David Nelson Narrates

When Summo and Timo and I arrived in Alice, we were greeted warmly by our entire family… including those who were away at University. My assistant, Eric, quipped, "Well, how does it feel to be a new father again." And, during a short stopover along the way, Amanda and Jenny had welcomed my two little waifs into our close-knit family without reservation.

Truthfully, I was excited by these two boys in ways that were very different from what I had felt when I had first brought Drew 'home'.

For one thing, these two little studs were much more 'active' at night than Drew had ever been. He had been quite satisfied just with cuddling and a bit of stroking. Our love had been… and still was… tender and fulfilling but not very 'active'.

Timo, on the other hand, demanded the full range of boy-sex… including oral… but not fucking. His favorite 'bedtime greeting' was, "Touch me! Touch me! Please TOUCH ME!" while his brother lay there and smirked. But he usually joined in, too. Drew and Li got the full treatment when they were home on break.

But the person most excited by my new sons was Master Keldhar. The gifts they had exhibited were a vastly new challenge for him to understand. Summo clearly was able to detect underground objects and Timo possessed a sensitivity to empathetic messages far beyond any of the rest of us… even Li.

In fact, Keldhar had to keep Timo's empathic ability reigned in somewhat to prevent the poor boy from being overwhelmed by all the sensory messages that abounded in our vicinity. As he learned to channel both 'receiving' and 'sending' he became a much happier boy.

Occasionally, Keldhar directed Timo to 'cast his net widely' and several times he had detected children or adults who were in danger or distress. Immediate help had been dispatched and the person was restored. But tight secrecy was kept to prevent the benefactors from knowing who it was that led to their rescue.

But our mentor's most excitement concerned Summo's heretofore unknown ability. Somewhat like ground-penetrating radar, there was no doubt he could detect objects that were buried beneath us… often at rather significant depths. Abandoned underground pipes were often found… ones that were not on any plan or blueprint. Even a few rather rare objects that had lain quietly undetected through the ages. There was simply no record in any of the sources that Keldhar was able to tap that such a paranormal ability even existed.

But, quite often the two of them… both Summo and Timo… acted in tandem and the results could be simply staggering.

One afternoon the two boys and I were in town in search of that forbidden delight that Keldhar insisted was simply not good for growing boys… or their elders, either. As we strolled along on the way to the pizza shop, Timo suddenly looked up at me and asked, plaintively, "Why is little boy crying?"

Given his ability to 'hear' things that no one else could sense, I was suddenly concerned. "Where do you believe this little boy is?" I asked, not at all prepared for his answer.

"There," he replied, pointing down at the tarmac.

"You mean under the street?"

"Yes."

Summo had joined us by this time and began to trace out an area of about three meters square. "Is room under road," he told us.

"Oh! He much sad and hungry," Timo began to wail. "He afraid he die like others!"

I spotted the outline of a manhole cover under the tarmac, but could see no way we could raise it to investigate. Both Li and Drew were studying at home on break, so I interrupted them, Li! I need your help! And an instant later they were both standing beside us.

By this time we were impeding traffic and a Traffic Warden came zooming up on his cycle and inquired, "What's going on here?"

"There's some sort of space under the road and there's an injured boy trapped in it," I replied.

"See, there's an old manhole cover that's been tarred over," added Drew.

"You're from that special school, yes?" asked the Warden.

"He be soon dead!" broke in Timo.

Li decided to take matters into his own hands. Clenching his jaw and squinting, he lifted the cover and laid it on the street, revealing an opening with a ladder.

"Here now!" admonished the Warden, "you can't do that! It's not properly guarded."

Li disappeared for a moment and returned with a set of flags and barriers, putting them in place in front of the astonished Warden. "There! Everything's OK, now."

Timo dashed over to the manhole and, before I could stop him, he descended into the space below. "Wait!" shouted Li too late, as he teleported himself into the hole.

Emerging a minute later with Timo in his arms he told us, "There is some sort of cell or cage with a kid down there, chained to the wall. It looks like he's been there for some days. And there's the remains of several others as well. You had better call for help, Warden."

Well past being shocked by this time, the Warden summoned the EMT squad and Constable Taylor.

Taylor descended into the hole and found things as Li had described them. Li joined him and, together, they penetrated the cell… mostly Li's doing… and lifted the boy to the surface.

I took one look at the emaciated boy and made a connection. "It's the boy you tried to save from Pastor Lamborn*, isn't it?"
[* see href="https://www.asstr.org/~pza/stories/Maiocxx/Travels_with_Drew_and_Li_B.html#9">chapter 9 of Travels with Drew and Li]

"Spot on!" Li confirmed. "Only ever found out his first name, Connor. Looks like he must have fallen into his clutches once more. There's also the remains of three or four others, so he's obviously not the only one who's been left there to die."

As the boy was trundled off to hospital, Constable Taylor summoned help. "There's a locked grate beyond the cell and a tunnel leading somewhere. We'll need to follow it to determine how these kids came to be in the cell."

"Well, I can get you through the gate," offered Li. Taylor nodded and the two of them descended underground once more, careful not to disturb remains of the other occupants of the cell.

Meanwhile, Summo began to pace off what could only be described as a tunnel which led to the side of the street, then up the hill toward Pastor Lamborn's church. Below ground, Li and Constable Taylor followed the 'tunnel' until it exited into the basement of the church.

They were amazed to find a sort of dungeon although there were no current occupants. Searching the rest of the building, they finally came upon a sacristan who told them that Lamborn was 'on retreat' and might be gone for several weeks. So there would be no answers from him for a while.

While they were gone, Chief Investigator Marshall arrived with his team and they set about securing the 'cell' and removing the remains of the other boys.

Once Li and the constable rejoined the rest of us, Drew and Li told him and Inspector Marshall about their experience with the boy, Connor. Marshall made detailed notes and agreed that he would question him once the doctors felt he was strong enough.

Thanking us for our assistance, he sent us on our way. Since they were already there, Drew and Li decided to join us at the pizza parlor.

***

The next morning Marshall's office called to request our help when he went to see the boy. So the five of us agreed to meet him at hospital that afternoon. We had filled Master Keldhar in and he agreed we should give the civil authorities whatever help we could. All of us were appalled at what we had discovered and its implications.

Marshall met us at hospital and told us what he had discovered about Connor. "He's a local boy and we traced his parents, but they insisted they do not have a son… at all, let alone one named, Connor. We hope to identify the cadavers thru a DNA match, but that will take some time."

"This whole thing reeks, but we have little to go on until we can locate Pastor Lamborn. So, our conversation with Connor may not be very fruitful."

"If I may suggest an approach," said Drew, "it might be better if Li and I talked to him first. Your presence, Inspector, might freak him out."

"My concern, entirely," Marshall agreed. "So why don't you proceed."

Drew and Li entered Connor's room and were with him for quite some time.

When they emerged, the story they related was shocking to say the least.

"We're both sure he's the kid we had with us that time," Drew began. "After he ran from us, he did live with the aboriginal group north of here for a quite a while. But the elders there objected to his presence, so he was forced to leave. He tried to return to his parents again, but they would have nothing to do with him."

"Actually," added Li, "they sold him to Lamborn for a few euros. He took Connor in and immediately began to abuse and torture him. After months of this, he put him the underground cage and left him there to starve."

"He seems to trust us, but is still very quite frightened by all of you. He's afraid you'll simply return him to Lamborn. We tried to assure him, we would not let that happen. He's thirteen-years-old, by the way, and is sure his parents would just throw him out again. Both Li and I have 'read' him and we are sure he's telling the truth."

"Well," said the Inspector, "once the doctors release him, I guess we'll turn him over to Child Protective Services until we get tings sorted out."

"Inspector," I interrupted, "Since he knows us, I think we could provide a place for him that would be safe and allow him to move beyond this."

"Yes, might be a good approach," Marshall agreed.

So I made arrangements for Eric to look after Connor after his release. He would enlist the help of some of our students to keep after the boy so he would not feel compelled to run away again."

About a week later, Marshall told us the dead boys' parents, likewise, claimed they had no sons. "It gets more weird every day. But, I've placed a watch for Lamborn and we'll pick him up as soon as he appears. Perhaps, then, we get some answers, but it looks like Lamborn… and perhaps the parents, also… may have to answer to charges of gross child abuse resulting in death or even murder."

***

It was some weeks later before we heard anything further. In the meantime, Connor was welcomed at the School and seemed to thrive in his new 'family'. It even turned out that he had some slight empathic ability, and Timo… even though a few years younger… became his 'mentor'.

But one afternoon, Inspector Marshall called with disquieting news. "Lamborn managed to slip past my men and has barricaded himself inside his church with all the families who are members… men, women and children. Could you possibly give us some assistance?"

A short time later all of us… Eric, Peter, Li, Drew and me, and even Summo and Timo… were gathered at the tunnel entrance with the Inspector's 'swat' team. "We believe they are armed and planning some sort of mischief," he explained. "But it would help if we had a better idea of what is going on."

"Well, I can read a lot of anger and fright," said Drew and both Li and Timo agreed. "But I can't be more specific."

"Well," said Marshall, "we could invest them, but it might turn into a blood-bath and there are women and children to consider."

"I could maybe get in and see," piped up Timo. "Through tunnel."

"Absolutely not!" I replied. "One of us or a constable will have to try."

"But you be big and seen right away. I little and can hide."

"The boy's got a point," said Marshall. "Could he…"

"Timo, are you sure? It could be very dangerous!"

"Yes, Papa! Want to save kids. If they see me, I run back down tunnel and be safe."

"I'll wait at the cell," offered Li, "and I'll teleport him out if he's in any danger.".

"OK," I said reluctantly, "but don't take any chances." He gave me a big hug and he and Li disappeared down the tunnel.

Almost ten minutes went by before they emerged, Li carrying Timo, who was coughing.

"They going to attack school with spray guns. Kill all students and teachers. Not know what is in sprayers. Not smell anything. They fill sprayers from big barrel."

"Some men have big fight with pastor. Kick over barrel and it start to leak. Some water from barrel get on me. It not hurt but feel sick in belly."

It was then I noticed he was having trouble breathing.

"SARIN! They've got sarin" I yelled, grabbing Timo from Li. "He needs atropine!"

Ever since the sarin attacks in Tokyo, every town and city in Australia had formed a HASMAT team against such an attack and ours was well-trained and equipped. They were there in a flash and immediately decontaminated both Li and Timo and gave my little son an atropine injection before bundling both off to hospital, with me following.

The HASMAT team began to seal off the area around the church and evacuate the area. It would several days before the gas would break down enough to permit the swat team to break into the church.

At hospital, Dr. Petersen, the resident internist, soon delivered Li back into the hands of his very concerned dads with instructions to take him home and put him to bed. He had received a very small amount of the sarin off Timo's skin and that had been quickly neutralized by the HASMAT team.

Although he tried to be positive about Timo, it was clear my little boy had received a full dose of the chemical and it would be some time before we could determine whether he had suffered any lasting damage. He would remain on a respirator until… and unless… he recovered enough to breath on his own again and regained consciousness.

"I want to stay with him," I told everyone and Dr. Petersen agreed although he warned me it might be some time before Timo responded to the antidote. Despite vociferous complaint from his brother, I was firm, "Drew, please take Summo back to school. I promise to let you know the minute there is any change."

***

The room was quiet, save for the gentle sound of the respirator. As I watched my son's chest rise and fall, I berated myself, How could I have let him do such a dangerous thing? One that might yet claim the life of this marvelous boy?

I wanted to pick him up and press his body close to me and somehow infuse him with the spark of life again.

But, of course, I could not.

Throughout the night, as I kept my vigil, I dozed intermittently and fitfully… tortured by nightmares: Timo being consumed by fire… Timo being hanged… Timo being strangled by a serpent… in each case me trying in vain to save him. Over and over again, I asked myself, Why did I let him do it? How could I have been so stupid? By morning, I was exhausted and drenched in tears and sweat.

Suddenly, I felt a hand gently on my shoulder and I turned to find Drew standing there with Summo followed by Li and his dads in the room doorway.

He had obviously 'read' my sorrow and self-hate, and he drew me to my feet and embraced me as he sought to console me. "Dad, you've got to stop beating yourself! You did the right thing! And you and Timo are both heroes! Li assures me Timo will recover."

"That's right," added Li. "He just needs time to recover and he'll be spot on!"

"Can you imagine," Eric broke in. "what would have happened if he had not warned us what Lamborn and his demented followers were planning? Most of Alice would be dead and the school and all our students and masters likewise. You averted a massacre!"

Suddenly, Summo managed to wiggle away from Peter and jumped onto his brother's bed. Clutching his body, he wailed, "WAKE UP, BROTHER! PLEASE WAKE UP!"

Just then, Doctor Petersen strode into the room. Seeing Summo on the bed and Timo's mask and IV's askew, he was about to explode when…

Timo suddenly blinked his eyes and started to sit up. "What is wrong? Why you all sad? Why am I in hospital?"

"Oh Timo," burbled his brother, "you be very sick! But now you be OK!"

While the rest of us watched speechless, Drew sat down on the edge of his bed and told him what had happened and that he was a brave hero for saving us all.

It took a while for him to grasp everything and he had to submit to Doctor Petersen's thorough exam. But finally we were allowed to take him home.

And, gradually, things began to be a bit normal again.

That is, is life is ever 'normal' at the Alice Springs School For Exceptional Boys!

Epilogue

Even having been warned of the potential sarin attack, the HASMAT team had had to work tirelessly to avert a major catastrophe. Since sarin in gaseous form is heavier than air, it flows downhill and the spill from the church inundated most of the business district.

Fortunately, all the shoppers and shopkeepers were evacuated in time. As were any residents close to the church, although most of the houses were empty… Lamborn's followers. But most businesses in the affected area would suffer severe losses during the three days until the sarin had disintegrated.

When the team was finally able to enter the church, they found forty-three bodies… men, women and children. And, after a public memorial service, they were buried in a common grave in the park created from the demolished church and the empty houses.

2. A Brace of Cousins

If you have been following this series and its predecessor, you have probably been asking, "Whatever happened to the son that Drew Nelson had been forced to sire on Mel'i, the Amazon native girl he met in the Amazon Jungle?" You can read about how that happened in chapter 2:

Characters:
David Nelson; Drew (Uncle Drew) Nelson; Andrew Nelson Crawley (10yo); Evonne Goolagong and her husband Roger Crawley; Summo (12yo); Timo (10yo); Tu'a and Mel'i, now grown to adulthood.

As for what has happened to this child since, read on and all… or at least much… will be revealed.

David Nelson Narrates

Prolog: A Brace of Cousins

After Drew's and Li's rescue from the jungles of the Amazon and Li's subsequent recovery from his injuries, there had remained several pressing matters:

• If Mel'i carried to term the child that had been forced upon her by her mother, how would she… at age 12… ever be able to care for and raise the child?
• Moreover, who would care for Mel'i and her twin, Tu'a, as they grew into adulthood? They could certainly never return… as children or even adolescents… to their people.
• What role could Drew possibly play in the upbringing of his child? He fully expected to acknowledge the child when he came of age, but was certainly not prepared to take on parenting at his young age.

A Brace of 'Cousins'

Ten years have now passed since Andrew Nelson Crawley came into this world and time is drawing near for Drew to acknowledge his progeny. He had embarked on a successful career as Master Keldhar's assistant… a position he shared with his lover, Li… at the Alice Springs School for Exceptional Boys. And he was a frequent visitor at the Crawley home, always being introduced to young Andrew as 'Uncle Drew'.

Tu'a had trained as a qualified pilot and was engaged in slowly bringing his people into contact with the modern world, but careful to preserve their traditions.

Mel'i… in addition to being a full-time mom… had developed into a skilled artist whose works were beginning to garner notice from galleries around the world.

There was no doubt the love the Crawleys had for them and they had provided the support these two jungle children needed to thrive and grow into responsible adults, at home in our world but still grounded in the world they had come from. At the same time, their understanding had allowed Drew to come to terms with the young life he had unwillingly helped to create, but was still willing to accept as his own. Evonne and Roger were in full agreement with his plan as were all the rest of our extended 'family'.

I had been a rather infrequent visitor as we agreed it was well not to burden young Andrew with too many complicated relatives, so it had been four years since I had seen him. By all accounts, he had grown into a sturdy, rather quiet and studious pre-teen, ready to step out into a new life he was, as yet, unawares of. He did well in school but made few lasting friends. He loved his mother and the Crawley's, but it was increasingly obvious he wanted to know his birth father.

So, it was with some surprise, I received a call from my son during his latest visit to Carns.

"Dad, I'm planning to tell Andrew his story on his birthday next week. Mel'i, Evonne and Roger all agree it's time. And I'm ready."

"I think that's spot on," I replied. "If there is any way I can help…."

"Well, yes there is," he told me. "We're pretty sure he has the gift of empathy and I'd like to enroll him, in the School if that's the case. So I'd like him to visit the School and get to know what we do there."

"Good idea. Why don't you bring him down? That would be cool."

"And," he continued, "I'd like him to meet you and your boys and Master Keldhar and Li and Eric and Peter… get to know some of the rest of the family before you are all suddenly dumped on him."

"Sounds like a plan," I assured him.

"But I need to stay here with Mel'i, Evonne and Roger for a few days to work things out legally, so would you be up to having him and getting the process started?"

I thought for a minute. Then, "Why not? It would be cool to get to know my grandson and I was sure the boys will be quite ready to accept a new 'cousin' into the family." Actually, they would be Andrew's uncles, but I wasn't going to make much of that.

"How cool is that? If you can be ready, I'll put him on the morning flight. And you'll have four days before the big event."

"Right on!"

"Dad, have I told you lately how much I love you and how lucky I have been to have had a dad like you?"

"Please, let's not get all sentimental. But it's nice to hear you say so."

"Mel'i and the Crawley's will be there for his birthday and Mom and Jennie… and maybe even Tim. Better convince Keldhar we need lots of room."

"I'll take care of it." After all, I am the administrator of the School and that should count for something.

***

The Qantas flight from Carns was on time the next morning as the boys and I stood just beyond the wicket… Summo and Timo in a state high excitement… well so was I.

Finally, he came skipping through the barrier, accompanied by a Qantas attendant. Summo and Timo wanted to dash to him, but I held them in check. Andrew looked our way and immediately pointed me out to his 'minder'… I was pleased he recognized me.

"Welcome to Alice!" I greeted him, hugging him to me.

He returned my hug and giggled, "I'm glad to be here, Uncle David. Uncle Drew and Uncle Roger and Aunt Evonne and Mom told me all about you and this wonderful school you have."

"And I can't wait to tell you about it, but here are two lads who are excited to get to know you and they'll be grand to show you around. Summo and Timo, please welcome Andrew!" They needed no further urging and enveloped him in a big hug, as we all proceeded to the baggage carrel.

Turning to the Attendant, I said, "Thank you Miss… is it Murramarang… for caring for him."

"Yes it is," she replied. "And he was no difficulty at all. A very polite young boy, although he was a bit afraid at start… his first flight, you know… but soon got over that. I take it you are his uncle?"

"Actually," I replied, "I'm his grandfather, but he doesn't know that… yet. His birthday is next week and he'll meet quite a few family members then."

"Sounds like quite an exciting time."

"It certainly will be. And thank you again for your help."

She tipped her cap and disappeared into the Flight Crew office.

The three boys had skipped on ahead… already fast friends… and were waiting, baggage in hand.

Timo pulled me aside and whispered, Dad! You should have seen it! His case just jumped off the track and into his hand.

"Well, I cautioned him, perhaps he has a gift or two we don't know about. I'm sure he has been reading all of us just as you've been reading him. But don't make a fuss about it… just enjoy his visit. He nodded with a big grin and ran ahead to catch up with his brother and new 'cousin'.

That night, the four of us slept in my bed. Sleeping naked was a new experience for Andrew but it was soon quite evident he enjoyed the closeness. No sex; just hugging and snuggling.

***

At my urging over the next two days, he readily allowed my two urchins to introduce him to the School and all its inhabitants while I observed. He seemed impressed and very interested in the gifts that were displayed by both masters and students. Keldhar was away, so he wouldn't get to meet him until his third day with us.

The next two nights, Summo and Timo insisted on having him with them, but I cautioned them, "Don't get too frisky with him. I don't know how much bed-time experience he's had. You can have fun, but don't overwhelm him."

"We won't", they assured me. I'll bet!

Each morning, Summo reported, "He's a lot of fun, but … well… we had to teach him a few things." All three of them giggled at that statement. "And he's a quick learner!" Timo assured me.

***

On the third day, Keldhar was back and I took Andrew to meet him… and so we could ascertain what gifts he really had. The two of them spent quite a bit of the day together and I joined them in mid-afternoon.

"David," he announced, "what a fine young man you have brought us. Yes, he is an empath and also exhibits some telekinesis. In many ways, he reminds me very much of your Drew." Our mentor, of course, knew the details of Andrew's life, but was careful not to tip Drew's hand.

But it was all in vain! Looking him squarely in the eyes, "Master," Andrew asked forcefully, "Uncle Drew is really my birth father, isn't he?"

Keldhar looked pained for a moment and then threw up his hands. "Yes, he is," he answered softly. Andrew seemed on the verge of tears, so Keldhar took him in his arms. "He will tell you himself at your birthday. There are some important reasons you have not been told until now and I would like him to be the one to tell you. Please, will you trust me in this?"

Andrew nodded and seemed to take Keldhar's words to heart. But he was very quiet and introspective for the rest of the day. My boys realized something had happened, but I assured them everything was OK.

That night he asked to be alone with me, so foisted my two off on Li… he was delighted to bed my two stud-muffins.

I waited with some trepidation for him to finish his shower. And, at last, he appeared, wrapped in one of my bath-sheets. He hesitated a few moments before deciding to 'bare all' to me.

I had never seen him completely naked before and, when he dropped the towel and pirouetted, I gasped. Except for a slightly lighter skin color, he was the image of Tu'a I had first seen from the dock at Manaus. A sturdy, raven-haired, well-built lad with muscles and bulges in all the right places, his boy-parts well-formed and just right for his age.

"Do you like what you see?" he asked plaintively.

I could only nod.

"They said you would… Summo and Timo."

OK, what had my two rascals fomented?

"May I sleep with you?"

I was going to say no?

We slid into bed together. As he spooned up against me, I wrapped him in my arms and I could imagine what Drew must have felt when he bedded Tu'a years ago. He was so warm and soft….

We lay there for some time, but finally he wiggled around and faced me.

And began to cry softly.

I held him close, "Andrew? What's wrong?" I was sure I knew, but I wanted him to confirm it. "Are you unhappy that Drew is your real father?"

"No! It's just that…"

"You were shocked to learn that today?"

"No. I knew before I asked Master Keldhar."

"How long have you known?"

"I think I've always known."

That shocked me.

"But what I don't understand," he continued, "I know he loves me, but why didn't he want me to know?"

"As Master Keldhar said," I answered him, "there are some important reasons and he will explain everything on your birthday. "He loves you very much and …

"I know."

"Then, please let him tell you. Please!"

"OK. I can tell you think it's very important, so I'll wait. I trust you and Master Keldhar,"

I heaved a sigh of relief. And dried his tears with my hands.

But then he asked, "Now can we have some fun?"

"What kind of fun?" I croaked.

"You know!" he giggled, turning over and spooning with me once more. "Like you have with Summo and Timo."

OK, what have these two rascals of mine put in his head?

So, I asked him, "May I touch you?"

"You mean down here?" he giggled as he grabbed my hand and placed it squarely on his little package. And I began to stroke the hard stick that had suddenly appeared between his legs.

"Ohhhhhhh! That feels so goooooood!" he purred.

And that small soft ass wiggling against me gave me feelings I had only imagined I still had. It had been quite a few years since I had had his father in my bed. Yes, Summo and Timo were exciting, but in subtly different ways. And as we lay there, I realized a few things about my grandson:

Although they had loved and succored both Andrew and his mother, Roger and Evonne Crawley had never given him physical love beyond simple hugs,

Drew had never been in a position to love him physically,

My boys had awakened in him a deep hunger for the kind of love only men and boys can share and

We were his first.

Flipping him over on his back, I placed those warm, glorious boy-legs over my shoulders and took his quite adequate erection into my mouth. His gasp and squeal told me all I needed to know about how much he loved what I was doing to him and the feelings it aroused.

I tried to prolong his mounting excitement, but finally took him 'over the edge' and he spasmed for what seemed like minutes, even depositing a few drops of his juice on my tongue. It was some time he returned to earth and lay in my arms again. "Timo said you would show me something exciting and that you were very good at it," He confessed.

Did these two scalawags of mine have no shame at all? I guess I hoped not, but did I have any shame? Definitely not!

We slept away the rest of the night in a warm, tender embrace.

***

The next morning, I put in a hurried call to Drew. "I'm sorry to tell you but the cat is out of the bag. He asked Keldhar right out yesterday if you are his dad. Of course, Keldhar couldn't lie or dissemble… he would have picked that up right away. And it seems he's been sure for some time. His only problem is he doesn't understand why you hid it from him."

"Oh well," Drew replied, "I guess he's much too sharp to fool. I should have known better. We'll be there tomorrow afternoon and his mom and I will sit down with him then."

"He's looking forward to it. He trusts us all that you had a good reason."

And the next afternoon, father and son bonded. Mel'i and I wefe privileged to be present at the scene and it was lovely and warm beyond measure.

***

As their part of the birthday celebration, Evonne and Roger had planned a short 'Naming Ceremony' to be conducted by their good friend, Father Vincent dePaul.

We all gathered in the pavilion in Alice's 'Olive Pink Botanic Garden'.

"Good friends and family," Father Vincent greeted us. "We are here on a very special day to join with a very special boy in celebration. Today, he will leave the family of his step-parents and be acknowledged by his birth parents. It is a step he has longed for for years even though he has loved his step-parents dearly and they have loved him. Evonne and Roger, will you and Andrew please come forward,"

When they had taken their places, he continued, "Andrew, do you wish to say something to your step-parents?"

"Yes, Father Vincent." And turning to Evonne and Roger, he told them. "I can't begin to tell you how much I love you and thank you enough for the love you have shown to Mom and me and for the home you have given us." And he hugged them both. "But it is now time for me to leave your home and begin to learn my destiny." Quite a statement, don't you think?

Roger reached down and put his arms about the lad and said, "You have made our lives complete, Andrew… you and Mel'i… and we should thank you. Know that you will ever have our love and our fervent wishes for a bright and shining future."

"Drew, will you Mel'i please join us." And my son and Andrew's Mom joined the circle.

"Andrew Scott Nelson do you freely acknowledge that Andrew Crawley is your natural son? Will love him, discipline him and raise him to be a credit to God Almighty and our Beloved King?"

"I do and I will, Father," Drew answered.

"Andrew, do you wish to say something to your father?"

"Dad… and Mom, too… I have always loved you and will forever. I hope to always make you proud of me."

"Thank you, Andrew," said his mother. Turning to Drew, she quipped, "Well, I guess we both have a son, now."

"Then," concluded Father dePaul, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I declare that you are Andrew Crawley Nelson, the son of Mel'i Crawley and David Nelson. Let us give thanks and praise for this day and for this family. Amen."

Everyone wanted to bless the new 'family' and wish them well. Two of those present… Summo and Timo… were especially excited to learn their new 'cousin' would now live and go to school with them. The rest of the day was a blur.

***

While Andrew's father… my son, Drew… and his lover, Li, would be away at University, Andrew would live with me and my boys and begin his studies at the school. Summo and Timo were deliriously happy with the arrangement and it was soon apparent Andrew, and my boys would be sort of an unmatched trio. Like a set of triplets, they were together everywhere… in classes, at meals, at sports, in bed and yes, even in mischief.

We had given them there own 'suite' in our expanded quarters on campus. At night the triumvirate made the rounds, giving equal time to me and Eric and Peter, one night at a time in each 'port-of-call'.

At long last fully knowing who and what he was, Drew's son settled into the life of Alice Springs School For Exceptional Boys with bright promise for the future. He now had a large family with both a mom and a dad and his dad's lover, Li… and Li's dads and his 'cousins', and a granddad and even a grandma and an aunt… who loved and cherished him. A mentor who was surely the wisest man on earth, and a whole school of masters and fellow students who welcomed him without reservation. And, not the least, the Crawleys who had sheltered him and his mom when they had been most vulnerable.

Just for the record, Drew and Mel'i did not marry, but remained forever good friends and exceptional parents.

Life for Andrew Crawley Nelson… for all of us… was good!

But he was about to unwittingly spring upon us a huge surprise that astounded us all… even him.

3. A Frightening Gift

David Nelson continues to narrate

One day, I took the three boys into town for a bit of 'forbidden' food at one of the local pizza restaurants. We had just finished up and were walking back to the school when the world suddenly changed irrevocably.

We had just left the 'den of iniquity' (Keldhar's description, not mine) and had started walking when… it's hard even now to describe. My two had skipped on ahead… usual for them… while Andrew walked with me.

To my absolute horror, a lorry came careening down the street, out of control, swerved onto the sidewalk and struck my boys, tossing them into the air, killing them instantly and coming to rest against the building there.

Completely frozen for a moment as anguish overtook me, I had just started to take a step toward them, when Andrew grabbed my hand. There was a momentary flash of light and the four of us were just leaving the shop again. Completely awash with feelings of horror, fright and relief I just stood there clutching Andrew's hand.

Timo immediately picked up on my feelings and the two of them turned to us. "Dad! What's wrong? What's happened?"

Before I could even begin to reply, the lorry again made its deadly dance onto the sidewalk down the block, crashing into the building, capturing the boys' attention.

It took me some moments to think coherently enough to recognize what had transpired.

Turning to Andrew and grabbing both his hands, I gasped, "You took us back in time?" Deathly pale, his dark eyes bored into mine as he slowly nodded, before he slumped to the ground unconscious.

Li and Drew were home on break from University and I instinctively called "Li! Emergency! I need you!", as I sank to the ground and cradled Andrew in my arms. Summo and Timo spun about and stood rooted to the spot as Li and Drew both materialized before us.

Drew immediately knelt beside me and asked, "What happened? Is he ill"

"No", I answered, "at least I don't think so." Still trying to get my head around what I had experienced, I managed… barely… to give everyone a halting account of what I believe had happened.

"He saved us from death?" screeched both Summo and Timo, dissolving into hysterical tears.

"You believe he sent you back in time?" asked Li.

I nodded dumbly.

Drew took his son from me as Li joined us on our knees, placing his hands on Andrew's forehead.

"There doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong," he announced. "He just seems terribly exhausted." Turning to me he asked, "You're sure what you saw?" Again, I nodded. "Then," he said rising, "we need to go to Master Keldhar at once."

And a few seconds later, we all stood in Keldhar's office, much to his shock.

Gathering himself, he asked, "What's going on?"

"Master," Li answered him, "something has happened that is a profound shock to all of us. Go on, tell him about it," he encouraged me.

And so, I related what had happened as I observed it. "He's not making this up," added LI when I had finished.

"I know he's not," gasped Keldhar, even more shocked than we were.

After a moment or two of silence, he took charge. "We need to examine Andrew closely. Here, lay him on my couch and let's get his clothes off." The boy's clothes disappeared instantly. "Thank you, Li," our mentor grumbled. As he began to gently probe Andrew's body.

After some minutes, he confirmed Li's findings. "Assuming what you experienced is true," he told me, "this is completely unprecedented!"

At that moment, Andrew awakened and struggled to sit up. "Are they safe?" he shouted. "Wait! Where am I? And where are my clothes?"

"Here, cover him with this blanket," Keldhar directed as both he and Drew knelt beside him as our Master told him, "Andrew, you are in my office and it appears you have done something that has very seldom been done before. Can you tell us about it?"

Andrew hesitated for a moment, but then confirmed my account, adding, "I knew they were going to die and I had to save them and…. and…. and something clicked in my head and we were back at the shop again."

Summo and Timo had been silent, rooted to their spots throughout all of this, but they came alive rushing over to Andrew and embracing him. "You saved us! You saved us!" And both they and Andrew burst into tears once more.

Drew and Keldhar both began to broadcast calming and they soon subsided. "Andrew," Keldhar consoled him, "it appears you may have a gift that no one knows about."

"Am I a freak?"

"No, I'm sure yours is a gift from God. We just don't know quite yet how to help you use and control it. But together we will study it and learn."

"Now," he said standing, "I think a good night's sleep would be good for all of us."

Since Andrew had joined our 'family' we all had moved into new quarters… a new building that contained four suites with bedroom and sitting room, and a common area with a lounge. I took my boys firmly by their hands and walked the short distance to our suite while Drew picked up his son and he and Li followed. Eric and Peter were already there, so Li gave them a short accounting of what had taken place.

My boys had just started their showers, when there was a knock on our door. I opened it to find Drew.

"Please, Dad, I have a favor to ask. Can I borrow Summo and Timo for tonight? Andrew wants to have just the two of them tonight. They can use my suite."

"Of course," I answered. "I'll bring them over in a few minutes."

As soon as they were dry, I told my two, "Andrew wants to spend tonight with just you two. I think he needs a lot of love tonight… just hugging and snuggling, though… no sex."

They both nodded solemnly and I walked them over to Drew.

"Li's spending the night with his dads," he informed me after we tucked the three boys in, making sure they could alert us if they needed to. "Do you think you and I might….?"

It had been a long time since I and my now-grown-up son had snuggled together in bed.

***

When I awoke the next morning, Drew was gone and two little bodies were snuggled against me. "Morning, Dad," yawned Summo. "Uncle Drew came and got Andrew, so we thought we should come home," explained his sleepy partner.

"How did it go?"

"We cried a lot and just hugged. He's really frightened about what happened. But then we all drifted off to sleep." With a bit of help from Keldhar I guessed.

After getting them dressed, fed and off to school, I made my way to our mentor's office, arriving just in time to hear Andrew ask, "How far back do you think I can send someone?"

"Ah! There you are," Keldhar greeted me. "I was just about to send for you. Please join us as we try to unravel this mystery."

Turning back to Andrew, he replied to his question. "Andrew, we don't know the answer to that question and several others quite yet. How did you trigger the event when you saw your friends in great danger? How can you control it? It may be some time before we know these things and can help you… actually, all of us… to understand your gift. And it is a gift, I am most positive."

"Master, you know Li and I must leave for school this afternoon," interrupted Drew.

"Yes, I know and I surmise Andrew will miss you both but will be in good hands with your dad."

I nodded vigorously.

"I have asked help from a colleague of mine who has studied the problems of time and space and he will be here tomorrow. In the meantime, it would be best if Andrew and your boys were together as much as possible, so I will excuse them from classes. Would you like that, Andrew?"

"Oh yes, sir! I'm just so glad they are still alive and I want to hug them."

"Then, it's settled."

"Dad," Drew said to me, "I know you will take good care of Andrew, so I'm OK having to leave for university. And if you need help from either Li or me, well…"

***

All three of my wiggly bed-warmers were with me that night and, despite their enthusiasm, the night was much more calm. But, I knew there were many concerns bubbling around in that raven head.

The three of them, unexpectedly released from classes, spent the morning bringing chaos to our 'suite' and it was after lunch 'til Keldhar summoned us.

We arrived to greet the colleague he had invited. "Everyone, this is Doctor Cameron Nueton from the University of Chicago. Cam, please meet David Nelson and his sons, Summo and Timo, and Andrew, his grandson. It was Andrew who rescued his two young friends."

"And I'm just grand to meet all of you," replied Doctor Nueton, "and looking forward to exploring this marvelous situation with you. I hope you will all call me 'Doctor Cam' or just plain 'Cam' like my students and colleagues do."

"I'm very glad to meet you, Doctor Cam," Andrew greeted him, as we all shook hands and settled into the circle of chairs Keldhar had set up for us.

"And I am so very happy to meet all of you," replied Cam, "and I hope I might be of help in solving this mystery that has engulfed all of you."

"Andrew," he continued, "why don't start by telling me exactly what you experienced."

"Well, even now it seems like a dream. There we were just walking along and, suddenly, there was this lorry and I knew Summo and Timo were going to be killed and…. and…. and I knew I had to save them somehow and then I did and we were back at the pizza shop again."

"And David, you remember what happened, also?" Cam asked me.

"Yes," I replied, "but I'm having trouble remembering all the details, too. But my boys were killed and I was horrified and then we were leaving the shop and they were safe. I do remember asking Andrew if he had sent us back in time and he confirmed it. I wish I could be more specific,"

"Don't be concerned, you've both done well," the doctor assured us.

"We don't remember anything," added my two. "Just that we were walking back to the school and Andrew suddenly started say that he saved us and then collapsed like he was sick. And then Uncle Li and Uncle Drew appeared and we were suddenly here in Master Keldhar's office."

"Thank you very much, all of you," Doctor Nueton assured us.

"Now I guess some explanations are in order," he continued. "But to tell you the truth, there's not much to explain, as we don't know very much. Suffice it to say, the idea of time travel has been around for a very long time. Of late, it's mostly been the provenience of science-fiction writers."

"But ever since Doctor Einstein made us all feel like schoolboys… and rather dull ones at that… with his shocking theory that space and time were all part of the same continuum, well…. To put it as simply as I am able, since we can travel about from place to place, we should be able to do the same within time. We just don't know how."

"You, my young friend," he said, addressing Andrew, "seem to have found a way."

The silence for a few moments was profound as we all… especially Andrew and his buddies… digested what he had said. It was somewhat frightening; my grandson had a powerful gift that he… actually none of us… knew how to control.

"Cam and I are in agreement," spoke up Keldhar, "that it is a gift from God and that we may… at long last… learn how to use it constructively. So Andrew, please don't be frightened about it. Just be thankful… as all of us are… that you were able to save Summo and Timo from a tragic accident. And I think your young cousins might need a few hugs to reassure all three of you that you are under God's protection." The three boys responded enthusiastically.

"Unfortunately, there have been very few recorded accounts throughout history," said Nueton. "We think most people were probably too frightened to talk about it. About the only one that was really recorded as it happened… the rest are hearsay… happened in the 9th century in Italy."

"A hermit who lived in a cave above the town of Padua, was preparing to descend to the town to attend the Christmas Eve Mass when he heard the church bells calling. Starting down the mountain, he was accosted by a great bear. The bear began to attack him and would have killed him but suddenly he found himself back at his cave. After a few minutes, he heard the bells again, but decided to remain where he was and simply pray."

"The next morning, he went down the mountain and discovered footprints of a great bear along the way. His friend, the church scribe, scolded him for not coming to the Christmas Eve Mass, so he told him what had happened. The scribe really did not believe him, but wrote down his account anyway in the church archive. But he didn't tell the Rector and the document was discovered only a few years ago."

"So, he saved himself by traveling back in time?" asked Andrew.

"It would seem so."

"And you think I did the same thing?"

"Well," said Doctor Cam, "it certainly appears so. The question is 'How did you manage to trigger it? And how did you control it?' I sense you do not have a clue as to either of those. So, I would like to return to Chicago and discuss this with my colleagues and then visit you again, if I may."

"It's up to you, Andrew," interjected Keldhar.

Andrew took a deep breath and then replied, "If I really have such a gift, I surely want to know how to control and use it properly. So, yes! Please visit again whenever you wish."

"I was sure that would be his answer, Cam," confirmed Keldhar. "And we will look forward to another visit whenever you feel ready. In the meantime, is there anything we should be doing to help?"

"I would say," replied the Doctor, "just live your normal lives, but keep a journal and note anything you think might be significant. And surely contact me at once if the gift manifests itself again."

***

That night, the four of us occupied my bed once more. I 'contacted' Li and, with his help, all six of us were 'connected' together as we told my son and his lover about Doctor Nueton's visit and the story about the hermit.

"You seem to be in very good hands," observed Drew, "so we won't worry about things. Just keep us up-to-date and, like you, we'll be excited to find out what Doctor Nueton has to say when he visits again."

After we all 'signed-off', it was time for a good sexual romp and a good night's sleep. Those squirming naked bodies never felt so good against mine and we awoke the next morning ready to resume our 'normal' lives. Or some semblance of them. But life would never again be quite the same for any of us.

***

It was several weeks until we heard from Doctor Nueton again. In that time, my memories of what had happened as we walked home from the pizza shop slowly faded. And Andrew said his had, as well.

Since my boys had been a vital part of what had happened… hell, yes, they were saved from a tragic death… it was no surprise they, along with Andrew and me, were summoned to meet with Doctor Nueton who had flown in overnight.

"It's good to see you all looking so well," he began. "Do you have any tidbits to share with me?"

My boys both shook their heads and, truthfully, I had not observed anything unusual in our lives. "Only that my memories of the incident have pretty much faded," I confessed and Andrew reported much the same.

"I'm not surprised," Nueton told us, "and I have an experiment that I think might confirm what triggers your gift, Andrew."

"Now, I want you and your brother to sit over there on the bench," he told Summo and they quickly complied.

"Andrew, please move your chair close to David. Good!" Standing in front of him, Cam suddenly reared back and gave Andrew a vicious slap across his face.

Summo and Timo both came boiling off the bench, screeching "WHY DID YOU HIT HIM?" I jumped to my feet as the doctor reared back to strike him again.

Suddenly, there was a little flash and…

Both the boys and I were still seated and Nueton was saying… "Andrew, please move your chair close to David. Good!"

"No! Don't hit me!" Andrew cried, ducking the blow that he now knew was about to happen.

"It worked!" I gasped, "you struck him and he 'jumped' backward.

"As I suspected," said the doctor. "I'm glad I won't have to do that again."

"But you did hit me!!!!!"

"And you jumped back in time to escape a second blow."

"Yes. Something in my head just clicked. Wow!"

"What are you guys talking about?" inquired Timo. "I didn't see nuthin like that."

"Me neither," echoed his brother.

"Nor did I," added Keldhar from behind his desk.

"Well, I did," I told everyone. "I saw you slap Andrew and Summo and Timo started to come to his defense and I jumped up. And then there was a flash and we're all back in our places like it never happened."

"You're a very good observer" he told me, "and I apologize that you had to witness that and that you, Andrew, had to feel the pain. But it pretty well confirms what my colleagues and I have deduced."

"Andrew, it seems pretty clear that pain or danger to either yourself on someone important to you can cause you to trigger your gift to save yourself or them."

The room was silent for a bit.

"Let me ask you something, Andrew. Do you feel tired?"

"A little."

"My supposition is that it takes a lot of energy to use your gift, and the farther you jump back, the more energy it takes. That's why you were so exhausted when you saved Summo and Timo."

"But they didn't see anything, either then or now. But I did. Why" I asked.

"I think I can answer that," spoke up Keldhar. "David, we've discussed the idea that you are, to some degree, a 'sensitive'; that you sense psychic messages or phenomena, but you're not paranormal yourself. It seems clear that you are sensitive to Andrew's gift."

"I was about to make the same observation," said Nueton, "and that may be a clue as to how we help this fine young man use his gift."

"I'd like to try another experiment," Nueton continued, "and I promise not to hit you this time."

"Andrew and David, please take off your shirts. And Andrew, I want you to sit in David's lap. And David, I want you to pull Andrew close and put your arms around him. I want you to get a lot of skin-to-skin contact."

Andrew snuggled down in my lap and I enfolded him. His naked skin felt fabulous against my chest. "OK, I guess we're ready," I reported.

"Good! Now Andrew, I want you to just relax in David's arms and think of a very pleasant thing that happened to you recently. Just relax and let your mind wander a bit."

A little flash, and we were standing in the park just after Andrew's naming ceremony and Drew was hugging him. My boys were running toward him and I was just observing the scene.

Another flash, and we were back in Keldhar's office once more.

"Wow!" gasped Andrew. "We were at my naming ceremony and Dad was holding me and telling me how proud he was to be my birth father. And, Mom was there and all the others. But, then we came right back here, again."

"I can confirm that," I reported, feeling somewhat out of breath.

"OK," said Nueton, "I think that tells us several things. One, very emotional thoughts… either good or bad… can trigger your gift. Two, unless there is a need to remain for safety reasons, the jump back will not be permanent. And three, David you feel a bit winded, right?"

I nodded.

"The double jump… back and then forward… required a lot of energy, so I think he 'borrowed' some from you."

The room was very quiet as we all absorbed the import of that.

"By the way, Master Keldhar tells me you have both teleportation and telekinesis abilities that you are learning how to use effectively." Andrew nodded. "Well, the fact that you can move yourself and others about in space, should be a clue that you can move about in time, too. So, I would recommend that you work on developing those skills and that may help us understand your other gift better."

"How far can I go back in time?" asked the startled boy.

"I knew you would get around to asking that," chuckled Nueton. "We really don't know for sure, but our best guess is to any point in your life span. No, my colleagues and I are pretty much in agreement that it must be to a time and place that you have experienced."

"Then I could not go back to… say… the first Christmas or Columbus's Voyage?"

"That's about it."

"And Cam and I agree that you should just continue your studies and enjoy life here at the School," added Keldhar. "If you need to use your gift to save or help someone, we're sure you will. You are a good kid… a very good kid… and that means everything."

***

That night, as we cuddled in bed after reporting to Drew and Li, Andrew asked, "Do you think Doctor Nueton is right?"

"I'm sure he wants the very best for you… like we all do", I answered. "So, yes, I trust him and I think he and Master Keldhar are right; you need to enjoy being a kid and learn what you can here at the School. And use your gift as you need to."

***

Andrew threw himself into the life and study of the school and, in a very few months he had really become quite expert in teleportation and telekinesis. During this time also, Summo and Timo really grew in their gifts, too. Although they could be mischievous at times, they treated their special abilities with great maturity; it simply would be unheard of them to use their gifts frivolously.

Gads! They're growing up so fast.

But not too fast; they were still full of exuberance in class and school life… particularly in bed. I now had the three of them to myself at night whenever Drew and Li were away at University. And, I must report the 'old man' acquitted himself rather well.

Andrew had developed the discipline that 'journaling' imposes on you, particularly as it related to time-travel. And, his journal became the basis for his almost nightly chats with his dad. Most times, Summo, Timo and I participated, too.

He was readily able to 'return' to pleasurable moments in his past, but could not stay there more than a few minutes. There were a few times he acted to save life and limb of someone, but we still had no clue as to how that aspect of his gift was triggered or how he controlled the time frame. And I was still the only one at the school who could 'travel' with him, although each 'memory' soon faded.

So, life took on some semblance of normality. If you define 'normality' as the pleasure of living with three lively and loving young boys.

As the weeks and months passed, Andrew was able to use his gift on several occasions to save someone from harm… including one of our day-students who had suicided to escape the almost daily abuse of his parents. After we had prevented him from taking his life and the extent of the abuse his parents heaped upon him became known, the court finally terminated their parental rights and appointed Master Osborne his guardian.

Drew worked very hard at being a loving and supportive father… he and I were both in agreement that his son's 'home' with me and my boys was right for him. In many ways, the four of us were a sub-family. But there were still many happy times with Mel'i and even the Crawleys both here and in Carns.

***

Two years had swiftly flown by. Drew and Li had both graduated from University and were now often gone from Alice on one of Keldhar's 'missions'. So, I was happily presiding over the trio, now two gangling young teens and a diminutive Adonis.

In early fall, Keldhar sent the four of us on a 'mission'.

A young student at Christ's College Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand was reported to have exhibited paranormal abilities and, like an indulgent shepherd, my boss wanted to bring the boy into our 'flock'. He could have gone, himself, but decided to send someone else who could accurately 'read' the lad and recruit him.

He selected Timo and me.

My son could certainly give an accurate assessment of the student's abilities and, if he was found to have paranormal gifts, I would then, work with the boy's parents. We were to meet with Dr. Garth Wynne, the Principal who would introduce us to the boy and arrange his schedule so we could test him.

To say that Timo was excited about his 'assignment'… I'll let you guess. And, his brother and Andrew were to go along. None of the three had been to New Zealand, so it was high time they visited this corner of our South Pacific domain. We would limit our time to South Island; the other half would have to wait for another time.

Possibly, Andrew could have teleported us all to Christchurch, but I insisted we be 'muggles' and travel via Qantas.

The morning flight landed us in Sidney just before lunch and we would overnight there before flying on to Christchurch. As a special treat, I had procured tickets for a special 'pops' concert at the Opera House. My three young hooligans… I'm being unfair to them; they all behaved impeccably… no need for any coaching.

Something about that concert… the music, the soaring architecture, being able to enjoy the experience together… perhaps all of it… evidently spoke to Andrew's inner being. In later life it was a time he frequently 'returned' to; that experience was for me a nostalgic return to a time of thrilling life with three young lovers.

But our time was limited, so I dragged the three of them onto the noon flight to Christchurch after promising on our return they could climb the 'Coat Hanger', the locals' name for the Sidney Harbor Bridge.

Much of Christchurch had been rebuilt from the devastation of the 2011 earthquake, the exception being the Cathedral which still stood in ruins while various factions in the city and the congregation wrangled over its future. Our late afternoon arrival permitted a bit of exploration, but we soon settled into our Novotel for the evening. Fun and games? I'll not tell.

The next morning, we were up early and, after a good 'English' breakfast, were on our way to the School. It was just a short distance, so I insisted that we walk.

About a block from the school we passed a rather ornate, pagoda style building, decorated in imitation Chinese style. The sign identified it as 'The Dragon Academy', whatever that was.

As we started past, Timo stopped in his tracks and just stood there with a look of pain and sorrow on his face. "Dad! Why are they whipping the boys? They are hurting them! Why are they doing that?" Clearly, he was 'reading' the occupants of the building and he began to pass some of his feelings along to the rest of us; I could feel the pain he was feeling and so could Andrew and Summo.

Despite our 'mission' something was clearly wrong in the Dragon Academy and we could not simply go on our way.

At that moment, two boys about ten or eleven, stumbled out of the building, dressed only in shorts and carrying the rest of their clothes. They were both sobbing and having difficulty walking; their backs and legs were covered with cane marks. As we approached them, the turned and fled as best they could.

A moment's hesitation, and the four of us dashed up the steps and into the building.

"The classes are full," announced the man standing behind a counter. "Leave your names and I'll call you when there is an opening."

"Dad! They are still whipping them! In there!" and he pointed to a doorway that led out of the reception area.

"You can't go in there!" shouted the man… obviously some kind of teacher or sensei… as he stepped out from the counter to intercept us.

Suddenly, he flew through the air, crashing into the rear wall, where Andrew held him. Timo, Summo and I dashed through the doorway into the anteroom. The sight that greeted us… well, let's say it was upsetting.

Two young boys were hung by their arms from an overhead rafter. Stripped to the waist, they were being viciously whipped by two other young boys. Their backs were inflamed with whip marks, some of which were oozing blood.

"Stop it at once!" yelled Summo and the two punishers dropped their whips and collapsed onto the floor.

In the other room, Andrew shouted, "I'm going to take us back!" and we were once more standing on the sidewalk in front of the building. "I brought us back," he explained, "so we can call a constable."

Good thinking! I used my cell to dial 111 and briefly explained what we had seen.

A constable arrived in a few minutes and we followed him into the building.

Once again, the man behind the counter tried to impede us with the same result from Andrew.

As before, we found the boys hanging and being whipped, and Summo put an end to that. While the constable summoned medical help, my boys and I cut the victims down and tried to make them as comfortable as possible. The two who had been doing the whipping showed evidence of similar treatment on their bodies, too. Freed from their ordeal, all the boys cried and sobbed.

Medical help arrived swiftly and, after the constable got the names and addresses of each injured boy, they were off to hospital. A chief inspector arrived and interrogated the sensei who claimed the whipping was part of his curriculum, designed to 'toughen' them. Not buying his story, the sensei was handed over to the constable and led away in handcuffs.

Turning to us, the inspector asked, "How did you come upon this? Were you trying to enroll your boys?"

"No sir," replied Andrew before I had the chance. "We were passing by when Timo felt their pain and we just had to investigate."

We spent the next hour or so explaining who we were and how we came to discover what was going on at the Dragon Academy. It took a lot of talking and a few demonstrations by my three before he was satisfied.

By that time, the local telly crew was on scene. The inspector introduced us and gave a statement thanking us for our help. He was careful not to reveal the boys' special abilities. For which I was thankful; we would have been hounded by the news people otherwise.

By the time all the 'official' inquiries were completed and the local press was satisfied, we were obviously late for our appointment at the school. Besides that, all three of the boys… and the 'old man', too… were pretty much 'wiped out'. So I had contacted Dr. Wynne and asked to have our appointment rescheduled for the next day.

At first, he was a bit annoyed, but after I told him what had happened, he was much more amenable.

So we spent the balance of the day mostly in our room at the Novotel, venturing out only for dinner at a local fish-and-chips place.

That evening, I 'contacted' both Li and Drew and filled them in on what had transpired. Both of them were fulsome with their praise for the boys, before I sent them off to bed and continued my 'conversation'.

"Do you think", I asked, "these three are meant to be a team? Together today they proceeded to sort out the situation and resolve it with little or no direction from me? And Summo displayed a 'compulsion' gift that we have been unaware of."

"That is entirely possible, David," replied LI. "That's certainly something you will want to explore with Keldhar when you get back."

"And, Dad, you could very well be the locus that makes their cooperative efforts possible. Think of that!

I promised I would before I 'signed off' and just sat there for a while musing.

After a bit, I suddenly became aware of a naked figure standing beside my chair. "Summo! What are you doing here? I thought you guys would be asleep by this time."

"Well, Andrew and Timo are busy suckin' so I thought I'd come out to you. Can I?"

I flipped back the blanket covering me and he jumped into my lap and snuggled down as I drew him close.

He was no longer quite as soft and cuddly but beginning to develop muscles and bulges in all the right places. Still, his naked body pressed to mine, had its usual effect… it took me some time to get my erection nestled in his ass-crack. Running my hands down over his body, I enjoyed the feel of his developing pecs. He let out a big sigh, interrupted by a giggle or two when I tweaked his nipples.

"I'm glad you are here," I told him, "because I wanted to ask you something." His breath caught a bit. "While I am extremely proud of all three of you for the way you handled the situation today, I was surprised you could force the sensei and the boys to stop their actions. Unless I am very wrong, you displayed another gift, one we call compulsion."

"I don't know, Dad," he answered softly. "I just knew I had to stop the beatings. And it worked!"

"Well, it's something we'll need to explore further when we get home," I assured him.

"Papa?" (He rarely called me that anymore.) "Do you think Timo and Andrew and me are a team? Do you think we might be able to do some kinds of things when we work together?"

Interesting! That he should be asking the same question I had asked Drew and Li only a few minutes before. "What do Andrew and Timo think about that?"

"We were all talkin' about it 'fore I came out here."

"Then that is also something we will need to explore when we get home." I assured him. "For now, let's just focus on our mission and then have some fun."

And I began to run my hands over his inviting body more vigorously. His quick little gasps told me he was enjoying what I was doing to him, but after a few minutes he asked, "Please!"

Knowing what he wanted, I allowed him to move my hand to his 'package' and I began stroking him in earnest. Did we go further? Let's not get too much into things, here, shall we?

***

The next morning we set out once again for our appointment. Passing the Dragon Academy, I noted it was dark and shuttered.

Dr. Wynne met us in the reception area of the school and we all introduced ourselves. "I gather you made quite a splash, yesterday," he said, "judging from what was on the telly last evening. A few of us had begun to wonder about the so-called academy, but you were perceptive enough to set things right."

"Now then," he continued, leading us toward his office, "the young man you will meet is Jonathan Parata. He is of Maori stock and his father was on the fire brigade but was killed attempting to rescue survivors of the '11 quake. But Jonathan is not here because his father was a hero; he's here on an academic scholarship. He is one of the brightest students we have ever had."

Entering his office, we encountered an attractive young man whom Dr. Wynne proceeded to introduce. Jonathan shook hands with each of us and Timo immediately put him at ease. His first statement demonstrated conclusively that he was empathic. "I am able to tell each of you is excited and wants very much for me to attend your special school."

Dr. Wynne and I excused ourselves, leaving the boys together. I explained to the doctor how our school functions and why we thought it might be a good environment for his student.

He was quite agreeable and went on to tell me, "Jonathan's older brother… he is on the fire brigade, too… is his guardian and I am sure he will agree with your analysis. Whether he would feel adequate to accompany Jonathan to Alice Springs… well, we will have to explore that with him."

"At the school we depend upon our city fire brigade for support," I told him, "but if he is an experienced fire-fighter, we might welcome him as a fire and safety marshal on our staff."

Summo stuck his head out of the door and invited us back into Dr. Wynne's office. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Jonathan Parata possessed some rather pronounced paranormal gifts and would fit very well into our tight-knit community.

When I met with him later that day, Jonathan's brother, Jacob, was quite supportive about sending him off to Alice and quite intrigued by my offer to employ him as our Fire and Safety Marshal and further his education.

So, it was with quite a sense of accomplishment that our 'team' would return home. We were able to do a bit of sightseeing; South Island boasts Mount Cook and the area around Queenstown where 'The Lord of the Rings' was filmed. But we needed to get back and, once again passed thru Sydney on the way back to Alice.

Oh yes, the boys got to climb the 'Coat Hanger'. I had enlisted Drew and Li for the week-end to accompany the blue-clad daredevils on high. That kind of adventure is not my thing.

***

Keldhar was vastly pleased with the results of our mission and went out of his way to make sure all my tribe knew it. I'm afraid there might have been a few swelled heads, but that soon dissipated as the demands of the school took most of their time.

He and I spent quite a few hours discussing and researching some of the issues that I had raised with Li and Drew and that the three boys had picked up on. The idea that a 'team' of several paranormals could be greater than the sum of its separate parts was a new wrinkle. The same could be said of the idea that a 'locus' might be necessary for them to fully function. So, perhaps Drew had been onto something about my relationship to them.

We did confirm that Summo had the gift of compulsion and he was given special training in its use. Never once did he attempt to use it inappropriately.

I remembered a promise I had made to Summo and Timo when they had first decided to cast their lot with me and it seemed like an opportunity to verify some of the questions our brief stay in 'Kiwiland' had raised. And he agreed to involve my son and his lover in this adventure.

So it was now high time I fulfilled that promise I had made to Summo and Timo when they had first decided to be with me as my sons.

4. A Promise Fulfilled

Characters: David Nelson; Drew Nelson; Andrew (13yo); Summo (14yo); Timo (12yo); Li Soon Hamilton;
Dr. Rashid Herrari; The Warlord of the Peshmer – Mohammad ben Araffa; Araq (12yo); Zaqui (12yo)

David Nelson Narrates

A promise I had made to Summo… when he had decided to accompany me home to Alice Springs and become my son… was that we would visit the 'dig' in Afghanistan and his beloved Dr. Herrari. And I had made Timo the same promise.

It was high time to deliver on those promises.

As you may remember, [(see href="file:///C:\showstory.php%3fstoryid=2g0z0b#11">Travels With Li and Drew – Chapter 11, if you don't) the 'dig' is located in the area north of Kabul known as the Peshmer. Although nominally part of Afghanistan, it is not under the control of the government in Kabul, but under 'The Wise and Benevolent Rule of the Warlord of Peshmer, Mohammad ben Araffa, May his Tribe Increase', or so the permits stated. Dr, Herrari had impressed upon me from my first day on site that we needed to keep in the good graces of this man and we had not only managed to do so, but had changed the Warlord's outlook on life. But more about that later.

With some bit of pleading and arm-twisting I persuaded my boss, Master Keldhar, to allow Li and Drew… home from their current mission for him… and young Andrew to accompany us. So, as soon as summer school-break came, the six of us were on our way.

We flew into Kabul from where we would proceed overland to the 'dig' after purchasing equipment and supplies for our four-week stay. We certainly did not expect Rashid to feed and house an additional six persons… three of them being walking appetites… at his expense.

Knowing how excited Timo and Summo were to get to our destination, Drew and Li insisted I take the three boys and leave immediately. They would stay in Kabul and make our purchases and follow in a day or so.

Late afternoon found us arriving at the 'dig' after four hours bouncing over the still-unimproved road which led onward to the 'Fort', the seat of the Warlord. Our wheels had not quite stopped turning when Summo bolted from our Land-Rover and jumped into Rashid's arms, nearly flattening the poor man. He had ignored the reality that he was two years older and considerably heavier. Timo stood by until Rashid… having recovered his feet… invited him into three-way hug.

"Who are these two giants you have inflicted on me?" he gasped. "Where are the two little boys I sent with you to Australia?"

"Master!" It is me, Summo," he assured his grinning host.

"And me, too," echoed his brother.

After disentangling himself, Rashid advanced to me and warmly hugged me and shook my hand. "It is so very good to see you again, David, but you must feed these rascals far too well."

"And I'm glad to be here again," I replied. "And may I present my grandson, Andrew. You will meet his father and Drew's lover, Li Soon, in a day or so, when they arrive with our supplies."

"You are most kind, David. I must confess I was concerned how I was going to keep all of you. But I think we can survive until they arrive."

"You may change your mind when you see all your food disappearing at dinner." I chuckled.

He led us all into his 'camp' and introduced his young helper, a teenager, named Asaam. "Asaam is a deaf-mute and the Warlord sent him to assist me in any way possible. He has been a valuable member of our team."

We spent the evening revisiting Rashid's current projects before turning in. At his invitation, Summo spent the night in Rashid's tent, while Timo, Andrew and I slept in the Land-Rover.

The next morning, we all turned out to help Rashid… Summo going right to work discovering several new and valuable artifacts. Late afternoon, I received a 'message' from Li, "David! We've finished our task and should be there sometime tomorrow."

But the next day, shortly after mid-day, I received a frantic call from Li. "David! We've run into a problem! Please have Andrew teleport himself and Summo here. We're about a third of the way to you." I had long ago developed confidence in Li, so I passed the message to everyone.

"I don't know what the problem is, but I trust Li's discretion. Whatever it is, they will solve the problem, but need a little assistance."

Andrew and Summo, looked at each other for a moment. Joining hands, there was a 'pop' and they were gone. Rashid simply stood there completely flummoxed as I explained each of my young charge's gifts.

"Why didn't he want me, too?"

"I don't know, Timo. We'll just have to wait until they arrive here and can tell us what is going on."

"But he wanted Andrew!"

"I think perhaps Andrew was just for transport."

"Oh!"

So, we spent the rest of the day in suspense. But I could tell Timo was upset to have been 'left behind'. And that night I had a sad little boy in my bed.

About noon the next day, Drew and Li pulled in along with Andrew and Summo… and two new boys.

Although they were unconscious, Summo had both of them in a hug and was gently talking to them. Drew was furiously 'broadcasting' comfort and calmness to them, but you only had to look at them to see they had been thoroughly terrorized and suffered a lot of pain.

"Sorry we're late," offered Li, "but we ran into a situation we could just not ignore."

"Yes, Dad," added Drew. "We'd better explain."

Drew and Li Narrate

"We rented the SUV and quickly managed to find all the supplies and equipment on our list," Drew began., "and then had to rent a trailer to carry everything. So, we were on our way late Tuesday morning and by noon-time we were just beyond where the pavement ends."

"But ahead of us on the road, there was a mob of people and we were forced to stop. We couldn't see what the problem was, so Li climbed up on the roof to see if he could find out."

"What I saw," said Li, "seemed to be an execution of some sort. I could see what looked like two crosses in the middle of an open space ahead. But I couldn't make out who was being executed."

"After a while we managed to push our way partly through the crowd until we were even with the crosses. To our absolute horror, the figures on the crosses were two young boys… the ones we brought with us. They were tied with rope but still in great pain and would die in agony if left there."

"We climbed out of the SUV, and pushed thru the crowd so we could see better."

"And what we found was even worse! Not only were they being crucified, but a powerful man stood in front of them and was whipping them. Each time he struck one of them, the boy would jerk and scream into his gag.

"We tried to find someone in the crowd who could tell us why they had been condemned, and finally pieced together they were lovers. Think of it! Because they expressed their love, they were being crucified!"

"Well, we just could not leave them to die," said Li.

"No child… no matter what his crime might be… should have to die that way," Drew broke in. "I know we were supposed to keep a low profile while here, but…"

"I told Drew I could save the boys, but it would involve a bit of pyrotechnics. And if I passed out, he was to take off and drive us out of the area as quickly as possible."

"The mob was milling around in front of the crosses," added Drew, "and some of the children were throwing stones at the victims and I wished Summo was with us to make them stop."

"I grabbed Li about his waist and suddenly, there was a thunder-clap and a lightning bolt above each of the crosses, and the two boys disappeared, leaving a charred pile of ashes where they had been. The mob scattered and I carried Li back to our SUV and we were able to make our escape."

"I drove on for several miles, waiting for Li to recover and finally pulled off and parked. He was starting to come out of it and told me, 'Don't worry about me. Look after the two boys. They're in bad shape."

"Where are they?" I asked him.

"Underneath the tents in the trailer."

"They were there, unconscious… mostly from fright, I thought. I spread a blanket on top of our load and laid them on it. As soon as they started to come around, they began to try to escape. That's when I knew we needed help and I had Li call you. We needed someone who spoke their language and could keep them with us by force, if necessary, until we got here."

"I had to try three jumps before I found them," asserted Andrew. "And it looked like we got there just in time."

"Yeah, I managed to talk to them just a little before they passed out again," said Summo, "and found out their names are Araq and Zaqui and they're twelve-years-old. They are lovers. Zaqui's father caught them kissing and hauled them before the village council. The council condemned them and they had been on the crosses since early morning."

"Summo and I each held one of them while Li drove, and here we are."

"Well," I said, turning to our host, "I'm sorry if we have caused you trouble, Rashid."

He thought for a moment and then replied, "Yes, it may. But I agree! You could not simply leave them to die. Whatever happens, you have my support. Take them into my tent and lay them on my bed so I can examine them. We'll need a tent with two beds set up."

We quickly unpacked one of the tents and set it up.

Rashid stepped out of his tent, shaking his head. "They're going into shock and I don't have anything to treat them. So I am going to have to try and old Bedouin treatment. I see you have a tent up, so please carry them in."

Looking at each of us, he thought a moment and then decided. "David, I want you to strip down to your shorts and get into bed with one of them and Drew you get with in with the other one. Wrap your arms about them and try to keep them warm."

I did as he asked and cuddled the boy… his skin was cold and clammy. "And I'll help to calm him," said Timo as he squatted beside us and placed his hands on my forehead.

I could feel his gift flowing through me… it is a strange, but pleasant feeling… and I felt very tired and drifted off to sleep.

When I woke, Timo was gone and Drew was standing by my pallet. "We lost him, Dad. He was just too far gone. This is Zaqui and he looks somewhat better." I suddenly was aware his skin was warm, so I could hope he might recover.

Late afternoon, Zaqui started to come out of it, so it was agreed a warm shower might help him to begin to put his horrible experience behind him. Timo agreed to help him shower while the rest of us continued to unpack and store our gear and supplies. After he was showered, Rashid treated his whip marks… at least they had stopped bleeding.

We buried Araq late that afternoon as Rashid spoke over him. Andrew and Timo helped Zaqui to bear the pain. Then, we tried to get him to eat a bit of soup with some success. After he ate, we treated his whip marks again. Summo and Timo would stay the night with him.

The next morning, they reported the boy had cried long for his lost Araq and it was quite late until Timo could quiet him enough for sleep.

"Did we do the right thing?" asked Andrew that night as his dad led him off to their tent.

"Absolutely!" Drew replied.

"But, what will the villagers do if they find out we took the boys away?"

"I doubt we will ever see them again."

***

As it turned out, he was wrong, because two mornings later one of Rashid's day-workers reported a sizable group of men… some of them armed… on the way to us. We immediately sent word to "The Fort", and Li and Summo managed to stop them until an armed weapons- carrier with a half dozen militia arrive to relieve them.

While his men stood ready to fire, the militia sergeant rebuked the mob and demanded they return to their village and bother us no more. He told them, (as translated by Rashid), "You have the right to discipline residents of your village as provided in the Qur'an, but that does not extend to the torture and execution of children. Now, GO from this place!"

The mob turned about and began to return the way they had come… all except for one man.

He approached Rashid, bowed deeply and said, "Learned Doctor, I am Sofarah, the father of Araq and I bear you no ill will. I do not understand why my son chose to love another boy as is proscribed by the Qu'ran. But his mother and I loved our son and… may Allah forgive us… I could never have brought him before the village council as did the father of Zaqui. I ask only that I might be assured our son has been properly sent on his journey to the King of Heaven."

"We are honored you have come to us," Rashid replied, as he led the grieving father to Araq's grave and spoke again the words over the boy.

Sofarah bowed to all of us and turned and began his journey homeward.

The militia sergeant stood his men down and addressed Rashid, "Most Learned Doctor Herrari, your guests have caused much concern and The Warlord of All Peshmer is of two minds. It is his wish that your entire camp visit him so he might determine which mind is correct."

"Sergeant," replied Rashid, "please convey my eternal gratitude and respect to his Excellency. To give the young boy time to fully recover, we shall present ourselves at The Fort three days hence and attend his most gracious Lord."

The sergeant nodded, loaded up his troops and disappeared in a cloud of dust.

It took most of an hour for Summo… he has a photographic memory… to accurately translate the entire scene with Sofarah and the sergeant. "He is quite a young man, is he not" was Rashid's comment.

***

Three days later, we all piled into our two SUV's and headed into the hills, arriving at The Fort just past noon, having eaten on the way.

A uniformed guard… he seemed more like a butler… welcomed us and told us, "His Divine Excellency, The Warlord of All Peshmer, welcomes you and bids you to join him for dinner this evening. Until then, please be free to visit wherever in his domain your interests might take you." Right then, it became clear this would be an 'overnight' stay, and he led us to a suite of rooms: a double room for Rashid and me with an adjoining one for the four boys.

So, we decided to 'tour'. I was interested to see if some of the ideas Li and I had planted had born fruit. Summo and his brother took Andrew and Zaqui in hand for their own exploration.

I detected quite a different atmosphere from my previous visit which Rashid was quick to confirm. "He still recruits boys off the streets, but is much more concerned for their well-being and education. In addition to the hard work they perform for him, most of them return to Kabul with a good technical education and he has even sent a few promising ones to university. Runaways are almost unheard of as his 'boys' are taught to value the opportunity they receive here. Occasionally, a new recruit is found to be unsuitable and is hustled off to one of his plantations, but that has become very rare. He trains his agents well and they do not disappoint him."

And Rashid's remarks were born out as I observed multitudes of boys of all ages in the madras or hurrying about at the multitude of tasks needed to keep this enterprise running.

Late afternoon, an attendant suggested we might wish to refresh ourselves before dinner and we returned to our rooms to find the young members of our 'delegation' enthusiastically singing the Warlord's praises.

"Dad!" gushed Summo, "we met lots of boys our age who really like being here."

"Yeah," echoed Timo, "they say they work hard but are proud to be here and be members of The Warlord's house. They all look forward to what they call their graduation."

Andrew concurred with his 'cousins'. Zaqui was just overwhelmed and somewhat confused… this whole situation was beyond his understanding. (My two would spend most of the night explaining things to Zaqui and, to a lesser degree, to Andrew.)

The waiting hot baths invited us to relax. The boys and I immediately indulged and Rashid… after some hesitation… joined us. We emerged to find clean sets of desert robes waiting and went off to dinner dressed like desert sheikhs. I fancied myself as T. E. Lawrence and Rashid as Emir Feisal, while my three boys could be Farraj, Duad and Dahoum.

Our host greeted us warmly and we enjoyed a fine dinner… the boys having been coached a bit on Afghani hospitality by Zaqui. Only small and pleasant conversation permitted.

Following dinner, however, the conversation turned serious.

"I am informed," said our host, "that you created quite a stir in one of my villages from which my militia had to rescue you."

"Yes, Sir," I replied, "but there was no way we could have simply passed by and left those two children to suffer and unjust and painful death."

"Why was it unjust?" he asked. "They had committed a sin against Islam."

"Nowhere, in either the Qur'an or the Christian Bible is the execution of children countenanced," I replied with some heat.

"But they offended Allah with their love for each other," he rejoined. "It is so stated in the Qur'an."

"Both the Qur'an and the Christian Bible" I continued", were written by fallible men who believed devoutly they ascertained the will of God. But no human being can know, with certainty, what the will of God truly is. Moreover, I believe the Lord of the Universe, would not look unfavorably upon two humans who truly loved each other."

There was a moment of silence as my shocked companions gasped and fully digested my challenge.

At first, our host looked askance at me. But then, he threw back his head and laughed uproariously. "If you should ever decide to go into politics, Kabul could use your kind of thinking," he assured me.

"I am inclined to your way of thinking," he admitted. "I agree the two boys did not commit a sin worthy of the punishment meted out to them, so I will not find them so."

The tension melted away.

"Thank you, your Excellency," said Dr. Herrari, "but what is to become of young Zaqui? He certainly cannot return to his village."

"I shall make a place for him in my household," replied the Warlord.

"With all due respect, your Excellency," continued Rashid, "while Assam is a great help in keeping my camp, in the short time he has been with us, I find Zaqui to be a very bright and industrious child who, with the proper training and education, could be of considerable assistance in my work."

"Then he shall remain with you and I shall expect great things from the both of you. But there is one task I ask of you in recompense. Come, let us enjoy this evening together and we shall discuss it in the morning."

That night we all slept well… Timo and Summo cuddled with me, Andrew with Li Soon and Drew, and Zaqui with Rashid.

***

The next morning, we gathered in the Warlord's Counsel Chamber while he explained the task he wished us to perform.

"As you may be aware, Dr Herrari," he began, "recent findings of some of your colleagues tells of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization stretching from what today is northwest Pakistan to northwest India and northeast Afghanistan. And the valley between my stronghold and Kabul bloomed with crops of many kinds, watered by a swift flowing river that came from the mountains north of us."

Rashid nodded. "Yes, but in time, the river ceased to flow and the valley became as you see it today."

'That is so, but that much-reduced stream of water is what makes my stronghold possible. I am concerned, however, as my servants tell me that less water flows each year and soon might cease altogether. The task I wish you perform is to find the source of the flow in the mountains and see what might be done to preserve it."

So we began.

Summo easily found the underground 'tunnel' that brought water to 'The Fort' and traced it into the mountains. And, after some days, with Andrew' and Li's help, we found the source… a sizable hidden lake in what appeared to be the caldera of an ancient volcano.

With his permission, Andrew 'transported' the Warlord to the lake, so he could view the source of the water so vital to his holdings. "While there appears to be no immediate danger to your water supply," Li told him, "conservation would be wise. You might want to train one of your bright, young servants as a hydrologist."

Summo did locate a subterranean cavern filled with thousands of gallons of water that was being dispersed on the far side of the mountain range in Tajikistan and Pakistan, watering food crops there. We advised no attempt to adjust this flow as this seemed to be a fair distribution of the supply.

Unwilling to risk a major confrontation with these volatile neighbors, the Warlord acquiesced to our recommendations.

***

Unfortunately, our time was swiftly drawing to a close and, after taking our leave from The Fort, we returned to Rashid's camp for a final productive search for artifacts.

Summo and Timo spent a lot of time with Zaqui… did the boy, perhaps, have some of the same 'gifts' as they did? And it was quite clear Rashid was smitten with the lad and he would likely become a potent assistant to his work.

The week we were to leave, we made one more trek to the Fort where the Warlord gave a magnificent banquet on our last night, wishing us well in our endeavors in our homeland. Zaqui accompanied us as an honored member of Rashid's team… he had learned much from my two sons in the short time he had been with us.

And, once more, Rashid bid a bittersweet farewell to his two proteges. It had been a singular learning experience for all of us as we set out for Kabul and home.

5. Team Spirit

David Nelson Continues to Narrate

The morning after we arrived back in Alice, Keldhar asked to meet with Eric Hamilton and me.

"Well," began our mentor, "as you can see, we managed to keep the school functioning while you were 'vacationing' with Dr. Herrari and the Warlord of all Peshmer. In fact, Eric did such a fantastic job, I'm minded to have him continue full time."

I sat there thunderstruck at his statement, with Eric enjoying my discomfort.

"Don't worry, David," explained Eric, "you're not being put out to pasture. It's just that, while it's good to have you back, I think our boss has some more traveling he wants you to do."

"OK! What gives?" I asked.

"I have in mind to form two teams from our school to assist me with the investigations we are often called upon. They are getting more numerous and more than I can attend to and still give the school the attention it merits."

"The first team will consist of Li and Drew, as you might guess, and they will handle assignments that are likely to require paranormal assistance… even challenges involving some danger."

"The second team will follow investigations that require a more gentle hand and I want you to anchor that team."

"And?" I could guess where this might be heading.

"Your two sons and Andrew, working together, possess a wide variety of skills… still under development, to be sure. But studying here alone will not provide them with the well-rounded experience they will need to serve their future needs… and the school's needs. You can travel with them and provide the adult grounding and guidance they might need."

"So, I'm to be their wet-nurse?"

"DAVID!"

"I'm sorry! That was unkind and insulting," I confessed contritely, "I was just taken aback by the idea of switching to field work after all these years. And I've no real experience…"

"Nonsense!" he interrupted. "According to Rashid Herrari, you acquitted yourself splendidly in Peshmer, particularly with the Warlord. So far as traveling with them is concerned, they are underage and can't very well travel without adult supervision. And they will require a firm hand from time-to-time, I'm sure."

There was no doubt I would enjoy… be thrilled… to travel and work with the three boys and I had no doubt whatsoever they would be excited by new challenges.

"I'd like you to think about this and, if you are in agreement, we'll meet with all the principals."

OK! Did I really have a choice? I did, but the more I considered it, the more I liked the idea.

***

The next day, after lunch, we all met in the conference room… Keldhar, Eric, Peter, Drew, Li, Summo, Timo, Andrew and me. Keldhar outlined his idea and, then sat back and waited for reaction.

"Seems like a plan to me!" said Drew.

"Yeah, I can see the merits," echoed his lover. "Give us something to do to keep us busy between college terms. I image it could get quite interesting."

Keldhar, Eric and Peter nodded approvingly.

The boys were ecstatic!

"You mean we get to go out on assignments?" asked Timo. "And do real work?" added his irrepressible brother. We could tell Andrew was intrigued by the idea, too.

"You understand," I told them, "you'll have to keep up with your studies while you're away."

"Oh!"

"Piece of cake!" replied Andrew.

"The three of you," Keldhar told them, "possess a well-rounded set of abilities: Summo, your ability to see beneath the surface and your compulsion ability; Timo, your empathy and Andrew, your ability to teleport and travel in time… together you make a very potent team. Yes, you are still learning and that must continue. But equally important is the opportunity to practice what you learn in the classroom. And having David as your mentor when you travel? Well, I think you would all like that, yes?"

All three boys agreed with delight. I did not doubt their love for a moment but it's nice to have it confirmed in public.

"Can we be called the 'Dragon Team'?" asked Timo.

"Yes you may! Good idea!"

"Yea!" came the cheers from all three… I almost joined in but… one of us needs to be adult. Or so I thought.

"I think we should be the 'Star Trek' team," Drew joked. And that met with complete agreement.

"Now then," continued Keldhar, "I have in mind your first assignments."

That got everyone's attention.

"Dragons, there are some strange things happening in Tasmania. Local food chains in and around Hobart have told of a shopper… appears to be a teen… who selects a cart full of merchandise and, then, disappears… cart and all… into thin air without paying."

"Sounds like he's teleporting," observed Andrew.

"Precisely," Keldhar agreed, "and so far, no one has been able to stop him."

"And we're supposed to stop him?" asked an excited Timo.

"No," replied Keldhar. "You are to find out where he is taking his ill-gotten spoils, so the authorities can move in and arrest him."

"That could be very difficult for them, if this person can really teleport," Li cut in.

"Yes, it might be necessary to use empathy or compulsion to hold him until the authorities can move in, but that is as far as you may go."

They nodded, but I could see wheels turning in three young heads.

"OK, guys," I reminded them, "no physical confrontation. Just remember that."

"And, it will introduce you all to a rather different part of our land," I added, "so we'll need to quickly absorb some geography lessons before we leave.

"Awww." But it was quite evident all three were excited and proud to have their first 'grown-up' adventure.

Sensing Keldhar wanted them to leave before he discussed their assignment with the other team, I shooed them off to their classroom.

"Thank you, David. What I'm about to discuss with you, Drew and Li, is very confidential. Your task is to find and rescue a boy from Fremont. He's the nephew of the British Foreign Secretary and was kidnapped when his parents were on a diplomatic mission there. They were killed, but the boy simply disappeared."

"An agent working within Fremont has recently located the boy, but he has no way to bring him out without compromising himself or the lad."

"So you want us to go in and teleport him out?" asked Drew.

"Yes, and you'll need some help… some rather unique help, I might add. The poor lad has been abused so terrible by has foster father, he is frightened out of his wits by any adult male. By yourselves, it is unlikely you could get close enough to him without bringing down the Fremont government on all of you."

"So we'll need to take a boy his age with us to make the immediate contact and build a relationship before we can move him," observed Li.

"Yes," replied our mentor." "Now I know you have friends in Sandywater and they, I am sure, will agree to assist you, so that seems to be the best place from which to launch this effort."

"Hardly the time of year for a seaside vacation," chuckled Drew. "Guess we'll have to study the lay of the land before we play 'snatch and grab'. From what we know of them, I can think of any number of the boys who would be quite willing to poke the Fremont beast in the eye."

"Just bear in mind that it must be a boy about eleven or twelve," cautioned Keldhar. "And someone there will contact you with more information."

"I don't think that will be a problem," replied Drew. "So it's off to Sandywater, then. I wonder if our young friends there run starkers around all winter."

Two adventures about to kick off? Stay tuned!

Oh, you might want to check 3D Boys to see how things progress.

To Be Continued