The next few days were interesting to both Duo and Heero. Duo remembered more and more every day, accompanied by headaches from hell. Wufei kept them supplied with tea.

Quatre sent out his birds and waited for answers while he researched Anchora and her priests. Trowa spent his time training the locals, for which Heero was grateful. He was finding out how hard a servant’s life really was. And Duo was easy to care for, not a demanding asshole like someone they both knew.

“Heero, I’m going to go down for breakfast. I want you to polish all your armor and sharpen everything with a blade. When you’re done with that clean the rooms. Sharpen and clean armor first then clean rooms. Remember.”

Heero grunted and nodded. He hadn’t done squires’ chores in years. He was remembering why he’d hated them then. Cleaning armor left the cleaner dirty, sweaty and stinking of polish and oil; sharpening weapons left black file dust everywhere. He decided to clean the rooms first.

Heero cleaned the rooms thoroughly, then sat down to clean armor. It didn’t really take him that long to clean it. But he got oil all over his hands and drops and splatters under the stool he was sitting on. He got up to wash his hands in the bathing chamber.

He wasn’t in the room two minutes when he heard a loud crash from the bed chamber. He hurried back into the room and saw Duo lying on his back on the floor. He’d slipped in the oil under the stool. Heero had no idea what he was doing there and didn’t much care. He pulled Duo to his feet and quickly checked him over.

“Are you all right? I’m . . . how . . . damn.”

Duo gave Heero just long enough to realize that he’d disobeyed a direct order from his superior. “Now do you see why you clean the rooms last? And I didn’t think I had to tell you to put sawdust on the floor before oiling anything.”

Heero blushed in shame. “I didn’t know. I never had to clean armor or do any of that kind of work except in the field. It didn’t make any difference there. The ground just absorbed the oil. I’m sorry. Are you hurt?”

“Just my dignity. But . . . go fetch some chalk.”

Heero gritted his teeth but went to get the chalk. He knew what was coming.

“Chalk?” Heero held it up silently. “Very good. Now, write ‘I will not disobey Duo.’ until you run out of room. One hundred times should do it. And you know what comes after don’t you.”
“Yes, I do. But . . . Duo . . . I am really sorry. I should have listened to you, or asked a few questions. Instead of just doing it my way.”

Duo settled in a chair and picked up a book. “I’m going to see if I can’t nudge some memories loose. This is the prayer book you got for me. I’ll read it and see what happens. You write.”

Heero knelt down and started writing. He knew his knees were going to ache. He growled at himself silently. He knew better than to disobey an order. His punishments for any infraction of rules had been near torture. He shook his head, wondering how he’d managed to forget so much.

Duo listened with one ear to the scratching of chalk on the slate floor. He rubbed at his forehead irritably. It was beginning to hurt again.

“Would you like some tea?”

Duo yelped and dropped his scroll. “Dammit! Make a noise, will you?”

“I’m sorry.” Heero managed not to snicker at Duo. He was sleep mussed and muzzy— and adorable. He’d dozed off with the scroll in his lap, a small wrinkle between his eyes betraying his aching head.

“Tea? Yes, that would be nice. I don’t seem to be able to shake this headache.”

Heero went to the hearth to check the hot water pot on the hob. It was full and the water was warm. He measured herbs, poured in water and left it to steep.

While the tea was steeping, Heero fetched and warmed cups. He put them on a tray and opened a tin box. Cook had sent up cookies in it, telling Heero not to gobble them all. Heero thought, ‘As if I would.’ Heero’s mouth watered at the thought of the tasty treats, full of dried fruit and nuts.

He set several on a plate and put it on the tray. He took the pot from the hearth, brought the whole tray to the table beside Duo’s chair and set it down.

Duo took the cup from Heero’s hand, picked up a cookie and settled to nibble the cookie and sip his tea. He waited until Heero had poured his own tea and picked up a cookie. Heero was just about to take a bite of his cookie when Duo said, “Should you really have that? You’ve been naughty after all.”

Heero blanched, making Duo stare. “No, I shouldn’t. I’m sorry. Shall I fetch a strap?”

Duo jumped up and took Heero into his arms. “No. Don’t look like that. I didn’t mean to make you afraid. Only to make you think. What’s wrong? Tell me.”

Heero put his cookie on the saucer and set that aside. “It’s all right. I don’t deserve any treats. You could have been badly hurt. I’ll . . .”

Heero fell silent because Duo kissed him silent. “Be still. Pick up your cup and drink the tea. It’s good for you. And the cookie.” Heero did as he was told. “Now, tell me why you turned so pale. And stop shaking your head. I’m officially your master for thirty days. Right?”

Heero stared into his cup but nodded his head. “Yes. So . . . you won’t like what you’re about to hear.”

When he was finished telling Duo about the neglect and cruelty of his first knight, Duo was disgusted.

“But, as a prince. . . ”

Heero shook his head. “Not a prince. My family is a very cadet branch of the royal family, I only rule because everyone else in the line is either dead or incapable. I was literally saved because I was out fighting in some border war. They took me off the field, crowned me and here I am.”

“Well, shit. That’s a mess and no denying it.”

“What about you? You seem . . . like you . . . something. I can’t put my finger on it exactly.”

“I was born to my title. My family has pledged the youngest son, or one born with certain signs, to the priest hood for centuries. My mother died when I was born so my father sent me straight to the temple. I was raised by nuns and priests. And they surely had their hands full. But I grew into it and advanced through the ranks to be high priest and general. My title is actually High General. So. Cookie?”

Duo groped the plate, laughing when he realized that they had eaten all the cookies and drunk all the tea without realizing it. They’d been talking together for most of the afternoon. Duo grumbled slightly as he realized that he hadn’t gotten his scroll read. Heero hadn’t finished his chores either.

“Better finish your chores. I’d advise washing the floor after you finish sharpening everything. Otherwise you’ll have to clean the floor again, because there’s no way to sharpen long blades without getting sharpening dust all over.”

Heero bowed elegantly and fetched some sawdust to cover the floor where he was going to sit. He settled on the stool and began to sharpen a sword, Duo returned to his scroll

After he was done sharpening all the swords, knives and axes he kept in the rooms, Heero fetched several buckets of water and began to scrub the floor. Again.

Duo watched Heero from under shuttered lashes. Heero hadn’t complained once, even though he was doing work that was usually done for him by servants. Namely, Duo. Instead of complaining, Heero worked hard and made sure he did the jobs correctly. Now that he was convinced Duo knew what he was talking about.

“How are you doing, love?”

Heero looked up from where he was kneeling, scrubbing at a particularly rough paver. “My knees hurt. And my shoulders. I’m not . . . well, I don’t ever remember scrubbing floors. It’s hard. How can anyone say that this is a woman’s job?”

Duo shook his head. “Don’t know. Around here though, they usually gang up on it. Like a bucket line only scrubbing. Works really well and no one has to work too hard. They gossip like mad too.”

Heero put one fist in the small of his back and straightened up, stretching, trying to work out the ache. “Ow! And I say again ow. And I need another bucket of clean water. How many buckets do you usually use?” Heero gave Duo a wide-eyed look, Duo smiled at him.

“Now you know.”

Heero groaned and hung his head. He realized now that Duo had accomplished superhuman deeds just for him. The effort that went into the ‘simplest’ of chores had surely tried his diminished strength at the beginning of his service. Heero ached all over from just cleaning the armor, sharpening the swords, writing his lines and scrubbing the floors. He thought of all the other chores yet to be done and groaned again.

He still had to haul water for their bath, then clean the bathing chamber, remake the bed, put books and papers away, clean off the desk, make ink . . . he couldn’t suppress a soft whimper of weariness.

“Are you well? What was that for?” Duo started to get up to go to Heero. Heero held up his hand to stop him.

“I’m fine. I was just listing in my head all the chores I still have to do. I don’t know how you managed them when you were still weak. I really don’t.”

“Pure terror. Sit down and rest a moment. You’ll do better when you get a routine set.”

“I hate this.”

Duo gave Heero a sympathetic look. “It was your idea. Do you want to . . . return to the status quo?”

“No! I made my bed, and I’ll lie in it. I just hate realizing how . . . careless I have been. I had good intentions. I really did. But the execution left a great deal to be desired. I do not want you cutting me any slack. No more than I gave you. You understand me?”

Duo couldn’t help but get up and go to Heero. “Yes, my lord, I understand. Very well then. You need to finish your work. And I will check.” Duo hugged Heero and gave him a pat.

Heero went back to scrubbing and Duo to his reading.

---

Quatre read the last of his messages and sighed. “Trowa, I don’t like any of it. At all. There’s a stink of betrayal here.”

Trowa nodded. He had resources of his own and he’d called in a few favors. “I’d like to catch one of those ‘mercenaries’ there’s more there than meets the eye. I’ll set a trap.”

Quatre smiled at his friend and lover. “You do that. Just make sure that Heero doesn’t get wind of it. If you want someone to actually question that is.”

Trowa snickered softly. “Bit hot at hand, our king. But I think Duo has him in hand, for now.”

Quatre laughed gently. “For now. Reversal of rolls might just teach him something. Or infuriate him beyond reason.”

Trowa shook his head, bangs flopping. “With Duo? I don’t think so. He’s going to learn a few home truths though. Like how hard his servants really work. And maybe some other things. Duo will take care with him, he just won’t take it easy. Be good for him. King too young and all that groveling at his feet?”

Quatre snickered at a memory. “Do you remember old Lady Malcomsone? I thought I was going to choke to death, trying not to laugh.”

Trowa snickered too. “Yes, and the look on Heero’s face when she introduced her daughter as beautiful?”

They both dissolved into laughter.

The woman and her daughter were both fat, frumpy, ungainly women. And to top that off they were vain, stupid and avaricious. Heero had nearly fallen all over himself to get them out of the capital.

When they recovered themselves Trowa asked Quatre what his news was.

“Well, putting all the pieces together is a bit difficult but here’s what I know for sure. Duo has forbidden a marriage between Heero and Relena for some reason. I didn’t realize it but his order is guardian of all the royal blood lines. All of them. From bastard to prince, royal births have to be registered with the Order of Anchora. I’m not sure why.”

“Mmmmm, inbreeding. Two headed children or what not. So go on.”

Quatre made a disgusted face at his mental image. “I see. Well, he disappeared from the battle field, his horse was killed and they found a body underneath it. Everyone though he was dead. It was wearing bits of his armor. It’s just awful. The order has fallen apart. Part wants to ordain another High General, part won’t allow it until there’s proof absolute that he’s dead. I really wish you would hurry to find someone we can question.”

Trowa nodded. “I’ll see to it at once. Your wish is my command.”

Quatre gave him a sparkling look. “In every way, in every thing. Prove it.”

Trowa reached out and picked Quatre up. He carried him gently to the nearby bed and set him down on it. They were equal in rank but Trowa took the subordinate position. It was his turn.
Quatre lay back and allowed Trowa to slither up onto the bed and across his body, licking as he went. Trowa stopped at one rosy nipple to suck it into the warmth of his mouth. Quatre whimpered softly and clutched at the bed covers. Trowa smiled, nibbled at his treasure then moved to the other side to treat the neglected bit of Quatre to its own laving.

Quatre lifted his head a bit and Trowa slipped his hands underneath it, cupping the back of his head to support him for a lingering kiss. Quatre nipped at Trowa’s lower lip making him hiss.

“Love. Don’t.”

“Yes. Do.”

“Quat, I’ll shame myself.”

“Not possible. Yes, just there.”

Trowa continued to stroke Quatre, raising his tension until it hummed through both their bodies.

Quatre finally moaned. “Please, please. Trowa . . . do . . . touch . . . me.”

Trowa took Quatre in hand, stroking gently. Quatre moaned again. Trowa smiled gently and reached for a small pot on the bedside table. Quatre reached out to help him but Trowa patted his hands away.

“No, a deal is a deal. It’s my turn to serve.” Trowa smiled down on Quatre. “Love you.”

Quatre smiled rather muzzily back. “Love back. Do something. I’m going crazy. Please . . . ” he was so heated that he could barely form the words.

Trowa took some of the slick from the pot and applied it to Quatre stroking it into his flesh leaving him writhing on the bed. Trowa made Quatre even wilder as he turned around to allow Quatre to watch him prepare himself.

Trowa took a bit of the cream from the pot and rubbed it into himself. He knew Quatre could see every single movement. He’d practically shoved his backside into his face.

He took his time stretching himself so that he wouldn’t hurt Quatre. Trowa didn’t mind a little pain with his love making. A little only, and he knew that Quatre didn’t mind helping him out. But he was set to please Quatre this time and that meant leaving out anything that distracted Quatre from his goal.

When he was sufficiently stretched and Quatre was moaning just from watching, Trowa turned lithely and sat down on Quatre, who helpfully held himself still.

Trowa worked himself up and down on Quatre as if he was posting a trot. Quatre admired the smooth muscles working under his skin as much as he could with his vision clouded by desire.

Trowa rode Quatre until Quatre couldn’t stand it anymore. Quatre moaned one last time and convulsed as his body empted itself into Trowa’s. Trowa followed quickly, spurting over Quatre’s chest and stomach.

Quatre let his head drop with a grunt. He was exhausted. When Trowa rode him like that it was all he could do to hold off until Trowa was ready. Now all he wanted to do was sleep.

“Love? Where . . . oh. Yes, thank you.”

Trowa had gotten the washing cloth from the stand near the bed and was gently cleaning Quatre of sweat and their leavings.

After cleaning himself, Trowa returned to the bed and settled down behind Quatre. Wrapping his arms around him, he settled down to sleep. Quatre murmured softly, “Need to find the pissy Chinaman someone.”

Trowa snorted into the back of his neck as they both fell asleep.

---

“I’m done with the floor. Now what should I do?”

Duo looked up from his scroll. “Haul water. There’s four cans to fill. Do. Not. Try to take them down. Even you can’t get them back up the stairs. You’ll need the yoke and buckets. Fill the tub and then call me.”

Heero bowed slightly and then left to get the yoke and buckets. He wasn’t going to strain his shoulders by trying to carry two full buckets without the yoke. Besides Duo yelling at him for being a fool. He found that even a frown from Duo hurt. He smiled slightly, he’d wanted a companion who would be safe from assassins, it seemed that he’d found one.

Heero hauled the water for the bath. It took him three torturous trips, he wasn’t sure how Duo had managed it before he had gotten strong again. He set the cans in front of the fire, lining them up on the hearth. He cleaned the bathing chamber while he waited for the water to get warm. He knew he’d still have to clean up after their bath but it was easier to do this now than try to do it all when they were done bathing.

Duo wandered in while Heero was checking one of the cans.

“It’s a good idea if you keep one back. And don’t let all the water out of the tub. You can use it to wash the floor tomorrow. I usually dipped it back into the can. It’s not really that dirty, unless we’ve been rolling around in the mud or something. Good enough to wash down a floor with at any rate.”

Heero smiled at Duo. “Thank you for that. I need all the help I can get. And could you possibly tell me how to get back on Cook’s good list? All she does is growl and glare.”

“Do dishes and peal potatoes. She really needs all the help she can get. Some of those girls are as stupid as they come. And backstabbing? Wear armor. I swear.”

Heero checked the temperature of the water and nodded. “Water’s hot. How much should I put in?”

“Two cans and three of room temperature. Otherwise it’ll be much too hot. Need help?”

Heero made a face. “And when did I ever help you? Even when I should have known that it was too hard for you?”

Duo looked a little sad, which hurt Heero more than he would have thought. “You just didn’t know any better and I was too afraid to say anything. Never mind.” Duo reached up to the shelf for a bottle of bath oil. “Would you like the herbal or the sandalwood?”

“You choose. I like both.” Heero grunted softly as he realized exactly how heavy the cans were. “How the hell did you lift these.”

Duo reached over and took one from Heero, leaning it on the surround he tipped it until the water began to flow into the tub. “Don’t lift them, idiot. Do it like this. You’ll ruin your back.”

Heero shrugged and hid a smile as Duo called him ‘idiot’ “As you wish, master.”

Duo gave Heero a disgusted look. “You’re just asking for it.”

Heero blinked over his shoulder at Duo as he reached for the other can of hot water. “And don’t give me that innocent look. Doesn’t work on you.”

“Sorry. What innocent look?”

Duo laughed. “That one.”

Heero finished fixing the bath and set shampoo near to hand. He slipped into the tub and waited for Duo to climb in, in front of him. He would wash Duo’s hair for him then let Duo finish washing while he washed himself, or at least that was the plan.

Duo settled in the tub in front of Heero, but he wriggled and squirmed until Heero had to whimper.

“Something wrong, love? Need a little help with something?”

Heero groaned. Duo was determined to get his evens with him, not that Heero really minded. He knew that Duo wouldn’t do anything he really disliked. Heero decided to let his ‘slave’ have his way. He wondered who really owned who.

Duo pulled Heero out of the tub and tugged and prodded him until he got the idea that he was to dry Duo off and comb and brush his hair. Heero wondered why Duo didn’t just tell him what to do. Then he forgot exactly what he was doing as Duo started kissing him. Heero kissed back passionately whimpering slightly as he realized that Duo had every intention of making him too needy to think straight.

Duo smirked in the hollow of Heero’s neck. He wasn’t going to hurt Heero, never in this world or any other. But he was going to have some fun with him. He whispered softly, “Go lay down on the bed. Touch yourself, but don’t gain any release. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Heero blinked once, slowly, as if coming out of a trance. He obeyed readily enough going to the bed and turning back the covers, he lay down and began to stroke himself. He couldn’t help moaning softly.

“Ready? I’m going to touch you now. Don’t flinch.”

Heero bit at his lip when Duo gently touched his anus. He knew Duo wouldn’t hurt him intentionally but no man had ever been there before. He wondered if it would hurt even if he managed to relax.

Duo stroked and massaged Heero, coaxing nerve tightened muscles to relax. He coated his finger with the salve Wufei sent them and eased himself between Heero’s bent legs.

“Don’t worry. If you really, really don’t like it I’ll stop. Just give me a chance. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do this. I’ll make it good. I swear.”

Heero realized that he was holding himself taunt as if ready for a blow. He forced himself to relax. Duo smiled at him approvingly and continued to stroke him gently, then he let his hand wander a little higher touching Heero’s perineum. He took a moment to glance at Heero’s face. Heero smiled back encouraging him to continue.

Duo stroked the silky skin watching Heero’s face for a hint as to what he was thinking. The expression of bliss that settled on Heero’s face let Duo know that he was on the right track.

“Relax now. I don’t want to hurt you. Breathe out.”

Heero let his breath out in a gentle stream as Duo pushed his finger past a resisting ring of muscle. Plenty of cream cushioned his entry. Heero whimpered softly, Duo froze watching Heero for signs of pain. Heero rolled his head on the pillow.

“Please. That’s . . . incredible. I like . . . more please. Please. Do . . . something.”

Duo eased Heero’s tight channel, smoothing more cream into it and circling his finger stretching coaxing. Heero gasped as Duo touched that spot within him that Wufei called the Lotus point. He decided that it was one of the best parts of his body. He moaned again and writhed trying to obtain more of that wonderful feeling. Duo slipped two fingers into Heero while he was trying to decide whether to scream or moan. He settled on begging.

Duo eased three fingers into Heero and began to thrust them gently into his body. Heero accepted the third finger easily between the cream and his ability to command his body. Duo was satisfied that Heero wouldn’t be hurt by what he was going to do next.

“I want you. Heero, I want to take you. Will you let me?”

Heero rolled his head from side to side, he was so stimulated he couldn’t think. Did he want this? Could he do it? Could he let Duo into his body?

“Yes, please. I need . . . I can’t . . . yes. Do something.”

Heero couldn’t help the sharp yelp he gave as Duo settled into the cradle of his hips and thighs. The feeling of Duo rubbing across him was astoundingly erotic. Duo moved slowly, rubbing against Heero’s groin, bringing him to a state of panting and begging.

“Ready?”

“Dammit!”

Duo eased against Heero’s opening and pushed gently coaxing his way in. He moved as gently as he wished his old masters had. Duo gritted his teeth against the urge to thrust his way into Heero, he knew it would hurt him. A thing he had no wish to do.

“Heero?”

Heero whimpered, he wished Duo would move, this care he was showing was good, but it was driving him crazy with need.

“Duo if you don’t move your ass, I’ll flip us over and sit on you. Please, move. Something. You’re making me crazy.” Duo had to laugh at words that were delivered between pained moans.

The laughter did things to Heero that made him even more frantic. Duo began to move gently thrusting into Heero’s willing body. Heero realized somewhere in the muddled mess that was his brain, that this could hurt a great deal. Duo was making sure that he enjoyed this experience.

Duo moved more strongly now that he was sure that Heero was accepting, willing and ready

Heero groaned and writhed, Duo was pleasured and gave pleasure. When they climaxed, it was together and loud. Heero gave his war cry and Duo made a sound halfway between a scream and his own war cry.

Duo collapsed into the cradle of Heero’s thighs and sighed. Heero wrapped his arms around his shoulders and his legs around his waist.

“That was . . . was . . .” Heero searched for words. Giving up, he just kissed Duo.

“Yes, it was. Like?”

“Mmmmm”

Duo fell asleep before he could even withdraw, Heero followed an instant later.

—
Heero woke about a candle mark later. He eased off the bed and slipped quietly into the bathing chamber. He poured some hot water into a basin and cleaned the mess off his buttocks and thighs then he slipped a finger into himself to see how much he hurt. Surprisingly he didn’t hurt much at all. He was a little sore from the unaccustomed stretching, but other than that he was fine. He emptied the basin into the waste water in the tub. He was glad Duo had suggested saving it to scrub the floor with. It would make his life easier, he remembered Duo’s heavy sighs when he helpfully emptied the tub for him.

He carried the basin back to the bed chamber and washed Duo trying not to wake him. Why he thought that would work he wasn’t sure as he looked into laughing amethyst eyes.

“Thank you. That’s nice. Come back to bed.”

Heero dropped the cloth into the basin and carried it toward the bathing chamber, saying over his shoulder. “As soon as I empty the basin. I don’t want to step into it in the morning.”

They settled back down to sleep and Heero managed to sleep most of the night. He woke cold and alone in the early gray false dawn.

“Duo? . . . Duo? Where are you?”

Heero saw Duo’s silhouette in the window seat.

“Here, Heero. I’ve remembered everything. We have to go see Queen Relena. Soon.”

“Very well. Come back to bed. I’ll make arrangements as soon as may be.”

Duo came back to the bed and crawled in beside Heero. Heero shivered, Duo was icy cold.

“I’m cold. I . . . Heero, a man I thought was a friend . . . wasn’t. It’s . . . I . . .”

Heero put one hand gently against Duo’s lips. “Don’t. Go to sleep for now. We’ll call Quatre and Trowa in the morning. Wufei too. Tell us all then. No need for you to go over and over it. Then we’ll decided what’s best to be done. Sleep now.”

Duo snuggled against Heero and nodded his head on Heero’s shoulder. “Good enough. I’m not sure what I should do.”

“Neither am I. The raiders are worse than ever. This mess and I have to go back to the capital soon. Damn.”

“Don’t worry about the raiders. I’ll take care of them. Sleep now.”

Heero didn’t bother to argue with Duo. They’d sort the whole mess out soon enough.

---

Heero woke again, rolled over and saw Duo watching him. “Good Morrow. Rise and shine.”

Heero grunted in reply and scrambled grumpily out of the bed, hissing as his bare toes came in contact with the cold slate floor.

Heero dragged on his clothing as he scampered for the bed chamber door. He knew better than to be late to get their breakfast. Duo had come back several times with red ears from the scold Cook gave him. She really hated to waste food, and if he wasn’t in time the tray would be cold.

“I’ll be back with breakfast soon. Unless Cook decides to make me wait . . . what if she does?”

Duo had snuggled back down in the bed so all Heero could see were his eyes, which sparkled wickedly. “Ever been figged? If you’re too late, you’ll find out what it’s like.” Heero ran.

He made it down the stairs in record time, lacing his breaches as he went. He skidded into the kitchen, scrambling to keep his balance.

“Well, see what the cat chased in. Young man, if I catch you running like that again, I’ll skin you. You’ll slip and fall and then where will we be? You wake up earlier and get here sooner. Do you understand me?”

Heero braced from long unforgotten habit. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry. I’ll do better.” Cook gave him a sharp look to see if he was being smart. Deciding that he wasn’t, she dished up a tray and put it on the table. Heero picked it up and took it to the hearth where he gathered up a tea pot set there to warm. He added tea and hot water, placed it on the tray and carried it all toward the door.

He saw the boot extended to trip him from the corner of his eye. He gave the culprit a cold glare. “I’m still king here. Cook! Do you allow that sort of tomfoolery? If you do, my opinion of you . . .“

“That’s enough of that. Master Heero, you go on up. I’ll deal with that. And, no, I don’t allow that. It’s dangerous as well as wasteful.” Cook turned her eye and wrath to the culprit and Heero made good his escape.

The rest of his trip was uneventful but tiring. He was again impressed with Duo’s strength of will or stubbornness, depending on how you looked at it. The stairs were steep and hard to navigate at the best of times, with a heavy tray full of spillable things it was horrible.

---

“I swear, I’m going to have that service corridor reopened. It’s almost impossible to get up those stairs without spilling something. And some idiot tried to trip me first thing. Cook is probably still bawling him out. She’s worse than some of my old drill sergeants.”

Duo sat up in bed with a crow of delight. “You got Timothy in trouble? I swear he’s the biggest sneak in the world. He was always trying to trip me, or get me in trouble somehow. Cook usually caught him at it. The last trick he pulled she said she would send him back home if he pulled another stunt. I hope she does send him home. Someone is going to get hurt sooner or later.”
Heero set the tray on the bed and dished up food for Duo. He made up his plate and set it aside then he scrambled into the bed again. Duo nestled the tea pot between them so it wouldn’t be upset. They ate in silence, sipping at the hot tea between bites.

When they finally finished and Heero had cleaned up the plates, Duo rolled off the bed and hunted for his robe. Heero flushed with embarrassment as he realized that he was supposed to have put it on the foot of the bed for Duo before he went for breakfast. Heero got it out of the clothes press and handed it to him, head hanging.

“Well, forgot, didn’t you? Should I punish you, or not? I don’t remember you punishing me for forgetting, once. May I use your desk?”

Heero blinked, no punishment? He’d thought Duo might take some advantage of his chance but it seemed Duo was bigger than that. Heero dragged his attention back to the subject at hand.

“Certainly. Help yourself.”

Duo settled at the desk and pulled a piece of paper to the blotter. “Oh. I almost forgot . . . will you see if the others can come to the library? You’ll know what time would be best for them. Please?”

“Yes, I’ll go to Wufei first. If I catch him soon, he won’t have made plans to go into the village or out to the woods. Then I’ll catch Quatre. He’ll tell Trowa. Getting Trowa won’t be any trouble all he’ll have to do is turn training over to one of his lieutenants for a session. Good for them too, practice in command without undue risk. I better hurry, or I’ll miss Chang.”

Heero hurried out followed by the scratching of Duo’s pen.

---

Heero found Wufei on the verge of leaving the keep. When he called to him, Wufei turned with a smile.

“Well, how are you doing? Haven’t been punished yet?”

Heero ducked his head with a small grin. “Not yet. But . . . um . . . I could use some salve. Duo was gentle, but I’m still sore.” At Wufei’s startled look, Heero hurried on. “Don’t tell him. He’ll be so upset. I’m fine. But that’s not why I stopped you. He wants to meet with us as soon as possible. He’s remembered. And don’t ask me any questions. He said he’d like to tell us all at one time. He doesn’t want to have to tell his story more than once. Then he wants to make some plans. So . . . if it’s not too inconvenient, could you stay here? I’ll send a page for you when we get a time. If that’s agreeable to you?”

Wufei nodded. “Yes, that will be fine. I was only going down to get some aqua vita. It can wait. I’ll go back to my quarters.” Wufei made a face. “There are some things that need washing. Things I can’t trust to just anybody. I’d almost give my left nut for a slave I can trust. Almost.”

Heero made a face. He hated slavery and saw little use for it. Someone paid usually worked better. But he knew Chang’s history and was very sure that he’d never trust anyone but a slave in his quarters.

“I’ll see what I can do, when this mess is over, not before. Is that acceptable?”

Wufei bowed, knowing what a concession this was. “Yes, quite. I’ll be in my quarters as I said. Send when I’m needed.”

Wufei walked away, back straight, head erect. Heero wondered at his strength. He shook his head and went to find Quatre.

He found Quatre in the dove coot feeding his birds. He gave Quatre the same message he’d given Wufei. Quatre told him that he would be glad to help in any way he could. Heero smiled, saying, “I know that. Duo isn’t sure of you yet. But he’s remembered some things that are . . . bad. I’m not sure exactly what. I’ll send a page. Should I try to find Trowa or will you?”

Quatre shook his head. “Don’t bother. I’ll get him now. He’ll need a bath before he’s presentable.”

Heero watched as his friend scattered the last of the feed and headed for the stairs. He always had trouble reconciling this smiling, blue-eyed angel with the scheming manipulative courtier he really was. Heero smirked remembering the one time he’d said something like that directly to Quatre’s face. He’d beamed at Heero in the most cherubic way and said in an amused voice. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Heero had laughed so hard he’d choked on his wine. It wasn’t always a bad thing. Especially when the courtier in question served the crown with every breath he took.

---

Duo settled at the head of the table, smiling as Heero took the foot. Trowa and Quatre sat at one side and Wufei at the other.

“Thank you for coming. I’m sure it’s inconvenient for you.” Duo nodded to each one of them. “I’ll keep this short and to the point. I’ve remembered . . . everything. I was betrayed. By one of my generals. Milliardo Peacecraft, Zechs of Merquise. He’s sometimes called Zechs. And I’m fairly sure the raiders are men under his command. Looking for me. I get the feeling that Relena or the Council of the Temple, or both have something to do with that. Milliardo was always a little sneaky, even when we were children.”

Wufei snorted. “I’ve heard of him. I’ve never seen him, of course. But what I’ve heard wasn’t all that nice. He’s sly, very proud and a bastard elder son.”

Duo nodded. “He was sent to the temple as soon as he was old enough to be away from his mother. She was the king’s favorite concubine, but she was ill. Some said Milliardo’s birth was too hard on her. She finally became so ill she died. The other children were very cruel to him because of it. I tried to keep them off him, but it didn’t work when I wasn’t around. He is sixth in the chain of command. I keep having . . . flash backs? Something. There’s something there that I can’t quite . . . damn.” Duo slammed his hands down on the table. “I didn’t get a good look at whoever it was that hit me from behind. But, it was either Milliardo or one of his cronies. I’m sure of it. How we’re ever to prove it I don’t know.”

Heero bit at his lips, wondering how to ask the question that was most important to him. “Duo? What are you going to do? Do you want to go back to the temple? . . . and . . . what . . . what about us . . . me . . .”

Duo took one look at Heero’s miserable face and hurried around the table to put his arms around him. “I’ll not leave you. You saved my life. According to the teachings of Anchora, I have to stay with you, serve you for the rest of my life. I intend to do exactly that. The temple allowed this. They could have found me if they really wanted to. Isn’t that right Master Chang?”

Wufei nodded, making a sour face. “Yes. There are spells that can find almost anybody, if you have enough power to work them. The temple has sorcerers powerful enough to do a spell like that. And the prayers of the other priests could provide power enough to create a . . . never mind all that. I’m sure you don’t need a lecture on the ins and outs of spell casting. Suffice it to say, they have enough skill and power to find him if they really wanted to.”

Duo nodded. “The question is . . . no, never mind. If they found a body under my horse . . . but who could it have been. And why didn’t they just kill me and be done with it? I want to . . . Heero?”

Heero thought hard. He didn’t want to let Duo out of his sight. He wasn’t sure exactly what was going on so he was feeling protective of Duo.

“I don’t like it. They’ll find a way to get what they want. We have to be careful until we figure out what their agenda is.”

Quatre cleared his throat. “I can answer that. For some reason the temple forbade a marriage between you and Queen Relena. It’s very desirable. For all sorts of reasons too boring to go into just now. No one seems to really know the reason why. The Zechs wishes it above all things. He feels that if Heero and Relena get married both kingdoms would be more secure. And under one ruler, more powerful and richer as well.”

Duo made a face. “They can’t get married. They’re second cousins. On the wrong side of the blanket to be sure but still. Two headed children aren’t conducive to a settled populace.”

Heero blinked. “Excuse me? And where does the bastard lie, as if I didn’t know.”

Duo looked uncomfortable. “On your side. Seems the old king was good friends with the queen of Sanq. Did her a favor. One of her ladies in waiting got caught by the royal consort. She sent the girl here and married her off. Into your family, Heero. So you’re related. No marriage possible. Inbreeding is a real problem with royal families. That’s why the temple keeps track of all royal births legitimate or not. There’s no way I could have allowed you two to get married. I’m sorry. In more ways than one.”

Heero shrugged. “There’s all sorts of ways around that problem. For instance, as my consort, you could take on the burden of producing heirs to the crown. Relena needs an heir but she’s . . . not interested in men. So . . . Master Chang?”

Wufei nodded. “There are ways. I know of at least two off hand. And I’ll be glad to check for more. That’s not an issue. The issue at hand is who masterminded this mess. They should be punished severely.”

Heero nodded. He wanted revenge against everyone who’d caused Duo pain. Starting with whoever it was that had engineered his kidnapping.

Quatre sighed. “We have to go to the capital. I need to be closer to my sources. How soon can we leave?”

Heero shook his head. “Not until we get a handle on the raiders. They’re causing so much damage that some people are going to have to have support just to make it through the winter. They’ll starve otherwise.”

Trowa looked at Duo. Duo just gave him a bland gaze back.

“Must I ask?”

Duo nodded, “It’s in the nature of my vows.”

Trowa sighed, shifted in his seat and rummaged in his pouch. He put a small silver penny on the table and scooted it to Duo. Duo picked it up, bit it and tucked it away in his belt. “What do you need me to do?”

“Can you stop the raiders?”

“Probably. All I can promise is to talk to them. If I can find them. That’s the first thing. But if they’re who I think they are, all I have to do is tell them to stop. They might even have some useful information for us. I’ll go out as soon as I can.”

“How soon will that be?” Heero looked like he wanted to tell Duo that there was no way he was leaving the keep to chase robbers. He also looked like he was about to choke on the knowledge that he couldn’t.

Duo frowned for a moment. “Black is in good shape and ready for anything. But I need armor and weapons. I can’t do what I need to in secondhand make-do equipment. I have to look the part. I need black armor and a new sword. Or a scythe. That’s my favored weapon. I can make it myself if I can get the right material. Can we do it?”

Heero nodded. “My smith can. It won’t take him that long. I’ve got a suit of good armor that I brought with me that you can have. I didn’t realize that I’d out grown it until I tried it on. It’s black, double linked chain. I don’t think you’ll even have to do much to it. It is sure to be long enough. And I’m pretty sure that all you need to do to make the shoulders fit is pad your jupon a bit. We’ll try it on after we finish our planning here.”

Trowa smiled at Heero who just gave him a significant look back.

They spent the rest of three candle marks planning.

---

Duo went to the smithy in the early evening. Heero went with him, carrying the ring armor he was giving to Duo.

The smith nodded his head to the two men and took the mail. He listened to Heero as he explained what was needed. Duo wandered around the smithy examining the tools, the anvil and the general condition of things.

When the smith called him to come be measured Duo just stepped onto the small box the smith put down. The man took a length of string and started measuring, tying knots to keep his measures. Heero grimaced. “You should write those down.”

“I would, sir, but I can’t do script nor cipher. My wife does it.”

“So where’s your wife then?”

“She’s off to sisters’ house for the night. Got a new nephew, I do. Went to see him.”

Duo just picked up a bit of paper and a stick of natural charcoal. “Here, Heero. You write it down for him. Make sure it’s neat so she can read it.”

Heero made a face at Duo, who snickered. “My writing is neat. You’re the one who scratches like a chicken.”

Duo went to clout Heero over the head, but the smith called him to order. “No horseplay in the smithy. You’ll get burned or something, sure. Now, you stand there. And Master Heero. You over there. Nice table to write on.”

Heero grinned at Duo in triumph, he’d gotten away with something. Duo’s sparkling eyes promised that he hadn’t

The smith called out his measurements and Heero wrote them down neatly in big symbols. When the smith measured the mail shirt, Heero wrote those numbers down too.

The smith had him read the numbers back to him and thought carefully. “All it really needs is a bit off the bottom so as not to bunch when he rides. I’d rather see him have a heavier arming shirt than try to cut down the shoulders. Only needs half a link out. The sleeves are a bit long too, so I’ll take a bit off there as well. I can have it in two days.” The smith made marks on the shirt itself with a grease stick made with chalk. “And what about weapons. He need a sword? Or something else.”

Duo spoke up. “I am the Reaper. The Taker of Souls. I use a scythe. I’ll make it myself. You’ll never do it right. And no insult intended. A scythe made for a weapon is completely different from one made for reaping corn.”

The smith just nodded. “If you want, feel free to use whatever you need. Want to help me cut the shirt down?”

Duo shook his head. “I’m tromping on your toes badly enough as it is. Thank you for the invitation to use your tools. I’d like to start in the morning, if you don’t mind.”

The smith shook his head. “Don’t mind a bit. As to anything else. What am I suppose to call you? Can’t keep calling you ‘Young Sir’ can I?”

Duo grinned. “Call me Duo. I’ve got a title but it’s a mouth full and no mistake and what should I call you?”

The smith gave him a puzzled look. “Why what else but John Smith?”

Heero hid his smile behind his hand. Duo bowed slightly. “Yes, of course, what else indeed? Well, if we’re all in line. Good even, sir smith.”

The smith shook his head at the two, smiled and watched them leave wondering what he’d gotten himself into.

---

The next morning saw Heero kicked out of bed before dawn. Duo told him to get their breakfast and bring it to the smithy. Heero grumbled softly but obeyed, heading for the kitchen.

Cook saw him before he was even in the door. He wondered if the woman had eyes in the back of her head. She called him over and thanked him for showing Timothy up. She’d known something was going on behind her back but had never caught the boy at his antics.

“I don’t like that sort of behavior. It’s too easy to get hurt in a kitchen without horseplay and foolishness. Boiling oil, boiling water, hot pots and pans; not to mention knives and cleavers. And skewers. Gives me the shudders just thinking about all the mischief he could have caused. Well, tray’s not ready just yet. Sit a bit.”

Heero really wanted to sit but he had taken Duo’s advice to heart. “I could help someone do something while I wait. You’re shorthanded without Timothy.”

Cook gave him a sharp look but handed him a bowl full of peas to shell. Heero flushed as he admitted he had no idea how to go about it. Cook smiled, showed him how to shell the peas and left him to his job.

Heero shelled peas with single-minded concentration, carefully releasing the spheres from their shells. Just as he finished with the bowl, cook called him to get his food. Heero took the tray and headed for the smithy. He didn’t want a reprimand for allowing the food to get cold.

The trip to the smithy was easier than he though it would be. The building was just across the courtyard from the back door of the kitchens.

Heero called Duo as he got near the door. Duo walked out of the smithy bare chested. Heero was pleased to see that he had put on muscle, quite a bit of it in fact. Heero couldn’t help but admire the lean lines Duo’s lack of garment revealed.

Duo took the tray from Heero so that Heero could set the table. Heero took the utensils from the tray and laid them out on the small accounting table in the door of the smithy. Duo put the tray down and took one of the plates. Heero took the other but waited for Duo to take the first bite before he began to eat.

The food was quickly devoured, the plates back on the tray and Heero on his way back to the kitchen. He didn’t take much time, just dumping the tray on the washing stand and hurrying back to Duo’s side. Cook smiled a bit wondering when someone would tell him he was supposed to scrape the plates. Then she looked at the plates and realized they looked like they’d been licked clean.

“Well, as clean as three waters can get them. Boys.” she laughed softly and washed the plates herself.