect as human beings. They paid them back with honesty and being faithful to them. The yells attracted the boys that had just arrived from their respective schools; they descended quickly the stairs and jumped into Marco's arms with tears of happiness, then the three hugged Kist, took him on their shoulders and climbed the stairs; afterwards they dropped him on the large thick carpet, starting making ticklish to him. Laughs and shouts came from everywhere since that became a general enjoyment for the children. After some time they stopped; Doro was on top of Kist and whispered:

"You are beautiful with your new look after cutting your hair. I have missed you a lot, so we must recover our time. Did you, precious angel, fuck many boys and girls?" Kist grinned and suddenly turned over, so his friend was under him.

"I had not an opportunity to screw girls, but I did to a fantastic boy named Kobe, and I must say he enjoyed it very much."

"Why are you so honest? You should be a liar and hide that."

"Because I like you heaps, my friend, and don't want to lose you; besides, you may scan my mind and finding out what I have done." Doro grinned and then resumed his ticklish." As Marco entered the room asked him.

"Shall we give their presents and tell the news?"

"We are very dirty and have not had a proper bath for weeks; we must stink." Doro pressed his friend's hand as he murmured into his ears. "Your stink is a lovely perfume for me." All as a package went to the bath-house, there Marco met Flavio Cornelius; the two men hugged and agreed to get an audience with Julio Caesar for the following morning if Julio does not call him before. After enjoying their bath and clean clothes, they returned home, they had ready their dinner that the boys ate eagerly amongst continue jokes. Then Kist entered Marco's room and brought three parcels that he distributed to the boys. Quickly they opened them and found a full set of light fight armour with a brilliant coat of mails, designed for small men or teenagers, including the sword and dagger. Also a little leather pouch with ten gold coins. The boys opened wide their mouths in disbelief, especially Denit that, in spite, he had been raised to a Roman citizen, he did not expect to be considered like the twins. Full of happiness they thanked their father for the gifts, but Marco then said:

"I did not buy these presents; Vercingetorix gave me the four parcels before we left, even we ignored the coins." Then Dart pointed out.

"Why did he do that? It supposed he's our enemy."

"You are wrong, Dart. He's not our enemy; he and the people who support him have different views about The Gauls. Furthermore, he told me to convey to you his condolences for your father's murder." The twins got serious, but Kist then alleged.

"Now boys, here you are the best news, especially for me." He then extracted the scroll written by Vercingetorix and read it clearly. The boys were dumbfounded, not only for the content of the scroll but for hearing Kist reading. They could not believe that only in two months he had learnt to read and write. Marco then pointed out.

"As you can see, Kist is not and never was a slave; his family, if he has any, must be in the south of Britannia; therefore he is an Anglo." Doro then interrupted Marco as he stared at Kist.

"He is not an Anglo, but an Angel." The boys went to him and made a heap on the carpeted floor with congratulations to him. At that moment someone knocked on the door, Marco opened and found a soldier from the special guard working in Julio's palace. The man made a reverence.

"Marco Tulio Decius, the great Julio Caesar..." Marco placed his arm on the new soldier's shoulder and smiled.

"Please forget the formalities, tell him that I will be there as soon I have dinner with my children."

"Sorry sir, but he's inviting you to a private dinner in his premises."

"In that case, let me give some instructions to my boys and we'll go together."

"Thank you sir; you make easy to comply orders."

"Well, boys, you have heard the officer, I wonder at what time I'll be back. Please behave." The boys did not answer but showed their disappointment. Marco dressed his large Robe and closed the door behind. "Let's go." As soon as they were alone, the four children lay on the thick carpet in front of the fire; it was not cold but humid, besides, they enjoyed being naked together. Kist then said:

"You can't imagine how much I have missed you." Saying this he turned facing Doro and rubbed his smooth face with the back of his hand. "You are so gentle and beautiful, Doro... It is a pity you have that compromise with your girl."

"Why? Will you then marry me in her place?" Kist could not stop, dragged his friend's face to him and kissed him hard on the lips; Doro reciprocated his friend and a few moments later their tools were hard as rocks. Kist then said answering his question:

"Unfortunately you are a boy, but I wish you were a girl. I will be very happy if I find a girl half pretty than you are. Do you know? Since Vercingetorix told me about my family, I am planning to find them and restore my language and relationship. I know it will be a hard task and I have many things to do before this, but you can bet I'll try it." He sighed but Doro did not lose his time; he had watched how his brother and Denit were already busy demonstrating their mutual affection.

"Meanwhile this time comes, let's do something beautiful angel and accompany my brother and Denit." A lovely smiled appeared in the Anglo boy's face as he dragged again Doro to him. They had to recover the two past months and to reinforce their friendship, or better, their brotherhood. While the boys were enjoying their young lives, Marco was knocking on Julio's private rooms.

"Come in, Marco; you don't need to knock on the door." Marco opened the door as the great man approached and hugged him. "You look fit and well, my boy."

"Just a little bit tired due to the long trip, sir."

"In that case, let's have dinner while I transmit you some news related to here; once we finish you must tell me everything that occurred since you left our town." They sat down near the table as Julio's servant served the food, and then he left alone the men to talk. Julio did not say much about the situation, except about Kurt's task. "Your uncle Kurt is a raw jewel, Marco; I have great confidence in his task. The news that we have from there are great, my boy; he deserves the whole Gaul and he will have it if we succeed in reaching our objectives in time."

"I am some years here and I haven't met him and his family yet. My great grandfather loved him as a son. My mother told me he was a special boy, not only because he saved my father's life, and contributed to the excellent relationship between the Eduos and Roman peoples, but because the Great Mother gifted him; however, he rejected using his powers, except with Uncle Jan and the animals. He would have been a good Druid, but he loves horses." They ended dinner and sat comfortably in front of the fireplace, where large trunks were heating the room. Marco started telling Julio all about his trip, except the sexual part with Kist and Kobe's mother. He ended:

"Just an hour ago we discovered Vercingetorix's pouches with the money for the boys." Julio kept silence for a moment and then asked Marco.

"Marco, what did you feel about this war?"

"I was honest with him telling not to say anything that you shouldn't know because I would tell you. However, the persons speak, especially the women about their men, and the general feeling is that, unfortunately, the war is unavoidable. Vercingetorix is trapped between his men's interests and his own honour."

"I understand him. Once he has saved his child, the temptation is great to leave everything and devote himself to his family, but he cannot." He then changed the subject. "This boy...Kist, he has learnt to read and write so quickly that it surprises me, he must be very bright. Is he gifted like Diviciaco's children?"

"No. He's a common child but has a clear idea of what he is and what he wants to be. He has been very helpful in my task with Vercingetorix's child and very keen on everything related to sickness; the great warrior understood this and gave me the necessary money for his education, a large amount, I would say."

"What do you have in mind, Marco?"

"I need to think about it. Maybe once all this is over, I'll take him to Rome to study other methods of curing than those he's learning here; my father could be a good master for him plus the school."

"It is not a bad idea. Once you legally adopt him, your father would be more than glad receiving his grandchild at home and teach him. In any case, Marco, my help is available for you.

"Thanks, sir." He paused for a moment. "Sir, during the trip I had an idea that I have not mentioned to anyone. I start from the point that we want The Gauls as a future Roman province, therefore we have to try to damage it as less as we can because later we will have to rebuild it."

"You are right, my son. In my mind, I watch The Gauls as the best Roman territory in the future. It is a rich land and has excellent and brave persons. What do you have in mind?" Marco grinned satisfied.

"In any war, dead people are not a problem, they are buried or burnt and the rest continues living; but the wounded that can result disable men will be a great handicap for the future. They won't be able to work but needed to be fed. Unfortunately, in the current and special next confrontation, we will have many on both sides. Nevertheless, we have to minimise these consequences." Julio was very interested in Marco's ideas.

"In a battle, you don't have any alternative, either you kill or you are killed."

"Yes, you are right. But if we establish a good sanitary system, curing people quickly, we would prevent many soldiers to become disable men. The infections for treating a wound too late are enormous; I have seen these results in past battles. I fought with all my strengths and many times it was too late."

"What do you suggest to solve this problem, my boy?"

"Previously to the battles, we must give training to a large group of men, even women, to pick up wounded persons and being transported rapidly to a place duly signalled, this would be free of being attacked from both sides, since we would attend, not only Roman soldiers, but also barbarians."

"This is absolutely new; you would need not only our agreement but also from Vercingetorix's people...In any case, it is a good idea and worthwhile to try it. You can count on our help. I'll expose it to our Generals in the next meeting." Marco sighed, this was more than he expected, there was not any doubt that Julio was a good commander and a better person. Some days later he prepared a personal message for Vercingetorix telling him about the project. Marco had been advised the channels he needed to use in case of sending a message to him. He did not respond immediately, but two months later he was called for a secret meeting near the Eduos land border. After asking permission to Julio, he went to the reunion point, Kist accompanied him since he spoke several tribe languages. It was a success; both parties agreed to build portable installations painted in white to look after the wounded soldiers and warriors.

CHAPTER 20 ------------------

In Rome, Marco's father was having a hard discussion with his favourite grandchild, a stubborn twelve-year-old girl. She wasn't a real beauty but was very pretty with long brown hair, normally combed in two long plaits, two dimples on her white cheeks and strangely pair of blue large eyes that disturbed many boys. Deeply in his heart, he loved that child and agreed on what she was exposing, though Roman society, as a whole, did not consent it, in spite of the freedom that they enjoyed. The girl was arguing:

"Grandpa, I don't want to be a Vestal, I like boys and when I grow up I'll marry and have children, the same as you did. So I also want to be a good physician as you and Uncle Marco; why can't I? Because am a girl? I'm sure most men would like a female physician rather than a man unless they are homosexual." Marcelo grinned as Karla, his wife, came to help him to get out from her granddaughter's trap. In fact, he had not a strong argument to rebate or argue against the girl's arguments.

"Julia Patricia, it isn't a question of intelligence or education, fortunately, you are very good at it, but you should think about your studies. Is there any school for girls to study medicine?" Karla paused and continued before the girl could argue. "No, there isn't; only for boys, however, I agree with you, because I would have suffered it if I had decided to be a physician here in Rome, so I helped your grandpa within our family. My grandfather taught me all the medicine that I know, so we will do the same to you. If you continue being so keen on it; nevertheless, you will solve the problems that surely will have when you start practising it. Another solution would be that you marry a physician." The lovely girl had thought about it, but up to now, she had not found the boy to whom she would marry, and her progenitors would never impose a husband to her. The girl went to her grandmother and hugged her tightly on the waist.

"Thanks, grandma, I knew you would support me. When shall we start? I'm fed up of sewing and making home tasks."

"You are very much the same as your grandmother was," Marcelo said with sarcasm. Karla knew her man better than himself and was aware that Marcelo loved that girl with all his heart; she was sure that he would help the child as much as possible.

"We can start right now. The first thing to learn is about the medicine plants that you will use to cure people. Here on the farm, there are many of them and some other ones that we must buy from the trader, but you must learn how to recognize them. Now get good clothes, order to prepare the horses, and in a few moments we will ride to the next mountains."

"I suppose we must have someone to accompany us."

"Yes, you are right, just for safety. I think Daisy will be more than happy coming with us; she also knows a lot about medicinal plants that she learnt from my grandfather while she was working with us." The girl happily obeyed her grandma's orders, and sometime later the group rode to the mountains. Marcelo moved his head in disbelief.

Back to The Gauls. Marco and the boys were busy designing the summits with people who would participate in the care of the sanitarian aspect in the next fights. Following Julio orders and with Flavio Cornelius' cooperation, he had sent messages to all Eduo druids to help in this task, having received an overwhelming answer from all, being ready to travel and assist to a general reunion as soon as he ordered it. The problem of the persons in charge of the stretchers was solved; the Generals will provide soldiers for this work. They were at the end of the year and the boys were enthusiastic, since now it was clear the final battles would start next spring; for that time, near all legions would be established not far from the capital city in strategic points secretly designed. A determined number of physicians and assistance personnel would be attached to each legion. Julio had told Marco that he would not participate in any the fight. Curing the wounded soldiers was much more important.

Marco was sat down and the four boys were laying on their sides on the soft carpet in front of the large fireplace staring at the flames, all of them engrossed in their own thoughts. After some time, they had talked about the coming combats. Kist had his right hand pressing Doro's and from time to time they exchanged sweet glances. He thought how much he loved his friend, he never thought would be in love with another boy, but Doro was so special for him... Suddenly Doro whispered in his ear:

"Angel, do you know that I never thought I would love you?" Kist flushed because those were his thoughts about his friend. At that moment he would have liked to start sobbing and kissing his friend; he was immensely happy after those terrible years near the barbarians, as he called Vercingetorix's people. Sweetly he turned his head and kissed a peck on Doro's cheek.

"I love you, too, Doro. I wonder what's going to happen to us in the future. Everyone here has now a clear idea of what we are going to be, especially, if we survive to this stupid war..." Doro moved and now was facing his friend, only a few centimetres separated their faces; he caressed the boy's silky blond hair and murmured.

"Nothing will happen to us. You will be an excellent physician, Dart and I, forcedly will be druids, but most physicians, since we must use our powers for good in all senses, as we have been gifted; and Denit will be a great and important soldier. He had this in his blood since his father was one of the best archers of our people. Our real problems will start when we decide to split out to meet our fates. Meanwhile, we should not think about anything and enjoy each other as we are doing. We'll have time for something else." Kist then fixed his sight on Doro's eyes, as his friend continued caressing his hair. He would have liked to have his friend's powers so he could know what he was thinking about him. For the time being, he was very confused; he liked Doro with all his heart; he would have given his life for him, and he was absolutely sure Doro would pay him back with the same feelings. They enjoyed each other's affection when they were having sex, and never imagined being different; however, would this be the same when they grow up? He enjoyed his kisses and especially when he lapped and sucked his nipples and his dick. He had to recognize that it felt great when he did the same to him, however, he did not feel particularly attracted about what Denit did to Dart fucking him. When they grow most likely they will develop hair on most of their body parts, as he had seen on many warriors when they cleaned in the river. He was absolutely sure he will like and love Doro, but his mind rejected the idea of having sex with a haired person. Suddenly he felt his friend's hand rubbing his scalp.

"Sorry Kist, your mind called mine like honey to bee and could not stop your thoughts entering me." Kist deeply flushed and turned his head so his friend could not see him but Doro pulled his friend to him cuddling as two teaspoons; he whispered into his ear: "Please Kist, I did not do it on purpose, it is something strange that never happened me before. Yet, I must say that I always think the same as you do, and surely I will care you forever, even if you develop hair, got bad temper and hate me." Kist quickly turned over and hugged his friend with all the tenderness he could gather.

"I'll never hate you, do you understand? Never!!!" They remained hugged tightly for some time as Kist felt Doro's tears on his neck, both were weeping, but their dicks were hard as rocks tenting their night long shirt. They separated for a moment.

"We better have a release," Kit said. I want that nice tool of yours into my mouth and watching you going to the stars." They smiled, stood and hand in hand they went to their bedroom. Marco sighed and grinned as the boys disappeared behind the bedroom door. Dart watched his brother giving the hand to Kist and thought how lucky he was having that great boy as lover. Denit wasn't a beauty, but he was handsome and had already hard muscles in his body and probably the largest dick of all four, so this compensates him, and he adored those moments as now when they felt each other excited and wanting to be together on the bed. They were spooned in front of the fire and Dart noticed Denit's cock pushing against his butt.

"We better go to bed, Dart; your beautiful butt is asking to be fucked by my dick."

"Yes, you are right, but please, stay where you are for a while; it is so wonderful to be like this!" Dart knew how his brother and Kist thought about their relationship; yes Doro was very lucky. They will grow and split out as the best friends forgetting their mutual sexual relationship, but their affection and friendship will last forever. He felt different, he would never like a girl, though he enjoyed fucking Stella, therefore, in such a manner he was luckier since he had started enjoying his being right from the beginning; the problem was that Denit will grow and most likely he will go back to his girl, not remaining with him. On the other hand, he missed and needed someone else who felt like himself to build up a future. He knew the person, but was he ready? Apparently, he was not. Marco was his ideal soul; he spent hours thinking on this man and building in his mind a future together. He knew Marco loved him, but he was too attached by his obligations with respect to him, he was his legal father. Eventually, he could forget this and have a relationship with him, as many other men had with boys, this fact was commonly accepted by Rome society, as a heritage from the Greek. Nevertheless, Marco was too honest to violate his word, at least until he was eighteen years old. Denit interrupted his thoughts.

"Please Dart, let go to bed, I'm very hot." Dart grinned as he stood, they went to their bedroom and before closing the door he turned the head and stared at his adored man. He clearly received in his mind the message: "Enjoy yourself with your intelligent lover." He smiled and entered the room. Doro and Kist were reaching the critical moment of their 69 mutual orgasms expressed with loud groans, though their filled mouths muffled it. As he got ready with his butt oiled, he watched how Kist recovered his original position in front of his brother facing him; tenderly they kissed and drifted to sleep. "Yes, they were as two parallels, they will go together, but never meet to form a single object, but their souls will remain united.

He and Denit were different. Denit loved him, but his objective was to be a great soldier, and sooner or later to marry his girl and have children. He stopped his mental thoughts as Denit started kneading his butt cheeks and kissing him. Their mouths met and their tongues swirled inside; after some time, Denit scooted down, raised his friend's legs to his chest, placed his long stick on the port of entry and pushed hard. In a single thrust, he went entirely into his friend's guts. They were used to this, so in seconds Denit began fucking his lover as a rabbit, both were sweating and soon they reached that magical moment when both flew to the seventh cloud. They recovered their breath, kissed once more and spooned, and then dragged the covers over them; soon Denit was hard asleep, as his brother and Kist were. He waited some more minutes, and then naked as he was, left the bed and went to Marco's room, he was waiting for him.

"Did you enjoy it, Dart?" The boy jumped on the bed and went under the covers cuddling in Marco's arms facing the fire that burned in front of them in the fireplace.

"Yes Marco Tulio Decio, but you know very well how I would truly enjoy it. When would you forget what officially you are and start making love to me? We are the same and I like you a lot, Marco. Why can't we enjoy and love each other, as many men and boys do in Rome and here?" The boy said these words as a pray. Marco felt a sting in his stomach as he wished what the boy was telling him, but he could not carry out without betraying his own word and his society's rules. He caressed the clean and silky boy hair tenderly.

"Dart, please turn over so I can see your beautiful eyes." The boy did and Marco rubbed the smooth skin with the back of his hand. "Dart, you are the most beautiful boy I ever met, and nothing would please me more than making love to you; however, for many centuries my family has kept the honour very high. The given word was as the law carved on the marble, never to be destroyed or betrayed; I can't forget it. Rome requested me to care about you and your brother, and I accepted it voluntarily, especially, that day that I found you in the hands of that slave trader." The boy interrupted him with tears dribbling on his cheeks.

"That occurred many months ago, and I must say that my heart was full of joy watching you ordering your soldiers; from that right moment I loved you and I willingly wanted to receive from you what my heart was so eagerly wanting." Marco cleaned the boy's tears and kissed him on the forehead.

"Dart you make things very difficult to me. You cannot imagine my suffering having you between my arms, like now, and not being able to please you and myself." The boy near a whisper said:

"The only thing that I understand is that I worship you and want you to feel affection and care about me forever, forgetting that stupid honour and law." They kept silence for a few moments and Marco dragged the boy to him even tighter than before.

"Dart, my boy, you very well know that my heart is yours forever, so please, help me to overcome all of this. I'll tell you what we can do: once the war is over, I'll request my tutorship be relieved from you. The problem is that you must do something special for Rome, so the Senate declares you free of being tutored because you have matured enough to rule your actions. This is rarely granted to a child of thirteen, as you will soon be." The boy's eyes shone as two little stars as he kissed Marco on the lips.

"I'll do anything that Rome asks me, whenever we reach our goal." He paused and then added: "Can I have something in advance?" Marco grinned; in fact, he wanted to caress that great boy more than anything in the world.

"You are incorrigible Dart..." Saying this, Marco pushed Dart on his back and took his nightshirt away, whispering. "Oh, my goddess, he is so beautiful! I'll never stop saying it." Marco was ready to make something special but never reaching the barrier he had established himself. He dragged the covers down and placed himself at the bottom of the bed. He started kneading the boy's smooth thighs and at the same time, he sucked his toes, one each time. Dart ignored those sensual parts and immediately started breathing hard, his dick hard as a rock jerking with each heartbeat. Marco lapped the boy's internal thighs until he reached his ball-sack, taking it into his mouth both little nuts as Marco disregarded his hot dick. He went up to the boy's head licked his earlobes; then nibbled his neck and his clean armpits, devoid of any signal of puberty. Dart was very near his orgasm and could not resist Marco's caresses. The man was aware of this circumstance, so he missed his nipples and navel and went directly to the boy's hard cock, taking it into his mouth. Dart moaned loudly and after a few sucks, his young white body tensed and raised his hips to meet the man's mouth. He stopped breathing for a few seconds and then groaned as his thin cock started spitting his clear-semen small load. When Marco felt the boy cock deflating he let it out off his lips; then went up to watch his angel face, but Dart was asleep. He held him in his arms, and dragged up the covers he also drifted to sleep; his face showed the best smile of his life.

Three days later Marco came from Julio's residence and found the boys naked playing some sort of play that he did not understand. As soon as they were aware of his presence, they surrounded him exchanging words of affection.

"Boys, sit down; I have excellent news from Rome for all of you." They quieted expectant waiting for Marco's news. He then extracted a scroll from his tunic and said: "By this document, the Senate of Rome confirms what Julio Caesar had already decided, you all are Roman citizens. The boys cheered up and jumped with happiness. After some noisy time, he continued. "These are your Roman names: Doro Julius Diviciaco; Dart Marcus Diviciaco, Denit Flavio Fulgino; and finally Kist Marcelo Decio." As they kept silence Marco explained de second names. The second name comes from the person who sponsored you before the Senate. Denit, since you have no family, Julio thought to give you the name and surname of one of the most prestigious families of Rome. In the case of Dart and Doro, there is not any doubt; and finally, I have adopted Kist as my own son, and my father adopted him as his grandchild." Kist could not stop, and with tears, he jumped into his father's arms.

"Thanks, dad for adopting me; I'll carry your family surname with pride and honour." Once the emotions calmed down, Marco added.

"Julio has told me to celebrate a little ceremony one of these days to give you the scroll of your citizenship." The boys could not be happier, especially Kist and Denit who would meet the great man for the first time. Some days later the ceremony took place; the boys dressed in their little armours and coats of mail, they kneeled in front of the Great General as he hugged one by one, giving them the scroll received from the Senate. It was a great evening, though outside was cold and raining, the boys' cheeks were as pink roses.

"You are now citizens of The Greatest Empire ever existed; I strongly recommend you to carry with honour your names and act with honesty and loyalty for the rest of your lives." The four children answered at unison.

"We swear it for our Great Mother and all gods of Rome." After this, the moments were informal and Julio gave little presents to them. All thanked him; Marco and Flavio Cornelius were present as witnesses and sponsors. They enjoyed the evening and as Julio asked what they wanted to be in the future, the boys did not hesitate to tell him. After dinner, all returned home with their young heart full of emotions and hopes. That was the greatest evening of their lives, which would remain carved in their hearts forever.

CHAPTER 21 ------------------

The new and decisive year of the war had come just a couple of months before. Small battles took place but only as testing the forces of each side. It was clear that the barbarian forces overwhelmed Roman's, but Julio's had the experience and discipline on their side, so this foresaw cruel fights unless there was something that inclined the victory to one of the sides. Julio was explaining this to Marco who did not like the horrible war, with the consequence of many cripples and lamed men. Julio, in a moment of sincerity, said to Marco, while he was being massaged.

"I wish we had not that big river in front of us..."

"Why, sir?" Julio thought for a moment, and after a long pause answered his boy, as he used to call Marco.

"When the offensive starts the river will be the first and principal obstacle on our way to the north. There is only one stone bridge and it will be well defended by many forces; if we try to cross, it will cost many lives and our enemies in Rome will do their best against us, especially against me.

"Isn't there any other possibility, let's say, the engineers building a new bridge, either of stone or wood?

"It will be very hard and with many difficulties, absolutely impossible at this time of the year. We would have to wait at least six months to get a fair chance when the river has less volume of water, and then one year to build the bridge; for that time Vercingetorix would have increased his forces four times. Barbarians are rare and undisciplined; if Vercingetorix wins a little battle many warriors would join his forces immediately, on contrary, if he loses, everybody will abandon him, and they always try to join the winner."

"Do you mean it must be now or never?"

"Well, not exactly; but this opportunity will never come again, at least for a few years, and then it will not be Julio Caesar, but somebody else who carry out this conquest." They stopped the conversation as someone came and Julio was very careful speaking about his problems, except with those who had his entire confidence. Marco finished his task and said goodnights; he was seriously concerned about his dear boss. He arrived home and, as usual, the boys were joking and waiting for him to have dinner. They had changed a lot during the past months; now were more mature; in two weeks all of them, except Kist, would be thirteen. As the children hugged him, Kist noticed his father's worries.

"Father, you have something in your mind that I cannot disclose, as the twins could do. That worries me." Marco ruffled his son's blond-reddish hair.

"Let's have dinner, later we'll talk about my worries." They had supper, and when the servants left, they sat in front of the fire and Marco explained the circumstances of Julio worries and plans. Then Kist asked:

"Father, more or less, can you explain to me where that stone bridge is?" Marco stood and went to one of his shelves and extracted a map that showed approximately the situation of the bridge. Then Kist argued.

"I know that part of The Gauls as my own hand; Yankton and I travelled thru those lands a couple of years ago. We spent six months from one place to another looking for something that he never disclosed me. Why don't they build a wood one far away from that bridge? Rome has capable engineers..."

"Because they need a lot of time and much wood, and they cannot wait." Kist then argued, pointing out with his forefinger to a place far away from the stone bridge.

"Father, all this area is a thick forest with all kind of tall trees. As far as I know, there is not any village in many miles around; an army could be hidden there without being detected, let alone a couple of cohorts formed by carpenters and soldiers. They could build a floating bridge in parts and transport them to the narrowest and deepest part of the river when it is ready. No one would suspect that they are so crazy to try to cross the river by that point and that time when the river receives all the water coming from the melted snow." Then Doro added:

"They could set up wheels on each part to drag them to the river, so in case of someone is watching, he might think they are woodcutters and the parts carts for transporting the wood." Marco eyes shone like emeralds but said nothing. The following day, after the children departure for school, Marco went for his morning visit to Julio; he had some time free for his personal needs before the general meeting with his officers. Marco took the opportunity and told the General the conversation held with the boys. Julio remained silent for some time; abruptly he asked.

"Marco, at what distance can you and the twins transmit your thoughts to each other?"

"I have not measured it, but I would say there is no limitation within the Earth."

"That's an excellent idea, son, I'll expose the boys' explanation to my Generals; I am sure they will appreciate it. Please, come with me as my assistant, probably they will need to make you some questions. If it is as mentioned by Kist and Doro, it will be priceless the information and solution." Later, along the morning the high-rank men arrived. Julio Caesar exposed the idea and all present approved it, as a good solution. Orus' boss was the most enthusiastic amongst all assisting to the meeting.

"If we build that bridge, Kurt's raiders could go thru it in silence with their heavy armoured horses, being a serious setback for Vercingetorix, cutting his possible retreat and help from the north. We could smash his army in a few hours; I'm sure our legions will fight as never before, the prize for all soldiers, especially the veterans, would be great. However, to plan this with efficiency we need time.

One year elapsed and the boys felt stronger in all ways; their friendship was the best part of their lives, more than friends they were brothers having a common father: Marco. The war had continued but with no significant events or battles to decide the final end. It seemed that both parties were gathering all available forces to get forever an end with the conflict. The boys celebrated their fourteenth birthday and felt as little men. Denit had developed hard muscles and was the tallest and strongest of the four; his eyes were as two embers in the night. The twins felt they were the happiest boys of the world, and their wisdom as druids had reached parameters that they never thought even existed, always under the watch of their tutor and father. Finally, Kist was a real young man; he was not intelligent but brilliant; absorbing medicine knowledge like a sponge. He was of great help to his father, solving problems that Marco could no attend. The man always strove for not making any difference amongst them, but his heart was filled with pride about his adopted son. Kist paid him back with love and affection. At that time, all of them had developed the beauty that any child reaches in the breaking point of child and manhood. Kist had continued being a living example of Apollo.

The following months, after the boys 14th birthday, were of advances and retreats by both parties as if they were testing the situation. Near June, two cohorts commanded by Orus arrived; most of the men were carpenters and engineers. After a few days in the big town, the large group apparently headed to the South; in fact, it was a trick to deceive the spies; later on, they would turn to the North. While Orus remained in town, the cohorts were led by his second in command slowly going to their destination. Orus and Marco were having dinner with the children as this informed.

"The time has arrived, my boys. We'll leave tomorrow to meet my taskforce. I'm sorry Marco for taking Doro and Kist with me as the Great General has ordered. Do you know boys? this is an essential part of this war and you have a special role to play, though you are not obliged to come, I understand you have offered your service to the Great Caesar." Marco then said:

"Besides Eduos, they are Roman citizens, though near children." Kist then stared at Marco."

"We aren't children anymore, father; the four of us are fourteen, therefore old enough to fight and defend our oars."

"When is Uncle Kurt due here?" Marco asked.

"I don't know; that's a secret well guarded by the Generals; only a few high officers know it. I suppose it will take some time until we finish the bridge; Doro will transmit the message to Dart when we are ready. The main part of our riders will join us there. Kist is our guide to reach the point as soon as possible and without being detected." With wetted eyes Marco thought this was the first time he would be separated from two of his boys, especially his son Kist; then he said:

"It is time for bed, tomorrow and the next days you have a long trip to go." The boys said goodnights and went to their bed, each one engrossed in his own thoughts. The two brothers slept together for the last night until they met again; most likely months will elapse before that. The following day at dawn, they dropped some tears of farewell; Kist hugged tightly his adopted father.

"Father, I'll come back to go to Rome. If you write to grandpa, tell him I'll be his student, as long as he wants me there."

"I'm sure he will adore you as much as I do. Good luck and good success." More hugs and within a few minutes Orus, ten of his soldiers duly armed, and the two children departed for their destination, all of then riding normal horses. Four days later they met the main group. After the night, they continued their journey to the North; always lead by Kist and Orus. The soldiers were flabbergasted about the boys who always slept together and well guarded; not talking to anyone but to the officers, unless they were asked. After two weeks of a low ride, Kist said to Orus and the other officers.

"We are now in Vercingetorix's domains, beyond this point, we should be as silent as possible. There isn't any village in many miles, but we could meet woodcutters, I suppose we would retain them until our forces come."

"You suppose well, Kist. We won't make any fire during the day, though during the night we can hide it. They entered the thick forest with tall and heavy trees, that made difficult to advance forward with the oxen dragging the heavy carts, but the officers had to admire the boy's knowledge of the land. Doro could have helped with the animals, but he preferred to hide his powers as his father had instructed him unless it was absolutely necessary. After a few days, Kist climbed to a tall pine, and when descended said:

"I have seen the river from the top of the tree, it is about six or seven miles, just where I thought it must be."

"In that case, we'll set up here our quarters, there is a little stream nearby, more than enough for our needs. I don't want to be detected." Orus gave the orders to his officers and immediately the men started cutting tall trees to make a fair clear to build the bridge parts. The tents were established between the trees around the clear. Doro and Kist then went alone to sit on an old dead log as the boy's mind made a connexion with his brother Dart, telling they were safe and Kist near him. Kist could observe tears dribbling along the smooth cheeks of his dear friend.

"Why do you weep?" Kist asked his friend.

"It is the first time we are separated and I miss him. In such a manner he's as my other body half." Kist understood and started rubbing his friend's back.

Everybody rested that night and the following morning at dawn an army of carpenters, smiths, and craftsmen started their work; selecting and cutting large trees and opening a pathway leading to the river. Orus, two of his officers, and the boys rode to the river, always smuggled in the jungle formed by the old trees. Unexpectedly they arrived at a little open space covered with grass; in front of them the great river that looked like a lake. Doro then said:

"It seems the water doesn't move."

"That's apparent, due to the enormous mass of water and especially the deepness, it moves slowly but steady and with tremendous force. This part of the river has not rapids because the land is flat; it is very good for us, here we can build the bridge without any problem. No one can think that we are mad enough to make a bridge over that mass of water."

"Yes. We have good engineers that have spent many months planning this work. Let's go upstream to choose the right place to set up the bridge; we have to consider not only this riverbank but also the other one," one of the officers said; he was one of the specialists on the subject. "If we don't have any unexpected visitors from the enemy warriors for three or four week time, the bridge would be a reality, though it also depends on the weather."

"Jolly good. Let's continue and go back into the forests." Orus ordered. "It would be great to know how the land on the North side is in all its extension until reaching the stone bridge." Doro and Kist grinned slyly. Orus felt a little uneasiness as the boys smiled.

"Why do you smile? Have I said any silly thing?" While the officers rode quickly inspecting the place, Kist said.

"I believe you have in your family an expert on animal interacting. Kurt can enter into the mind of horses and Diviciaco into any animal that had brains; Dart and Doro are Diviciaco's sons and were gifted even more than their father, this is a secret and nobody must know it. That's why he did not help when we had problems with the bullocks. Apart from us boys, only my father and Julio know they are gifted." Orus was as shocked that he could not answer as they started riding back to the forest. Orus then added.

"It seemed strange how Uncle Kurt managed the horses; even the wildest was as tame as a little puppy for him. We were puzzled but never dare to ask him. Now I understand the smiles from Uncle Jan." They interrupted the conversation as the two officers joined them again.

In the town the news regarding the war was scarce, but seemed that the fights were not very hard; both armies were getting ready for a final confrontation that would clearly decide the winner and their fates. Julio had issued a notice addressed to the small and foreign tribes that were joining Vercingetorix's forces, mostly Helvetians and Germans. "Rome would slave or kill anyone, not from The Gauls, and held them as prisoners if they find them fighting. People that do not fight will be disarmed and sent back to their origin's lands. Persons from The Gauls would be treated with respect if Vercingetorix does the same with Roman soldiers." This notice had spread quickly thru all lands, some laughed and some thought carefully about it.

Just as they had begun to build the bridge, Marco and the boys received a great surprise with the visit of Uncle Kurt and his elder son Cletus; at the time an eighteen y/o handsome strong boy. His raiders were some miles away awaiting the order to depart for the North; this cavalry would be the first to cross thru the bridge. They were more than one thousand horsemen, riding heavy armoured strong horses, carrying his large bows and deadly special arrows. Any man would fear to meet these armoured warriors; no armour would be strong enough against their arrows. Marco had never met Kurt, in spite of being living in The Gauls several years; however, he recognized him as he opened the door. He almost shouted:

"Uncle Kurt, Welcome home!" He hugged Kurt that tenderly kissed the cheeks of his sister's son, as he considered Karla until she married Marco's father. Kurt then introduced his eldest son, Cletus.

"This is your cousin Cletus, my elder son." Both young men hugged as if they had known each other for many years. "Who are these beautiful boys, Marco?" Kurt asked. The boys approached with respect to the group. Dart noticed the power emanating from the middle- aged man's mind.

"This is Dart, Diviciaco's son; and this one is Denit, his best friend and the best student in our school; both are under my tutorial authority as ordered by Julio Caesar. Kurt immediately noticed Dart's giftedness. Kurt hugged the boys.

"I knew and admired your father since I was your age, Dart; he was the greatest man and better druid I ever knew. I hope you and your brother have inherited his goodness. I loved him and he loved children above all."

"Thank you, sir; you are very kind. He deserves all our memories." The boys sat near the fire together with Cletus, while Marco and Kurt started an animated conversation, separated from the youngsters.

"How is my sister Karla, your mother, Marco? I have not heard from her in many years. And your father?"

"As far as I know they are quite well. He's a reputed physician in Rome, and my mother is devoted to him. The arrival of Orus' family completed her happiness."

"I wish I could see him again; he taught me many things during the time he remained in our village. As a present, he gave me his own horse to start the breeding farm." He then changed the subject. "I heard about your curing Vercingetorix's son. We used to be best friends when we were children, and shared many things, as any boy did." He grinned slyly.

"I did my best to heal his sickness, Uncle, but I can't do miracles; I'm not the Great Mother. He will not experiment any headache anymore, but he will pass away much before any boy of his age." He paused. "Vercingetorix treated me with respect and I did my best to do what I could save his son. Worten could not have a better father, he reverenced his progenitor. It's petty that Vercingetorix had initiated this war that will cost many lives, though he's not entirely responsible for it."

"I do agree with you, Marco; but unfortunately we can do nothing, though now the balance is even; he probably has forces mounting four to one against us, nevertheless, Roman legions are disciplined and brave, with a large experience in all type of wars." He paused. "By the way, it has been an excellent idea the agreement about looking after the wounded persons."

"Thank you, uncle; the boys have a lot to do with that, they have worked hard in the organization and now are ready to work healing and curing injured persons, no matter whether they are friends or enemies."

"Do you know you have a strong supporter and admirer in the family?" Marco felt curiosity about his uncle's words. He was aware that many persons, most of The Gauls people, supported him, though he had to try to be "The White Druid" for all. Kurt continued. "Your cousin Angela, my eldest daughter wanted to come to fight or at least, to be attending the wounded persons, however, my niece Linda, Jan's daughter, and your admirer, said if Angela comes she would also come as she wanted to be near you." Marco felt flattered himself.

"She has a lovely name, Uncle. How is she?"

"She has the right name, a beautiful blond thirteen-years-old girl, still carrying long plaits. Jan's favourite child right from the time she was born. She will be a good physician because now she spent most of her time with his father attending the patients. Now she must be on the west coast where the war operations have started." Marco sighed.

"She seems to be a good girl. Once all this is over, I promise I'll pay a visit to you to know the rest of the family." Kurt smiled with sarcasm.

"She has only a little defect: she likes girls as much as boys, though we never found her with any, his father told us." Marco felt the need to support the blond girl; after all, he also loved boys and girls.

"This doesn't represent any defect, and much less for an Eduo girl." At that moment Dart and Marco felt how Doro was trying to contact their minds. He kept silent while Dart approached him. Kurt was gifted so he felt something but could not identify. After a few minutes of absolute concentration Marco nodded.

"It was Doro's communication. We don't stay for long just in case there is any druid who could also receive the message. He said the bridge will be ready in time when you arrive. Also, you must carry the two eagles that Julio has in his park, I suppose he's going to use them to check Vercingetorix's forces."

"Is he that powerful?" Cletus asked. His father nodded as Dart's tears wetted his smooth cheeks. Cletus turned his head and asked his new friend. "Why are you weeping?"

"We have never been separated since we were born, and that hurts a lot; I'm sure he's also crying, though he has Orus and Kist with him." Kurt the said:

"I have had a private meeting with Julio and his other Generals; he has suggested you come with me." Marco then pointed out.

"Normally, after the meeting, he will surely want to talk to you privately; then it will be the right moment to deal with the Eagles. This must be kept strictly secret and no one must know about this, otherwise, the child's life could be at risk and Julio loves these children as if they were his."

"Very good. I'll plan to leave the day after tomorrow at dawn. It is a long way and we carry many things with us, so we cannot delay our departure. The men are anxious to demonstrate their braveness to Germans and Helvetians.

End of Part 4