Steward was waiting in the kitchen when the three girls arrived. "'Tis 'bout time!"

Molly grabbed and apron. Gardener sat the dazed Meg down near the door. "We were just following your instructions." Molly countered.

"Aren't you the fresh one? There is following orders and there is taking your own liberty and don't think I know you did a bit of each. 'Ere!" his big, veined nose sniffed both of the women. "You!" he pointed to Molly. "You got the least reek of sex about ye. They need brandy on the Master Bedroom, now. Coffee too."

Molly set about getting the items on a silver tray. "You are quite an impossible man, Steward. Haven't I done everything you said? 'Keep the Young Master's friend busy." You said. 'Pique his interested in the Baroness.' you said."

"Aye, I said all that. But I did not say show him how to traipse around Nine Yews at all hours of the night, did I?"

She almost spilled the brandy decanter she was so rushed. "Maybe if you told me a little bit more, I wouldn't have bothered!" With a saucy swish of her tail, Molly left, leaving Steward to turn his eye on Gardener.

"And where do you think you are going?"

She had her shop apron on and was halfway out the door. "I need to stir up a brew for Meg." She pointed to the young girl gently swaying in a high-backed chair.

"You lost the opportunity to do that when you indulged yourself with that young man. Now cook is shorthanded. You will have to take Meg's place."

With a cry of exasperation, Gardener hung up her apron on the peg by the door. "Fine!" she showed an angry face to Steward but inside she was smiling. Meg was right. He was worth it.

Steward followed her down the short hall. "She's in the pantry. We have a lot of guests to fix for. Take it from an old soldier. If anything goes wrong it will be now. Everything is in transfer."

As the voices faded, Meg sat alone in the kitchen. She felt more and more herself and she didn't like it. She enjoyed the complete, intoxicating feeling of love she had for the rugged young Scotsman. She wanted to feel that way again, forever. Then her nose caught the scent, sweet-spicy, like grandmama's hot hedge-apple pie. She followed her nose. It led to Gardener's apron. Inside, she found Tom's preserve jar of thorns.

During the time she was first affected by the white rose, Meg had been completely privy to Molly's, Gardener's, Colleen's even Cook's ideas of what should be done with the boastful young girl. One of the debates involved how to dose her. That was when Gardener displayed the jar she recovered from Tom's rucksack, sans lid, and argued the value of Thorn Tea.

A kettle was always kept on in the kitchen. There were plenty of clean jars about. The thorns of the red roses on the kitchen window shelf looked just like Verity's.

Supper was nothing short of extraordinary. The food, mainly fresh guinea fowl and venison cutlets was good but the women were the real attention getters.

All of them dressed to kill. The Baroness wore a slinky midnight blue dress that hugged off her curves in dramatic fashion. It had slit down the side that teased men to admire her legs. Ling was dressed in a strapless little black dress that stopped mid thigh. Her long, black hair flowed straight down her back, like a mane. She appeared "off" somehow to Tom. Susan wore a powder-blue silk Chinese dress with embroidered golden dragons. It had the buttons down the side and it too hugged her shape close. Marjorie must have dressed in a manner she thought would please Ling. She wore a black halter-top that showed off her navel, with a plastic, lime green, ultra mini shirt and black army boots.

All them men, except Nigel appeared distracted by the beauty on display. To Tom's mind, his friend seemed tired.

Then there was the ladies attitude. "Attentive" would be understating it. Susan doted on Stephen, at one time she fed him bits of the greasy fowl and he licked the juice from her fingers.

The Baroness sat next to Tom. She made sure his ale was always cold and full. Underneath, the table, she massaged the object of her desire. She needn't have been so demanding. Tom had three maids at his beck and call. Molly, Gardener and Meg hung on his every word.

To the amazement of all, Ling looked after Nigel with what, for all the world, seemed like genuine concern. It shocked everyone there, especially Marjorie. Ling tried to anticipate his every need.

Nigel was unlike his usual self too, thought it seemed like only Tom noticed it. He was more cavalier in attitude, like when he was having Meg tell the truth. He seemed to demand more attention from the servants. And yet his movements were slow, delayed, like he had stayed up all studying for exams.

Ling may have appear more accommodating, but, as Marjorie found out, she lost none of her sting. Marjorie tried her little flirtations through two courses before Ling snapped. "Can't you get it through that dim little head of yours, you little tart? We are finished! Don't you dare touch me again!"

Marjorie stiffened as if she were electrocuted and jerked her head around the table. Everyone was looking straight at her.

Nigel broke the tension, "Ha, ha, ha...!" The Young Master's laughter was nothing short of derisive. The rest of the guests joined in and even a few servants smirked or tittered.

Marjorie of course burst into tears and stormed out of the room, boots clomping.

"I say, Ling you certainly have a way with words." Nigel smiled at her.

"Thank you, Nigel. I tried to tell her that you are the only one I care about now but of course she didn't listen. She should learn her place." Nigel seemed unhappy about something.

"Did she disturb your dinner, Nigel?" Ling stood. "Maybe I should go upstairs and teach her lesson in manners." For the first time, ever, Tom was afraid of Ling. The look she had on her face was one of purest cruelty. Ling was more helpful but she had lost none of her mean streak. Tom predicted she would still torture thousands, but only after Nigel had been made comfortable. She would sew an umbrella of human skin to keep him out of the rain.

The other two girls congratulated Ling on her wit and the three enjoined in a bitch session, cataloguing all of Marjorie's faults. Nothing was too personal for her mother, dominatrix and close friend to share at the dinner table. One more ale later, Tom was enjoying the wicked fun with Stephen and Nigel. Then Nigel yawned.

"You poor darling, this has been a trying day for you, hasn't it?" Ling stroked his sallow cheek. "Come on I am taking you to bed. You there, no dessert, clean the plates."

Ling, "Please!" But Nigel was too tired and consumed a bit too much ale to make any firm resistence.

The Baroness squeezed Tom under the table. "The climb quite exhausted us too." Susan and Stephen made a similar excuse. Minutes later, three couples walked up the stairs.

Marjorie had locked her door, hoping to make a big show of locking her mother out. She need not have bothered. Flavia went straight into Tom's room. Just like Ling went into Nigel's and Susan entered Stephen's. For the next hour and a half, Nine Yews soaked in the moans, groans and heavy sighs that it had enjoyed for centuries.

Tom slipped out bed.

"Where are you going?"

"Just to the head."

"I'm going to order tea."

"Fine."

Flavia brushed her hair our of her way and depressed the intercom. "Hello, in the kitchen. Send up a tray of tea please. Oh, and have Meg bring it."

Tom was in the bathroom doing his business when a strange, herbal, smell came to his nostrils. It was like the one he detected the night he spied on Nigel and Susan. But it was saturated with a sweet odour, like incense. He searched of the spy hole to his friend's room. Once he found it he turned off the lights and closed the drapes. No doubt Nigel knew about the holes, so he had to be very careful. He slowly removed the plug. The view was perfect this time.

Nigel's room was filled with smoke. A pile of recently used brass and wood paraphernalia lay spaced in the corner. Meanwhile brazen censers issued forth plumes of smoke. Nigel stood by the open window reading from another book. Steward stood beside him and the blonde maid, Colleen stirred the ornate bronze pot that stood on the foundation of the fireplace on its three legs, coals warming its contents from below. Ling knelt in the center of a huge grass mat, naked. Lines of red and salt crisscrossed the mat every which way.

Nigel closed the book and spoke. "And now the binding agent."

Steward placed a small but sturdy table by his Young Master. Colleen took up a cloth and grabbed the pot by its handle. With two hands, she carried the steaming brew over to the table beside Tom and placed it there. Steward fetched a wooden bowl and gave it to Colleen.

Nigel opened his oriental silk robe and freed his penis. With out hesitation the blonde maiden dove on his member and sucked. Ling groaned with want. Colleen sucked with energy but not passion; the same words could be used to describe Nigel's reaction to having his dick sucked.

After a couple of minutes, Nigel patted Colleen on her pretty head. Colleen pulled her head away with a slurp and immediately lifted up the wooden bowl. Nigel grunted as he spat his mucus into the bowl. Ling's moans were tinged with impatience.

Colleen handed her Young Master the bowl, neatened his robe and then stepped aside. One by one, Steward handed Nigel tiny porcelain bowls and Tom sprinkled the contents on top of his semen. To Tom it looked like flakes of gold, silver and iron. Then Nigel added the mixture from the bronze cauldron.

He added three ladlefuls. With each pouring he spoke one word. Surprisingly, he spoke English. "Fidelity. Humility. Wisdom." He stirred the bowl a bit. With two hands, he walked to the grass mat and stood inches from Ling. "Ling this potion must be consumed of your own free will. It will change you permanently. It will make you..."

In typical Ling fashion, Ling interrupted. "Will it make me my Master's better servant?"

"It will, but..."

Ling never let him finish. She snatched the bowl from his hands and drunk it down in a half dozen gulps. After she licked it clean, she wavered and then fell to the floor.

Tom caught some movement out of the corner of his eye. A tiny oak rosette moved. Someone had just replaced the other spy hole plug? Tom worried that they saw him as well.

Nigel left the grass mat, and very nearly passed out. Fortunately, Steward was there to catch him. He carried the weak man to his bed. Are you all right, sir?"

"The spells take quite a lot out of man, as you know."

"Yes, sir and meaning no disrespect, you have been working awfully hard this past week." With one hand the threw back the covers. "But if I may say so, you use of the Art was very impressive. The Master usually resorts to trickery."

"The trick was casting two spells, one for service and then other. Of course my father is not the most patient man. Why use two when you can do it in one? And he never bothered to learn Chinese."

"That is more than I know, Young Master. All I know is you have cast far and above all that I have seen in my years here."

"Please put Ling to bed and bring in Marjorie." Steward picked the tall Chinese girl up. Her long hair caused some slippage. Then he walked towards the opposite lavatory. "You can come out now, Tom" Tom worried a bit, then he remembered Nigel was his friend.

"Ah there you are. I've been keeping an eye on those spy holes since you told me you saw what I did for Stephen."

Steward entered carrying Marjorie. Colleen shut the door behind him.

"What did you do to her?"

"We didn't do anything. That's herown sleeping pills at work. How would like for your prospective wife to be more level headed?"

"Like Susan? Not that giddy but a bit wouldn't be bad."

"And obedient?"

"That would be nice for change."

"And a mother?"

Tom thought on her answer. "Family is very important to me."

"This rite can make it all happen. What I did for Susan, Stephen and Ling, I can do for Marjorie. Interested?"

Tom took a deep breath. "To save my family from extinction I would try anything."

"The brewing is all done. Did you see the last steps, the binding agent and the selection of Three Virtues?"

"Aye."

"Good."

"We need a bit of your semen, Tom, so she'll lock in on you specifically." Nigel averted his eyes as Colleen poured an amount in a clean bowl and administered to Tom until he ejaculated.

"Now what three virtues do you choose."

"I like yours; fidelity, humility but I want 'maternity.'"

"Not fertility? Very well. Then add a pinch of gold, silver and..salt I believe. Intone the words with every addition." Tom followed his instructions.

"Good. You will find a hose and funnel over there. Steard held him administer the dosage."

Tom poured it down the slack girl's throat. It was all very surreal."

"That will do. Come morning she was be as well adjusted, if not more tightly bound, than Ling." He rubbed his forehead. "She has a very strong will."

Colleen, store the mat first, then be sure to dispose of the brew properly. It is still potent. I still need...still need..." He passed out.

"Poor Lad." Colleen sighed.

Steward picked Marjoire up like a rag doll and stepped in the direction of room. "We all have our duties. Some not so pleasant. You can go back to bed now, Master Tom."

Colleen rolled up the grass mat tightly, and carried it out, spilling no salt.

Tom examined his friend. He was sleeping soundly. As he stepped past the cauldron he paused. He looked around, snatched up the crystal picture from Nigel's bar, poured the water in a plant and ladled three scoops of the green brew into it. He sprinkled it with the most expensive contents of the three porcelain bowls into three napkins, folded them and then left quickly.

He shut the bathroom door. He felt like his heart was going to pound through his chest. He checked the spy hole. Steward had not returned, neither had Colleen. He replaced the plug and felt like he had gotten away with it.

He re-entered his own room. The Baroness was at the table; robe on, being served tea by Meg. Meg looked at Tom hungrily. Her pupils were still dilated as were the Baroness'. "How long does that shit last?" he wondered.

"What's that?" The Baroness pointed to the picture.

"An herbal energy drink. Lots of vitamins but it tastes awful. Want some?"

"I think I will pass." She smiled. "Here." She reached for one of the two teapots and poured, "Meg fixed us something special. Have you ever had rose hip tea?"

Tom sipped. "Rather plain, isn't it?"

"It grows on one." She fingered her emerald pendant. "Now, Tom why don't you tell you beloved Flavia what that fluid really is?"

Tom explained it all. The Baroness took it all in, asking questions when Tom failed.

"Fascinating. How best to put this knowledge to use?"

"Do you think it's wise?" Tom may have been inclined to tell the truth but he lost none of his sense.

"My dauhter is going to marry Tom, Meg. How does that make you feel?"

"Awful." He lips bent into the cutest pout.

"He is marrying her because she now has virtues. Would you like virtues, Meg?" Would you now like virtues of my daughter?"

"All I want is for this feeling never to go away." She swayed slightly, still showing the effects of the tea.

"What feeling?"

"The love I have for Master Tom, here."

"Flavia we shouldn't do this."

Flavia smiled with those full red lips of hers. "Now where is the Tom that took me like a whore and made love to me until I loved him back? Where is the Tom that doesn't take 'no' for an answer?" She knelt and opened his robe while Meg looked on in want.

The Baroness whipped out her favorite plaything and made love to it. She licked it. She tickled the tip then ran her fingers over the hair on his balls until she felt his dick began to twitch." I want that Tom back." She dove back in. She looked up, Tom's eyes her closed he was enjoying the moment.

Inside Tom's mind he knew exactly what she was up to, but with the restraints removed he had to admit he wanted that personality to emerge again, the one that didn't give a tinker's dam for consequences. His admission opened the door. He felt that darker, undeniable power entering him.

Using hand signs, the Baroness got Meg to hand her the crystal vessel. Tom orgasmed into its cold depths, spurting his seed into the sage concoction.

The Baroness took it to the bar and stirred it with a martini rod. She poured half in a clean tumbler with three pours. But the words were of her choosing, the words to bind this fetching little virgin to her man forever, make her the servant he deserved. She whispered "Devotion. Adoration. Serenity. There, that last word will make sure you get your wish. That feeling will never leave you." Flavia laughed so hard she almost dropped the glass. She couldn't keep a straight face as she poured into a glass.

She handed it to Meg. "Here. Drink this.

"I can't abuse the Master's name like that, Baroness."

"If you don't do it, Tom will never love you."

Meg jumped and looked at Tom. He glowered at her, confirming the Baroness's threat.

"Now drink it all in one go. I don't want to see a drop left." Meg chugged it down like and Aberdeen pub crawler.

"What a manipulative woman you are, Flavia."

"Years in London society will do that to a woman." She bit her lip. " What are you smiling about, Tom Mays?"

"I hope this works. You think the dosage will be correct?"

"Meg is about half the size of Ling, so I would guess so."

Meg drank. "Tastes good. Like milked tea. May I lay down?"

While Meg rested, Tom and Flavia used the bear rug to best advantage, fucking until they lay sated.

In the morning, Flavia went to her room. As she walked though the shared lavatory, she spied Marjorie's little bag of goodies in the trash bin. It hadn't been there last night. The red haired woman entered her room. Marjorie immediately stopped dusting and ran to kneel before her mother.

"Oh, mother. I am so very sorry. I have been such a fool."

It was only with the sincerest of acceptances that Flavia was able to pry herself loose. Later, he met Tom in the bathroom washing all trace of the stolen potion away. He didn't dare wash the items out in the lav he shared with Tom.

"How's Meg?"

"Much the same, just no more dilated pupils thank heaven. Marjorie?"

"Her disposition is a little improved." The Baroness smiled and decided to let Tom be surprised.

Molly roused Meg when she entered with Tom's coffee. "Wake up lazybones! They need your help in the kitchen!"

Meg's eyes snapped open and she dashed off.

Molly bathed Tom. While she bathed his slack member she raised her issue. "Don't suppose you don't have any of that left for poor Molly, do ye?" "Sorry."

She gave him a look of pure disappointment. "Oh well, all good things must come to an end I suppose." It was like she was mourning for the rest of the bath. She helped him dress. He sipped his coffee as she began to rip off the soiled sheets.

Molly bent over the bed leaving Tom to admire the firm, full rump that had first caught his eye. He gulped down the cup and replaced the cup in his saucer, but the cup did not seat. A tiny piece of white paper had been folded beneath it. "Tall hedge in garden.-G" Tom pocketed the note and looked out the window. The tall hedge was obvious. He could picture Gardener, her long black hair, her round tits, her muscular for and that delightful upside-down valentine shaped ass of hers. "Let her wait." He finished another cup of arabica and left for breakfast.

"Morning all!" Tom was disappointed not to see his friend there. He addressed the servant on duty. "Where is Nigel, Meg?"

"The Young Master sends his regrets but he has been unavoidably detained. He will see his guests today at the Roman bath."

Susan was now doting on Stephen. She was spoon-feeding him melon and mush. Stephen returned the favor. They crossed arms to drink juice.

Tom helped himself to a tray of eggs, sausages and croissant. He looked at the table. Flavia patted the seat between her and Marjorie.

The wispy blonde's big blue eyes followed his every move as he sat between her and her mother. Tom noticed she was breathing heavily. "Sleep well, Tom?"

"I see you dressed respectfully this morning." Tom frowned.

Marjorie hung her head and stuck out her lower lip. She had dressed respectfully, in a white blouse and a reddish plaid, pleated skirt that she hoped would remind Tom of his beloved Scotland. Her ashe blonde tresses were done up in a ponytail. Her make up was understated and neat. The perfume she chose smelled powdery.

The Baroness took great delight in feeding Tom the way Susan fed Stephen. But she did not allow him to feed her. "Just sit there, my Tom. Let your Flavia take care of everything."

Marjorie folded her hands on her lap and wiggled, eager to help in the least little way.

Ling entered a short time later. "Morning everyone." Ling was not dressed for breakfast. She wore a cobalt blue, embroidered silk short robe. The hem ended just below the inward curve of her behind. She wore the look of a well-used woman proudly.

Letting the shocked table think what it wanted, she took up a large tray and prepared two plates of food. Tom noticed that she carefully prepared a plate of Nigel's favorites. "See you later, everyone." Then she simply turned and left, walking back up the stairs.

Everyone laughed. "Unavoidably detained, eh?" Stephen blurted out. "Couldn't do all his 'detaining' like we did last night, eh?"

"Stephen Caw!" Susan gave him a playful swat.

The Baroness decided to carry on the good mood. "Don't worry my dear. I think everyone knows what is going on around here. All this discretion is just damned inconvenient. Let's make a pact."

Susan listened close.

"Let's just say that we can all do what every we want here. And then we'll save all the secrecy for when after we leave."

"Oh that would be such a relief."

"It's done then." To seal the pact the Baroness planted a long, loving open-mouthed kiss on Tom. When the two broke, Susan and Stephen were still kissing. They carried on that way as Flavia, Tom and Marjorie finished their repast.

As he ate, Tom estimated the situation. "Ling is servicing Niles. Susan and Stephen are quite in love. Flavia is my devoted lover. Marjorie is willing to do anything for me, if those mooncalf eyes are any indication. Meg hangs on my every word. Molly and Gardener lust after me, but seem to have another agenda as well. I can't wait to see what happens at the baths." He ran it all through he head, unable to fathom all what was going on around him... and Niles. He finished eating he felt rejuvenated.

"Let's leave those two alone." Tom stood. Flavia then Marjorie followed. "Come along, Meg."

"Yes, sir."

Tom led the Baroness, Marjorie and Meg into his room.

Once inside the Baroness asked, "What's this about, Tom?"

Tom pulled Flavia aside. "I want to explore what effect that potion had and what I can get away with before the baths."

Flavia winked. "Right. Clever notion. I'll take of it, don't you worry a hair on your head. Just sit over on that chair there.

Tom sat on the chair but not before pouring himself a whisky and ginger ale. "Have I ever taken a drink so early in the day before?"

The Baroness clapped her hands once. "Girls, Master Mays wants to measure your loyalty to him."

Tom took his dick out from his pants to give them the idea.

Meg got the hint first. She quietly walked forward took his phallus in her hand and gently sucked. To Tom, her young face seemed peaceful, content, like she was praying a satva. Marjorie jumped to follow. Meg graciously gave her a turn at fellatio. Marjorie sucked Tom's dick with the energy of a girl desperate to please.

He looked down at the two young women sharing in his manhood. "What is it you girls want from me?"

"I want nothing more than this moment with you." Thus spoke Meg.

Marjorie was more enthusiastic. "I would love to have your children Tom... I mean Master Mays... a whole bunch of children." She hugged his dick against her cheek. "A dozen or more if my womb allows."

"A dozen? That's not a family, that's a clan!"

"Yes, I want to be the mother of your clan, Tom, one child after another; pregnant over and over! It's more than a girl dares hope for, I know, but still..." she engulfed his cock for a moment more. "Fuck me Master Mays, put your child inside me."

"I like the sound of that."

"What a dozen children?" Flavia was taken aback.

"No. I liked it when Marjorie addressed me 'master.' Call me that from now on."

"Whatever you command, master."

"She's still a submissive little bitch, isn't she? She didn't get from my side of the family, I tell you."

Tom enjoyed the contrast. A beatific, shapely, longhaired brownette and an ash-blonde tart shared his cock. Each, in her own way, was eager to please.

"I am going to come soon. When I do, I want you two to get some one each of your faces. After I finish spraying I want you lick and kiss it off the other. And call each other 'sister' when you do. Profess your love for each other too."

"Yes, sir." "Yes, Master."

But when Tom ejaculated, Marjorie kept his head in her mouth and greedily gulped out every drop, like a yearling calf at and udder.

"You bitch!" The Baroness was outraged and grabbed her up by her ponytail. Marjorie wailed. "How dare you disobey my man, your Master?" She shook her like a naughty puppy. Meg contentedly licked the remainder off her beloved's cock.

The Baroness bent her daughter over the foot of the bent. Keeping her head pinned with one hand, she flipped up her pleated, plaid shirt with the other. Marjorie's tiny ass was covered in virginal white cotton panties. Flavia began to spank and Marjorie began to wail.

Tom lifted Meg up from the floor and kissed her cheek. "You made me very happy, Meg." Meg shivered in orgasm at the words.

"That is all I want, sir."

"Good. Now do this for me..." he whispered. Meg curtsied, slipped off her panties and then sat on the bed above Marjorie. Meg lifted her skirts, displaying her sex to Marjorie.

Tom undressed then walked behind Marjorie. He stopped Flavia's arm. "Simple white cotton panties, Marjorie? Still trying to pretend you are a good girl? Hardly your style." Tom ripped them off. Marjorie squeaked at the force imposed on her swollen, red, cheeks. "You will no longer wear any panties, ever. Understand? Now you were very rude to poor Meg. I want you to suck her to orgasm to show you how very sorry you are."

"Yes..master." she sniffled. "I'm ever so sorry."

"Of course you are." Tom pulled her cheeks apart.

"Are you going to fuck me, master?" Marjorie tried not to sound hopeful.

"No...and yes." He inhaled his snot and then dropped the spittle on his cockhead. Flavia smeared it on. He kissed her on her soft, pillowy lips in gratitude for her thoughtfulness. He had never done this before so he had to fumble for the target then he slowly pushed inside Marjorie's bud.

"No! Please! I'll be good, Master. In my pussy, please!"

"Shut up and suck on Meg, you bitch." The Baroness smacked her on her head. "If you are good, maybe your master will fuck you later.

Meg scooted her ass closer to Marjorie and Tom witnessed the she-blonde pony tail disappear under Meg's skirts. Meg's eyes rolled back so Tom guessed she was doing a good job. Meanwhile he slowly thrust in and out of Marjorie's rectum. Flavia unbuttoned her blouse and played with her tits, breathing heavily. Tom reached for the woman, brushed her long, loose red curls aside and sucked on her right tit.

The scene was surreal. Tom was fucking schoolgirl Marjorie in the ass, while her mother cheered him on. Marjorie sucks Meg to orgasm and he sucks on a married woman's tit. He felt dizzy. "What the fuck is happening to me? I've never buggered before. It's so tight. It's not so dry as I thought and her walls, they seem to quiver. I am soooo deep inside her. What is happening to me?"

Marjorie was a churning, boiling, pot of emotions. Her old self loved sucking on Meg's sweet, innocent cunt and Tom's living cock was far better than any dildo, better than Ling's strap on or the King's. As usual the jets of pleasure shooting up from her rectum very violent and beautiful at the same time, like someone booting her up the steps to nirvana. But her new self wanted Tom's babies so bad...and there was only one way to get them. What to do? What to do? She began to cry, to weep. Her master's cock was so big and her heart hurt so bad. Why did all feel so damn good? Auuuuuuuuughhhh!"

Meg had already come once, but Marjorie didn't dare stop. So after her convolutions, she continued to lap at the maid's muff. It was getting hot and stuffy under her skirts. When Marjorie convulsed beneath him, Tom thought a bit more of what he was doing. With an emotional effort, he tugged himself out of Marjorie's ass. "Enough." He panted. His dick reeked of shit. "I'm going to wash up." He turned and left.

The Baroness grabbed her daughter by the scruff of her neck and forced her to her knees. "Thank him you selfish, brat."

"Thank, you Master."

Tom washed his cock clean. Then he tried to wash the tears of shame from his face. When he reentered the room, the two girls were kissing under Flavia's close supervision. "Mmmm. I love you, sister." "I love you too sister, ooo."

"Enough of this shit. Let's get to the baths."

Wrapped in towels, everyone walked to the old baths. The entire household staff seemed to be awaiting them. They wore swimsuits or loose clothing draped on their bodies and tied with colorful rope. Molly and Gardener tried not to look like they followed Tom's every move. Meg had no shame and followed Tom everywhere along with the Baroness and Marjorie.

The place was lit with paraffin lamps. The baths were filled with water. Scents were burned and the hearthfires stoked with oak and spruce.

Ling held on to Nigel, who led the group. To Tom's eye, Nigel acted strangely. He had that 'exam' look about him, like it was only coffee that kept him going. He was awake, but he certainly wasn't alert. And then that devil-may-care attitude had surfaced again.

Nigel began by escorting them to the large, rectangular all-purpose room. It was done in white plaster and the floor was red tennis clay. A half dozen folding massage tables had been laid out for the enjoyment of the guests, two wide and three deep. A maid and an amphora of olive oil stood by each table.

"First stop; the massage." Nigel's arm feebly swept the area. "Take your pick, they are all highly trained in the art."

The guests hesitated. Ling gave Nigel a peck and got things going. Without hesitation, she dropped her towels. She was completely nude. Her long strands of black hair contrasted exquisitely against the moon-white of her bottom. Her tall, lithe, body and gracefully glided to the far end of the room, where Colleen waited, towel in hand.

Stephen's mouth was slack. "She could be a fashion model." Stephen whispered to Susan. Her lips went taunt.

In a bit of snit, Susan disposed of her towel and in one motion, she removed her one-piece bathing suit aside as well. Stephen seemed a bit upset, but Susan defiantly went on with the display. She acknowledged the appreciative stares of Nigel and especially Tom. Her breasts were smaller than Ling's but her gluteus's were as round and tight as drums. She used her dancer training, stepped to the far end of the room and took the table next to Ling, the one with a pretty straw blonde maid Tom had not met.

Susan's "Lady Godiva" pantomime had the desired effect. Stephen was jealous. He stripped to the skin and then took the table closest to the group but farthest away from Susan. The choice of tables was no accident. The red haired girl, who was Stephens' first attendant at Nine Yews, was his masseuse.

The Baroness chose Molly's table, next to Stephen. Not be shown off by Ling, the handsome woman walked to her table nude too. Her daughter started to walk to Colleen's table.

"No. You sit down, Marjorie. Nigel and I go first."

Marjorie stood still. The other guests were a little shocked at how the shy Orkney boy had addressed the London brat. "You heard, me! Sit down!"

Nigel chuckled and stood with an old man's groan. "Ugh. Well the worm had turned, eh, Tom?"

The two friends took the two middle tables beside each other. Face down on his table, Tom did not see Meg give Nigel a boost up. Then Meg and other maid served drinks and snacks.

Tom had chosen well. Gardener's hands were strong and her fingers rubbed deep into his tissues. He didn't know how sore he was until he felt his blood return. The scent of olive oil reached his nostrils.

Gardener leaned in. "Nice view, isn't it?"

Tom opened his eyes. He had a view straight into Susan's pussy. Susan lay face down so she had no immediate idea of Tom's view. She had shaved. "What a tight, round ass." Tom thought. He felt blood rush to his groin. It was accented by Gardener's timely kneading of his buttocks and thigh.

After the oil, the masseuses scraped the dead skin from various parts of the body with sticks and then smoothed the remainder of the olive oil in.

"Turn over please." Susan had a smaller body so she was asked to turn a moment before Tom. This afforded him a quick peek at the nice young girl's shaved pussy. From the outside in, each labial was one hue of pink darker than the last.

Then he was turned over. The bath had an Italian mural on the roof depicting various woodland hunting scenes. Gardener dropped a dollop of oil on her palm and rubbed her hands with it. She started at his shoulders, then his arms and chest, then his thighs and calves and then his penis.

After all the happy abrasion his pecker had suffered lately, the oil felt welcome; cool and rejuvenating. Gardener moved her fist up and down the erect member. Tom was enjoying her uncontrollable enthusiasm for his dick. He watched her loose interest in anything else around her. He was sure the dark haired beauty was just seconds from taking it in her mouth, when Molly warned her off. "Gardener..." she said in a low growl.

Tom heard the straw-blonde behind his head give out a little, "Oh."

"What's the matter, Bridget?" Susan asked.

Tom her whispering and then what sounded like Susan adjusting her weight on the table.

Gardener, aware of what was going on out his view, lifted up Tom's dick and smiled like a fishmonger showing off a catch of the day.

"Heavens..." Susan whispered hoarsely.

Another round of scraping and the guests

Then they enjoyed a Roman steam bath. It reminded Tom of Turkish bath but with a bit more steam. The stone benches were uncomfortable, no matter how many terrycloths he put down. The girls had taken to having towels wrapped around them again. They sat in a group and the men sat in a group. The maids, dressed in white bikinis, brought cool grape juice and fruit.

Stephen, rather loutishly, made a show of admiring the maids and Susan pretended not to notice.

"How are you feeling, Nigel? You don't look well."

"I'll be fine, Tom, after tonight." No maids were near. "I need to speak with you about something after the baths."

"What is it? Still angry about, Ling?"

"No, but it did leave me weaker than I expected. I need your help, Tom."

Stephen interrupted, trying to be one of the boys. "Ling keep you up all night, eh, Nigel?"

Nigel gave Tom a "we'll talk later" look and engaged Stephen in politer conversation.

Then came the cold water room. Maids on stools, poured pictures of cold water over the guest while they stood in tiled catch basins. Tom enjoyed watching the girls nipples rise and stiffen. He wasn't sure they liked watching the boy's ball sack shrivel. But he did catch Susan staring at his sex. She turned away and blushed.

The time they spent in the warm water bath was brief. But it seemed to get everyone use to the idea of seeing each other naked. Stephen was slimmer, but had a ways to go before being considered fit. Then entered the hot bath.

Lots of new accoutrements had been added. Chaise lounges, chairs, buffet tables and even a portable stereo filled the ten by twenty room with light and life. Inviting steam rose from the clear water.

Ling, as usual, went in first. "Ahhhh. A civilized bath, at last." One by one, the guests followed Ling into the bath. When they grew too warm, they simply left the bath to rest on a chaise. Maids dressed in bikinis or one piece gowns that seemed to be made of gauze, attended to their every need.

Ling managed Nigel's maids as effectively as Flavia managed Tom's. Stephen seemed to have alienated his mistress so he took solace in drink. "I say, Nige, these gold cups are awfully heavy."

"That's because they are solid gold, Stephen. My ancestor took them off a Manilla galleon in 1807. Careful, they dent easily."

"Really? Solid gold?" The wine seemed to taste better in them from that moment on. It had been a while since he had any wine.

The party continued, as did the drinking. Ling began kissing Nigel deeply as Colleen wiped her Young Master's head with a cool rag.

Flavia had Molly bind her hair up, in Roman fashion and Gardener applied an anti-wrinkle poultice to her breasts. Tom sat in the bath with Meg on one side and Marjorie on the other. One to feed him, one to give him water.

Only Susan seemed alone. Tom saw her across the pool, drinking. He remembered her loose reputation from school and wonder how much had survived Nigel's health potion. She refilled her goblet, shot a nasty look at Stephen and gulped. Stephen reclined on a couch. The redhead stood next to him, she filled his cup from her gold ewer as often as he emptied it, which was often. "The gluttonous ways are back." Tom mused.

Susan glided over to Tom. Meg and Marjorie made way for her. Tom raised an eyebrow. "Trying to make Stephen jealous?"

Susan. "No. We just haven't had a chance to talk."

"I see." He pretended not to stare at her breasts. "How are you enjoying your new health?"

The small talk continued as well as the wine. Susan floated closer and closer to Tom. As his urging, Meg got out the pool and rubbed Susan's shoulders.

She closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy it. "No." She abruptly brushed the touch of the maid off. "I think I will talk to Stephen."

They both looked in his direction. He was passed out, goblet tipped over on the ground beside him. The red head was just beginning to clean up. Susan looked on in cold fury.

"Sorry. But you know how he overindulges when he is under stress. He was quite put out by your display, you know."

"So you are saying it is my fault?"

"No. It is his. But look around you. Move aside Marjorie and Meg. Let her see what she's been missing.

Susan had been engaged with the handsome young man until now. She looked around. Ling's long black hair bobbed up and down on Nigel's lap. Top undone, Colleen leaned over Nigel's head and hissed in bliss as he sucked on her heavy breasts.

Gardener had loosed her coal black tresses and straddled the Baroness as she adored her reddish breasts with her lips. The Lady had Molly in the crook of one arm and was passionately kissing her.

Susan couldn't tear her eyes away. "Listen to their sounds of happiness. That could be you and Stephen but you had that silly little tiff."

Susan fought back. "Oh really, Tom? And what do you think of these?" she shelved her handfuls upwards. "I saw you staring at them."

Tom matched her heat for heat. "Nice. But I really like your ass better. I like 'em shaved."

"You like this Mays?" She stood and turned. "You like my ass?" she jutted it out and shook it back and forth, giving Tom a long, loving look. He felt his dick swell. She turned back around and shouted an inch from his face. "Well, you are never going to get it."

Tom kissed her violently and she matched him. The two writhed and pulled at each other for an eternity. Then Susan broke the grip, spun and displayed herself to him like a bitch in heat. "You like my ass, Tom? Oh do me in the ass." She panted breathlessly. "Bang me with that big dick of yours, Take me, take me from...aooooooooo."

Her pussy was not as roomy, nor took as much length as Flavia but it was just as wet. She sat down on him, impaling herself on his dick over and over. Tom reached around and grabbed her globes. He could feel his head bottoming out against her cervix but Susan did not seem to mind. "So big. Augh! So big. Augh!" she grunted over and over.

Their master's lust had spilled over to Meg and Marjorie. The two nymphets had each other in a 69. Between kisses, nibbles and licks, they panted oaths of devotion and sisterhood.

Tom had admit Susan's reputation was deserved. At will, her pussy squeezed his cock like as fist. She wriggled. The walls undulated inside. Her pussy was a separate, living thing and it craved the satisfaction of Tom's dick. It was like an anaconda was devouring his cock. He leaned forward, bit onto her shoulder and scored her flesh.

The stab of pain ignited Susan's orgasm. "Fuck. Shit. Cocksuckerrrr.. Auuughhhhhh!" She sat on his dick recovering. "Lord, no one has ever done that to me before." She twisted and Tom and she shared a kiss.

After her second eruption, Flavia's gaze on Meg. She remembered she was still a virgin. She meant her man to have that prize. She pushed her maids aside and pulled Meg up by her hair, separating her from her daughter. "Up you. Tommy, dear, why don't you come over here and fuck this little virgin?"

Ling tried to snatch Meg from Flavia. "If anyone is to have a virgin around here, its Nigel. He's the Master of Nine Yews!"

"Young Master!" Flavia countered.

Nigel considered and then dismissed the notion of a catfight. "Ladies please. Tom and I will both have the virgin."

"A regular Solomon you are, Nigel." Tom got out of the pool. Susan looked on with interest. She was always sensitive after one orgasm so she welcomed the break.

Tom and Nigel stood looking at each other, Meg between them. Nigel spoke first. "You are the honored guest, Tom. I give you choice of end."

"Pussy if you don't mind, Nigel."

"Pussy it is! Pussy for my friend, Tom."

"Pussy and an ale." Molly rushed to get him one.

"Make that two!" Nigel cheered. Colleen dashed for Nigel's pint.

Tom bent Meg over, fiddled a bit with his aim and then applied pressure. He meant to enjoy this moment. The hymen and his ale arrived at the same time. He gulped and took in the fizzy liquid. The rest of the guests had gathered around. They wanted to see that huge dick rip the virgin open. Tom renewed his pressure he felt something like a sponge tear and Meg whimpered.

The crowd went wild. The cheered, they patted Tom one the back. Then Nigel fed his dick to the maid. Tom and Nigel toasted one another and then they pounded the girl between them.

Ling and Flavia stood fascinated by the double-teaming of Meg. Neither had seen such a thing and it aroused them no end. Ling and Flavia brushed arms. They looked into each other's eyes and then kissed, deeply, passionately. Ling had never made love to a woman was well developed as Flavia. Flavia had never made love to a lesbian with so much experience.

"Oh, but you are tasty." Ling mumbled between breasts.

"You feel so good dear, dear Ling. Oh that hair, it tickles." Flavia held her lover close.

Tom and Nigel made a show of using Meg like a bar, resting their pints on top of her. The friends laughed, picked up their ales and thrust some more.

Tom looked over at the red and black haired beauties making love. Marjorie laid back on a bench. Molly straddled her mouth. Gardener kissed her nether lips. Colleen and Bridget sucked on her tits. Susan looked on, eating a sandwich.

He looked at Nigel and nodded his head to the sapphidic lover, "Looks like I am going to look forward to holidays from now on, Nigel." Nigel bellowed in laughter.

The thought of sharing, Marjorie, Flavia or any woman no longer bothered Tom. He wondered why it bothered him before. When the men disengaged, Meg curled around Tom's legs. "See how much I love you?"

Tom bent down. "You made me very happy, Meg." Meg shivered in delight. "Now let go of my leg."

Tom and Nigel joined Susan at the table and watched Ling and Flavia go at it. They must have worked each other up to a half dozen orgasms before they quit. At the end, the two entwined red & black hair interlaced like a sexy draughts board. To Tom they looked quite besotted with each other. Marjorie was done too.

The entire group paused for a meal. The sat around the cushioned marble table, quite naked. For fun they ate food off of each other, like when Tom licked the marmalade off of Flavia's breasts, or Ling sucking Brie off of Nigel's cockhead. And there was lots and lots of drinking. Things eventually died down.

"What now?" asked Tom, mouth full of tuna.

Attracted by the sound of snoring, Susan looked at Stephen. "I know. Come on Tom, everyone, come on."

Susan bent over Stephen, bracing her hands on the far side of his couch. "Come on, Tom you say you like my ass, didn't you?"

Tom and everyone got the joke immediately. There, right in front of his unconscience friend, Tom took his fiancée. "How's that Mrs. Susan Caw?" The crowd laughed.

"Ooooooh lovely Tom. I suppose the polite thing now would be to invite you our wedding. More laughter.

"Considering that I may be getting ye with child, I think that is only good manners." The crowd loved it. Flavia's laughter reached a screech.

Susan waited for the noise to die down before she spoke her next jest. "I like that idea. Here that you drunken sot? I'll have you name and your political connections but every time I want a child, I just invite Tom.."

"Uncle Tom!"

"Right. Uncle Tom and his bloody great dick here over to give me a right good seeding."

"Look! Look!" Ling had used two dollops of sticky, soft cheese to paste two carrot ends on Stephen's forehead. "Cuckold! Cuckold"

Everyone laughed. Tom laughed so hard he slipped out of Susan.

"Here now! Tom May's you get back here and put your child in me."

"Sorry, Susan." Tom restarted fucking her.

"Damn. That's good. If we have a boy I hope he has a bloody great dick like his daddy."

"Why? So he can fuck you?" sneered Flavia.

Susan took it in stride. "If he wants, or he can fuck you Flavia fucking Mercian....oooh I'm cumming again Tom. Come with me, come with me."

"I'm coming Susan!" His heavy balls slapped against her abdomen.

The group clapped, matching the slap. Then they chanted, matching their cheers with Tom's jousts. The man and woman stiffened and then grunted together. "Hoooray!" Everyone threw up their arms in joy, just like in a game of football.

Thankfully Tom woke up alone. His head didn't hurt, but he was thirsty. He help himself to water. His balls and cock ached like when he had a fever. He thought about ordering coffee, but couldn't face Molly. He showered alone and tried not to wake Niles, but judging by the signs of use, Niles had already come and gone. He was on time for breakfast but the parlor doors we shut. Meg stood by them.

"Sorry sir, but breakfast is being served in the main dining area, this morning."

Her face betrayed no upset at the shameful way Tom had used her yesterday. Her honest admiration of him still showed in her big blue eyes, which made all the worse. It was easier to forget someone who hated you.

"Thank you, Meg." He turned to go to the dining room.

"Not at all, sir. Give me a ring if you need anything."

He winced in pain at the calm tone of her voice.

Everyone was there. No one said hello to Tom. He understood why. They stared intently at their plates. Trying to avoid Marjorie, Tom ended up sitting almost across from Susan. He needn't have bothered. Marjorie, like a puppy simply picked up and took the seat next to him.

Susan avoided Tom's eyes. Stephen was sitting next to her. In her mind, she hated herself for her betrayal. Poor Stephen had never had any experience with women. He was going to be her one pure thing. She was going to teach him the joys of the bed. Now she felt dirty, soiled. The worst part was, she loved Tom's big dick and couldn't get it out of her mind.

Stephen sensed a change in Susan's tension and took the moment to apologize. "Susan, darling I am so sorry for the things I said and did, yesterday. I won't drink ever again! Say you forgive me!"

"Shut up Stephen! Damn you can be annoying!" Susan threw her fork onto her plate, splattering eggs all over the table. She buried her face in her hands.

The table went quiet again. Tom blushed when he remember Nigel and he fucking Ling and Flavia. Nigel yelled "Switch!" then Tom entered Ling and Nigel entered Flavia. After a bit of pumping, Nigel yelled, "Switch!" again. The girls tittered each time. They asked for the tag-teaming, for later comparison. The worst part was that it was the best sex of his life. For the first time in his life, he felt totally free, totally without restraint. "Then why do I feel like such a shit?" She shoved Marjorie's hand away. "There was a time I wanted her. Now, I just want to die."

"Good morning everyone!" Four adults entered the room, followed by Steward and Warder.

"Father. I was wondering when you would show up."

"Nigel. These are our new guests at Nine Yews. May I present Baronet Richard Mercian, Mister Edward Chang and Mrs.Olivia Caw."

"Mother!" whimpered Stephen

"Richard, why are you here?"

"Why, Flavia dear, we are here for breakfast."

The tension at the table rose to unbelievable levels. Tom sensed the adults were sussing everyone out. Nigel had his best poker face on. Ling was a cool as a cat pretending it didn't want to kill the bird sitting next to it. Flavia's demeanor to her husband was arctic to say the least. Marjorie seemed torn, but by what, Tom had no idea. Susan and Tom were thrilled their parents were not there. It was the only thing good about that breakfast. Tom had seen Stephen with his mother before. The poor boy looked like he wanted to crawl in a hole and pull it in after him. Tom noticed traces of cheese on his forehead and he cursed himself.

Near the end of everyone's repast, Devon Caym broke the silence. "Why is everyone so silent? You were all getting along so well yesterday."

All the original guests blanched. "How long have you been here, father?" Nigel, used to his father's machinations, was still cool.

"Oh, a few days. Our guests arrived only last night, by seaplane." Then his face grew as dark as tomb. "I think we all better have a talk."

"The living room?" Nigel suggested. Devon nodded. "Everyone, may I ask we all retire to the living room?"

"Everyone?" Susan tried to escape.

"I must insist." Devon smiled.

One by one the guests entered the living room. The sun was coming out early. It poured though the glass doors and oversized windows. The original guests sat on the West Side of the room, the elders on the east. Warder stood by and shut the interior doors. Steward stood by the garden doors.

"So, father, are we going to find out what they hell was going on this whole time?"

"Of course, son. But business first. Olivia, darling? As you have see, he is quite healthy. He even eats sensibly now too."

The stocky Yorkshire woman pulled a bulky Manilla envelope from her breast pocket and tossed to Devon Caym. "Don't call me 'darling.' Here."

Devon looked inside. "Good. You can have him now."

"What do you mean 'have me now?'"

"Be quiet, Stephen! This is adult business."

"But mom...." He whined.

"Stephen. Come here." She spoke it like just like she was speaking to a mastiff.

Shamefaced, Stephen stood next to his mother. The years of careful programming was too much for him

In the heat of the moment, Susan lost perspective. All that she knew was that she wanted to be with her darling. "Stephen, what about us?"

Stephen let his mother speak. "Us? There is no 'us.' If you think I am going to have my son marry an addict and a whore you are quite mistaken. Out-of-the-question!"

"But I am better now." She pleaded.

"My family is too good for the likes of you, whore."

"Too good? My family is richer than yours! You are just glorified civil servants! Bitch! Cow!"

Stephen examined his shoe laces.

Devon slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot, Susan I have something from your parents. He produced a long envelope. "Airline tickets. You see, they couldn't be bothered to pick you up themselves. But they asked be to trundle you off to South Beach to join them. They are sure you will love Orlando. Not the town, the boy they want you to meet is named Orlando."

Susan look like an abandoned kitten. Olivia smiled down in triumph. She considered asking her fiancee' to defend her honor, but she caught her voice. She wasn't worth the effort. After last night, what honor did she have? The bitch was right. She ached for a needle. She sobbed to herself.

Devon turned to the Baronet. "Well?"

"Marjorie come here. I have a question to ask you." Marjorie looked at Tom. He shrugged so she went. "Marjorie, would like my children?"

She exploded with joy. "Children? More than anything! I love you daddy!" She leapt up to his arms and the two kissed with experience.

"What the hell?" Flavia stormed toward the two.

Steward and Warder closed but it was Devon's gun that stopped her advance. It was big revolver, an old Webley, big, black and menacing. "No. no, Baroness. Mind your manners. Get back over there if you please."

When the woman returned, Richard gloated. "Come now, Flavia. Who do you suppose taught her the joys of submission or anal penetration? Or don't you remember our honeymoon?"

"You are such a fuck, Richard."

He grinned from ear to ear. "I know.'" He looked down at his daughter. "Now she is just perfect. We are going to raise such beautiful children, Marjorie. And you won't get jealous of daddy's girlfriends like mommy did, will you?"

"No daddy."

Flavia felt a shiver of cold fear run down her spine. Her husband was talking about her in the past tense.

Tom looked at Devon who raised an eyebrow. "What? You didn't think that 'maternity' was your idea did you Tommy m'boy?

"He's been leading you all along, Tom."

"Quite right, son. Usually only a bit of deep hypnosis but the drugs helped a lot. Nigel would have see me coming a mile away, but you... you Tom... well that was his blind spot."

"You can go now. His bags are all packed." Devon nodded to the big woman. Her son heeled just like a dog. Warder opened and closed the door for them.

Ling chose to do things at her pace, not his. "And what did my father buy?"

"You? Why don't you show her, Ed?"

"Ling, come here."

Despite herself she obeyed. She had always hated her father but now she felt..what? Loyal?

"I paid for you not to be so disrespectful to me, my daughter. Now you will do what I say. You will be a good daughter."

"Always be careful about fidelity spells, Nigel. They may backfire on you."

"So what now, father? I marry Ling just like our grandfathers wanted? Only now Ling gives her father all the money her grandfather left her after he found out his son was an amoral shit, like you?"

"She was an amoral shit too, Nigel. Only the venerable man never lived to find that out. No. There has been a change of plans and you changed them."

"Me?"

"That's right, you. You brought Tom Mays along to put a clod in churn and I must say I am glad you did. Richard?"

"I just need to fetch it." Richard pushed his daughter aside, and was allowed out the door.

"You see, during one of his 'sessions' Tom let me know what he dreamed of." He looked straight at Tom. "You dream of your own Nine Yews, don't you Tom? You dream of a house where you can do anything, any time you want without worrying about appearances. A small dream actually, but one I can make come true. Nine Yews is getting too well known. When bankers like the Mericans know about it... well let's just say we might need a place where mothers feel safe letting their daughters come alone. Nine Yews is too small for England anymore, Tom I need a friend, a friend with whom I can share resources. Up there, on your island, you can... ah, here's Richard."

As the door opened, Tom thought he saw some servants waiting outside. Richard placed the brief at Devon's feet. "Inside this briefcase is all your family's debts. It cost me quite the pretty penny I tell you. Thank you, Richard."

"My pleasure, Devon, old boy."

Suddenly, Devon bent his pistol arm around Richard and held him close. There was a "Pop! Pop! Pop!" Richard went still and then fell backwards, dead. Marjorie screamed and ran to him. Susan just screamed.

Devon whipped the small pistol around and put three red holes into Mister Chang's heart. Ling screamed and eased the fall of the corpse.

In his left hand, Devon Caym held a small, smoking automatic pistol. "A piece of advice son: always kill houseguests with small caliber weapons. The report indoors doesn't deafen one, the bullets stop in the body and the small wounds don't stain the carpet so much.

"Why?" Flavia didn't see the sense her husband was as wealthy as Croesus and connected to match.

"My dear, what have pudding when one can have steak?"

"I don't understand."

"He means to kill me, kill you and then marry Ling himself." Nigel might have well have been reporting the weather.

"But you are over fifty!"

"Forty-eight!" He protested mockingly. Judging the barrel was finally cool enough, he lowered the hammer, flicked the safety on and stuck the small pistol back into his belt.

"So why bribe me? Why not just kill me?"

"You, my lad..." his face lost all its sophistication. "Have that most awful of handicaps: a family that loves you. Your father and mother would be quite stubborn if you turned up dead."

Tom knew that Devon was right. His mother especially could get very bloody-minded about "her chicks." "My answer is no. I'll be dead, but you'll hang. Stop now and we'll call it even."

"But you haven't heard my whole offer yet." Devon nodded to Warder. He let in Molly, Gardner and Meg. Molly carried a very familiar looking white rose and a pair of sunglasses on the silver tray she laid on a tea table. The three women moved to the center of the room, knelt before Tom and exposed their bare breast to him. "I offer you Molly, and Meg right away and Gardener for five years, long enough for you to get your own greenhouse going."

"The answer is still 'no.'

"Patience. I'm not done. Marjorie, get over there. With Richard dead, you marry Marjorie and inherit all the Mercian fortune. 2.3 billion is assets at last count, wasn't it Flavia? You can shut down his offshore operations too; be a hero to your island. So you have a wife and money. But three servants are not enough for a great man like you. Susan, Flavia would you like to join the May's staff? The alternatives are death." He pointed the Webley towards Flavia. "And a lifetime of polite tea parties with your parents and Orlando Willis, Chartered Accountant."

Angrily, Flavia knelt beside Tom.

"Come on, Flavia undo your...there's a good girl. What lovely knockers you have, Baroness. Don't worry Tom, I have a few ideas on how to make her more pliable. Come along Susan! Make up your mind, while it's still yours to make up."

Impulsively, Susan simply knelt where she was and ripped open her shirt.

"Bra too, dear. That's a good thing. Guess you parents will have to settle for you not embarrassing them socially anymore. Oh, well they have that good little sister of yours anyway. So there it is, Tom; billions of pounds, a devoted wife, all these beautiful women, your own island, your own life."

"No."

"I hate loyalty. Very well then. Tom, why do you suppose Nigel picked you, a junior classman to be his best friend? Think about it. You were just a big, dumb hairy Scotsman with no manners or connections. Yet, Nigel Caym, first honors, takes a shine to you, introduces you to the London high life, Why? Oh you may have thought it was to protect him from bullies. I heard you gave the Rugby boys quite a thrashing. But there is so much more to you; boxing champ, crack shot and you are loyal so very, very, loyal. He was using you. Training you to be his protector for just this day."

Tom refused to believe it. He had known Nigel for two years. No one would fake a friendship for so long. He looked at Nigel and knew that Devon was speaking the truth. He was Nigel's puppet.

"Tell me Tom, how many men could refuse what you have just been offered? One in hundred? Not one in a million. He needed you this loyal, Thomas, so he trained you. What do you owe him?"

"I don't care. It's wrong."

"Don't feed me that 'holier than thou' crap, Thomas, old boy. I saw what you did last night. Don't you remember how you degraded Meg? Or how about how you used Susan for you own pleasure while you mocked Stephen? And what man, who truly loved his woman, would pass her around like a bag of crisps? You were loving every minute of it. Admit it! The power, the freedom, the complete control...it's who you are Thomas. Ask yourself, 'Were you ever happier in you entire fucking life?'" And now, you are going to throw it all away and for what? A punk who has been cultivating you for years for just this moment? Take it, Thomas. You can have it all!"

Tom somehow knew that Devon was behind the orgy but it didn't ease his shame. He had enjoyed all those sensations. He had been used. He had used others. He was a damned fool. "Might as well."

"That's the spirit. Moll, get the rose."

Molly brought the white rose over to Tom.

"Inhale it."

"Why?"

"I have to make sure you aren't lying to me, Thomas dear son." The man with the gun said.

Careful to avoid thorns, Tom breathed the sweet aroma in deeply. He breathed in several times. The girls below him fidgeted as their legs began to go numb. He squinted painfully in the well-lit room. Molly handed him the sunglasses that accompanied the rose.

Devon asked Tom question after question. After a long time he was finally assured of the lad's intentions. "There now. Do you mind that I am going to kill Nigel?"

"Not really, anymore. I hate him. But why kill him at all?"

"He's going to try and steal my youth." Nigel said.

"Your what?" Tom's voice was slurred.

"My youth. He is going to use our family's most powerful spell and transfer my years to him."

"That explains how he plans to marry Ling." Flavia mumbled.

"You sure you want that mouthy bitch as a servant, Thomas? How about I shoot her right here?"

"Flavia is my best lay ever. Might just marry her instead."

Devon laughed. "Oh won't that be rich!" He put on a mock burr. 'Mum, I'm bringing a girl home I want you to meet. You'll have a lot in common...since she's about you age.'" Devon seemed to settle for making Flavia furious. "Very well. Shouldn't break my rule about big guns in the house anyway... unless I am forced."

"Transfer years. You must be joking."

"It worked for Hadrian. He gave us this very spot as reward, built us that bath too."

"Then that story about the ambushed patrol?"

"Stuff and nonsense. Have you seen any yew trees hereabouts? The real name of this place is 'Nine Youths' after the nine boys who gave their lives for the original owner, our ancestor, the first Devon Caym. You can have that spell too, Thomas. Nine is the limit but think of it. That's four hundred years at least!"

"It won't work, father. Antineaus' was a willing sacrifice. I am not." Steward stood behind the young man, the loyal hound ready to do his Master's bidding.

"Wrong. It is just easier when it's voluntary. And with you exhausted from saving all these poor souls and reveling.. " he thrust his hips forward lewdly, "...to all hours, you couldn't ward off a fly. True, I may loose a decade or so, but I'm willing to settle for and additional sixty years instead of seventy."

Nigel smiled. "Hadrian only lived another six."

"Poison not withstanding." Devon conceded.

"I must give you credit father. I leave myself vulnerable and you make a pretty penny besides. I knew I got it from somewhere."

Devon sighed. "Well enough chit-chat. I am a base born villain and that's that. Steward, prepare my son, won't you?"

Steward gripped Tom's arms in hands that could break a bull's neck.

"Do I need to be there?" Tom asked.

"No. Not really. The rites occur in the old temple. Then we have to throw him in the water. So you can stay here and get to know your new pretties a little better. We are leaving in the morning."

"Right. He walked to where his family's cheques lay, by Richard's feet.

Warder opened the door for Steward and the boy. Devon was confident in his triumph.

Swiftly, Tom bent up, snatched the pistol from the man's belt. Devon tried to bring the Webley around, but Tom's got in close so his body blocked him. He stuck the pencil-sized barrel under the man's jaw and made a fist. Pop!

Devon Caym's head jerked around as the .25 caliber soft nosed bullet ricocheted around in his skull, making stewmeat of his brain.

Tom ducked and yelled, "Nigel is the new lord, now!" he heard the hammers of two guns slowly come to rest.

When he opened his eyes, Steward and Warder had their pistols at rest and were kneeling before Nigel, as were all the servants. Stephen broke the silence. He stumbled in carrying a bloody rock. "I killed my mother. Am I naughty?"

Epilogue

Stephen and Warden finished strapping the antler to the hood and then shouted up to his fiancee's room. "Honey! We're ready to go!"

Susan leaned out her window. "Nigel Caym! Wo-won't we be a sight on the M-5! Be right down."

Susan bent back out of sight and reached back to hug the man who had his dick up her cunt, Tom Mays. "Bloody great antlers. Come on, Tom." She planted herself against the wall and savored every thrust. It wasn't long before both came. They tidied up and walked downstairs as if nothing had happened.

They met Nigel in the foyer. "Where is everyone?"

"The baths."

A look of real regret passed over her face. "Sorry we can't stay longer but with Stephen's mother lost at sea and all..."

"We understand." The friends shook hands. Susan entered her black Land Rover and the happy couple drove off.

Nigel and Tom were still waving goodbye when Nigel asked the question. "Fucking her upstairs were we?"

"'Fraid so. I know it's awful but the idea she is engaged to another man actually turns me on more."

"That's my father's doing. He hoped it would make you more succeptable to temptation. He added the married twist so you would distract the Baroness, the only other person who might be suspicious. He encouraged her too."

"Tell me you can end it."

"Won't have to, it should wear off in time."

"The stag... um...delicacy?"

"That bit of hedge magic was all Molly. No one had any idea it would work so well on you. You might have a bit of the druid in you, Tom."

"The bodies?"

"Father's seaplane has gone down in the Irish Sea. Only the Caym family pilot survived."

"Tragic. And I thought I was so clever."

"You were out of your depth a bit, that's all. I was raised here you know, and he almost killed me. But I am alive, thanks to you."

"Nigel, have you been using me all these years?"

"Yes. I am sorry, but there was a lot at stake. If that makes any difference."

"It is all right. I was using you to enter society."

Nigel laughed. "Hardly the same thing. They don't try to kill your friends at cocktail parties."

"I presume the rose was a false one. Molly?"

"And Gardener. The sweet smell would have given away to anyone who was close and the sunglasses disquised the fact my pupils were not dialted"

"The pistol? I know that model. It only hold six rounds."

"Six rounds in the clip." Tom corrected. "When I saw that he didn't cock for the first shot and that he put the safety back on, I knew he started with a round in the chamber. That's a smart thing to do when one plans to shoot two grown men with only a .25. Lord, I was so afraid I'd stumble over that safety before I had a chance to fire."

"Good thing you didn't." A chime rung. "Time for dinner. Ugh. Long day." The two friends walked together. "Tom, may I ask you two personal questions?"

"We are far beyond personal, Nigel."

"I am going to marry Ling. But what about you? Did you mean what you said about marrying the Baroness?"

"Yes. She will be a much better Lady Mays then Marjorie. By the way, I'm taking Molly and Meg with me. After she trains Susan, Gardener is come to the Orkney's too. I owe them that much. Marjorie can come along if she likes."

"Suppose I don't feel like giving up three of my most able servants?"

"You will. They chose me over the Lord of Caym. You won't tolerate that."

Nigel looked at his friend. "You have grown up a great deal, Tom."

"Thank your father."

"Flavia is much older. And a house full of female maids? The people will talk."

"Let them talk."