Duo stretched and rubbed at the small of his back. He’d been working on his scythe for three days now and it was almost done. His ring mail was done. John had cut the sleeves first then the hem. He’d just finished it about a candle mark ago. He’d have done it the very next day but they’d had to wait for the seamstress to finish his new arming coat. John wouldn’t alter the mail until he had it and Duo wouldn’t think of rushing him. It wouldn’t do to ruin the shirt because they couldn’t wait a day or so.

Heero stepped up behind Duo and began to rub at his back. “Let me. You’ll never get that by yourself.” Duo moaned his appreciation as Heero’s strong hands rubbed out the kinks.

“Thank you. That feels so good. Remind me to return the favor.”

Heero shrugged. “You already have -- Many times. And I’m sure I forgot to thank you half the time.”

Duo rolled his head from side to side. “Doesn’t matter,Masters don’t thank slaves.”

Heero snarled. “If they want them to be more than slaves they do. I want you to be my companion. Not some . . . thing . . . I . . . dammit!”

Duo turned to face Heero. “I’m not going anywhere. And when the time comes we’ll be committed. I swear. Is that what you need to hear?”

Heero was startled to realize that it was. He nodded and sighed. “Yes. Thank you. Now, you better get cleaned up. We need to meet with Trowa and Quatre again.”

Duo laughed softly and touched one finger to Heero’s nose. “Sensitive. Insolent slave. Are you insinuating I stink?”

Heero wriggled his nose, crossing his eyes in an attempt to see the end of Duo’s finger which made Duo laugh again. “No, master, this humble person is telling you, you stink. A lot. Come on, bath. You’ve been working since you got up this morning.” Heero tugged Duo in to motion. “How long before you’re done?”

“It’s almost done. All I have to do is sharpen it, put the snath on and set the handle.”

Heero blinked. “That seems like a lot to me.”

“Not really. Not more than the morning. I would finish it today but John said that he needs the whole shop this afternoon. He’s shoeing horses. I don’t want to be in his way any more than I have to be. I’ll take a bath then we can sit down with Trowa and Quatre. I need to find out some more about the raiders. I have an idea, but I don’t like it much.” Heero opened his mouth to say something but Duo cut him off. “No. Not until I have more information. I don’t want to make an accusation until I’m fairly sure of myself.”

Heero shut his mouth again. He knew better than to ask Duo again. Duo would tell him when the time was right and not before. He did find it difficult however, as he wasn’t used to waiting. He supposed that this was another of the lessons that Duo was teaching him. He had to admit that Duo’s method of teaching was different from his other teachers.

---

Their meeting with Trowa and Quatre was interesting to Duo. They’d found out that several of the high officers of Duo’s temple were missing. The Zechs, or sixth, master was still there but other’s were just gone. They had disappeared about the time the raiding had started.

Duo hummed under his breath as he thought. Heero couldn’t help but smile at that.

“Well, I’m sure I know what’s going on now. The raiders are priests from my temple. Some of the raids are for supplies and the rest are attempts to find me. Every raid they either empty the granaries and smoke houses, or steal a slave that fits my description to one extent or another.” Duo picked at his lip for a moment. “Heero, Trowa, I need you both to see if you can’t figure out where they have holed up or where they’ll strike next. And when. Quatre, get me an audience with Queen Relena please.” He stood up. “I’ll be in Heero’s office working on a report for Her Majesty and the provisional head of the temple . . . if you don’t mind, Heero.”

Heero shook his head. “I don’t mind. I have chores to do. I’ll see you as soon as I’m done. If that’s all right.”

Duo smiled at Heero and watched as he left to clean their quarters. Duo was sure he’d left less of a mess than Heero would have. Not that Heero was really messy, but he’d gotten in the habit lately of dropping things.

Duo nearly tripped over the threshold of the study. Heero only dropped things when Duo was in the room. If he was dropping things any other time, they’d still be on the floor. He snickered softly to himself. “Well, well, I’ll have to try that one myself.”

Duo settled at the desk and started making notes to himself. Notes about everything he remembered; temple priests that didn’t like him for one reason or another, reasons anyone with power would want him out of the way. Anything he could think of that would have led to someone wanting him dead or at least out of the way.

He weighed each fact carefully and could come up with only one person who could have pulled this off without getting caught. The general Milliardo Peacecraft, Zechs of Merquise. He’d already known this and even told the others so. But he had to be completely sure. He wasn’t about to blame an innocent man. Now he was absolutely sure. Duo put his head down on the desk and wept.

---

Heero looked up from what he was doing and dropped his cleaning cloth. He hurried across the room and took Duo in his arms. He looked at Duo. His love was red eyed and blotchy faced. He’d obviously been crying.

“Tell me. I’ll go kill them. Slowly.”

Duo just handed Heero a sheaf of papers. “Go over every one of these. Check my logic. Please. Please don’t ask me any questions.”

“Very well. Whatever you like.” Heero took the papers and settled in his chair, Duo just settled in the other chair and waited.

Heero read carefully. He checked every detail twice then gave his opinion. “The only person it could possibly have been is The Zechs. I don’t understand quite why. He’s the Prince after all. Why?”

“He has a lot to gain if Relena marries. And Heero, you’re the perfect match for her in every way but one. You’re too closely related.”

Heero nodded. They’d already been over this. He could see how Peacecraft wouldn’t understand. The temple guarded most of the blood line information closely. They were entrustedwith secrets that could ruin entire countries. Even the kings of great countries didn’t argue with it.

“Damn hedge prince. I’ll gut him. He’ll . . .” Heero trailed off as Duo just shook his head.

“No, you won’t. He was a friend of mine. He betrayed me in a . . . I . . . I don’t want him killed no matter what he did. Call me an idiot.”

Heero got up and went to Duo. He knelt at his feet and took his hands. “You’re an idiot. But I understand. No matter what he did to you, you can’t return the ‘favor’. You’re just not built that way. Loyalty is ingrained in you so deeply that there’s no other way for you to be. We’ll figure out something. Now. Bath.”

Duo sighed and followed Heero into the bathing chamber. He allowed Heero to put him into a warm bath, scrub him gently and wash his hair. Heero combed Duo’s hair out and rubbed it with a bit of silk cloth, wiping it from root to tips to make it shine. Duo sighed happily under his hands.

“Now to bed. It’s a bit early, but I’m tired out and you look like you’ve been pulled through a hedge row sideways. Come on.” Heero tucked Duo into the bed and settled beside him. “If you’re not sleepy, I could read to you for a bit. Would you like that?”

Duo sighed. “Yes, that would be nice. It’s just that I miss . . . the apprentices sing for the masters of the temple. In order to practice, you see. But it’s nice and I miss that.”

Heero sighed. “I’ll sing for you if you’d like that better.”

Duo, well acquainted with Heero’s singing, shuddered dramatically. “Good voice. Nice baritone, but you have no expression and you sing like you’re on a battle field. And all you seem to know are battle chants. Read, please.”

Heero just chuckled deep in his chest and allowed that all he knew were battle chants. He settled back to read from a book of ghost stories.

---

Heero settled on the counter of the smithy and watched as Duo set the snath and handles to the scythe blade. When he was done Duo hefted the completed weapon and gave it an experimental swing. Heero had never understood how someone could use a scythe as a weapon, now he did.

Duo swung the weapon at shoulder height. He took it out into the yard and began to swing the thing as if he was mowing corn, at shoulder height. He stepped forward one step then swung the scythe, then he took another step bringing his back foot up to the forward one. The blade swung in a figure eight, reaping imaginary heads as Duo moved. Then he started dipping the ends of his swings. Heero blinked. As Duo moved he changed the angle of each swing until it seemed as if he was surrounded by a sparkling ball of steel. Deadly and beautiful.

Duo finished his work out sooner than expected. He wiped sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and came to Heero.

“I’m not in the shape I should be. But all things considered I’m well pleased. I just hope we don’t wind up in a major battle. I’ll be in trouble if we do.”

Heero shook his head. “No, you won’t. I’ll be guarding your back. And believe me, no one gets through my guard. I’ll show you.”

Heero went to the weapons rack at the side of the training ground and selected a sword. He and Duo had worked out together for quite some time but he’d taken it easy on Duo because Duo wasn’t quite well yet. Now he set himself to show Duo all his skills.

Heero set up for a short kata and moved slowly, sword swinging gently. Suddenly he exploded into action. His sword circled, stabbed and retreated into guard. It flashed in the sunlight like a living thing. Darting out and retreating in ever more confusing patterns, Heero danced in the sunlight. Duo watched with appreciation. He’d known that Heero had to be good but he was so good it was a little frightening. Duo knew the amount of practice that went into being so good.

Heero finished his demonstration and walked toward Duo. Duo greeted him with a smile and a towel.

“Here you go. I used it first but this end is still dry. You’re good. Took it easy on me didn’t you?”

Heero smiled. “A bit. I didn’t want to scare you off. You needed the exercise for one.”

“And I didn’t need my ego completely crushed. Thank you.” They both laughed.

---

Duo was trying on his cut down mail shirt when the rider came in. Heero and Duo both looked up twin daggers of glaring fury. Trowa met the rider and spoke to the weary man for a moment.

He hurried over to Heero who was arming himself with the smiths help.

“We found them. They’re in the next valley over. Up at the head. They’re actually preparing to assail the keep. My man tells me that there’s about forty of them.”

Heero turned to Duo. “That many? How?”

“Mercenaries. Some of my stupider commanders will fill the ranks that way.”

Heero shook his head. “Not smart. Most of them don’t stay bought.”

Trowa shook his head too. “And my man recognized the merc’s . It’s Andowain’s crew. They’re notorious.”

Duo snorted. “Well that’s a lucky break Andowain owes me. He’ll crumple like cheap armor. Come on.”

Heero gave orders for every veteran fighter in the keep to arm and mount. It didn’t take above a candle mark for them to get ready. It took more time to ride to the valley, but they got there with plenty of time to scout out the raiders.

Duo paced, Heero watched. This was going to be bad. The mercs were experienced fighters, the veterans that Trowa and Quatre had brought with them were too. The men from the keep were not as experienced as the rest but they were protecting their home. It was going to be a blood bath unless something happened to prevent it.

Duo mounted Black. “I’ll ride out and show myself. Maybe it’ll make a difference. If they are looking for me that is.”

Heero snarled sourly. “Or it’ll give them the opportunity to shoot you out of the saddle.”

Duo frowned in thought. “I don’t think so. Why would they go to all the trouble of hunting me down just to kill me?”

Heero shook his head. “When do things like this really make sense? Maybe the Zechs wants to kill you himself, or he wants proof. Or he’s just nuts.”

Duo cupped Heero’s cheek in his palm. “Calm down. I’ll make sure to stay out of arrow range. Or you could ride beside me with a shield.”

Heero just motioned to a squire who brought him a shield. Heero mounted his horse and waited for Duo to do the same.

Duo made quite a sight mounted on his black horse, his scythe in his hand. The armor looked like it had been made for him. All black. Every thing black except his bright chestnut hair, his pale face and large fierce amethyst eyes.

He rode out into the clearing between them and the raiders. They’d more or less cornered them in a small valley at the back of the larger one. There was no place for them to go except through Heero’s forces. And Heero’s men out numbered them two to one.

Heero kept between Duo and the group of raiders as he galloped up and down in front of them waving his scythe. The display was working as most of the men were muttering and shifting unhappily.

When Duo turned to face them, Heero stationed himself between the raiders and Duo and set his shield. Duo cried out, “DoI need this? Do you want me dead? Who speaks for you?”

One man rode out to about half way between Heero and the massed raiders. “I do. If you are who I think you are you’ll know the goddesses true name. Speak it.”

Duo called out. “Her name is unknown. Those who claim to know it are anathema and a sacrilege. Come closer. No harm will come to you if you do not attempt harm. My word of honor.” Duo dismounted to show that he was no threat.

The man rode closer, moving slowly and eyeing Heero fearfully.

Heero dismounted too, grounded his shield and glared at the man. If he so much as looked sideways at Duo he was a dead man. Heero made sure he knew it too.

“High General. Master of the Temple. We have searched for you since the oracle spoke, saying that you still lived. We await your pleasure.”

Duo eyed the man for a moment. “And the others taken, where are they?” He wasn’t about to let the raiders get away with anything.

“They are safe. We have kept them with us as they were mostly slaves.”

“And those you killed in your raids, what about their families and friends. You use your mission as an excuse. I’ll not have it.”

“But master. The Zechs said we are on a holy mission. A mission to find you. Nothing was forbidden us.”

He gave Duo a suspicious look. “You . . .” Duo sputtered indignantly.

Heero couldn’t decide what he should do. He finally gritted his teeth and knelt at Duo’s feet. He wrapped his arm around Duo’s thigh, trying to keep him from barging into trouble.

The captain of the raiders recognized Heero and nearly fainted. He stammered, gulped and then moaned. He prostrated himself at Duo’s feet, groveling and begging for mercy.

“Get up. I don’t have patience for this foolishness. Bring your men forward and surrender. Then you better start explaining yourself.”

The captain motioned to his men, who all came forward and knelt in surrender. Then he started babbling.

“The oracle said that we would know it was you when a king knelt at your feet. She said that the master would kneel at the slave’s feet and . . . and . . . I don’t remember it all. I’m sorry High General. We kneel in supplication. Please forgive us. We only did what we were told was right. Give us an order. We will obey it to the death.”

Duo eyed the gathered men. They eyed him back, looking very nervous. Duo leaned down to speak to Heero.

“We have to accept their oath of fealty. I don’t want to do it here.”

Heero looked up at Duo, raising one eyebrow. “The field is wet. I don’t want you kneeling here in the mud. Doesn’t give the impression I want. And the wet is soaking through my boots. Come on.”

Heero stood up and eyed the group of men.

“We could just have them follow a third of the men, under the charge of the Master at arms. We’ll follow with the rest of the men to insure that they don’t try anything, but you can sit between the inner and outer Bailey.As they pass through, they surrender their weapons and give their oath. We can decide what to do with them after they’ve either sworn their oath or refused. And we need to sort out the priests from the mercs.”

Duo nodded. “Good. Mount up. We’ll make them walk. Their hostages and the women can have the horses. That’ll help keep them under control.”

Heero mounted up and rode back to their men. He arranged things to suit their purpose and then rode over to see if Duo was having any trouble. He wasn’t too worried about Duo, as he’d told the three best archers to make sure that anyone who tried anything looked like a porcupine. And to make sure that the raiders saw them at the ready. They were delighted to obey.

---

There were a few complaints about the women and hostages riding, but they were quickly quashed. Duo announced that, as High General, he gave orders, they obeyed them. If he wanted them to crawl, they would. His fierce look settled objections and the hostages were mounted on the few war horses, to be led by their masters. The rest of the horses were all mares and easily ridden by the women. All in all there were only fourteen horses so some of the women had to double up.

Heero watched proudly as Duo made sure that all the hostages, slaves, or whatever you wanted to call them, had horses. He was slightly amazed that the priests didn’t argue. The mercenaries certainly did. Duo rode over their protests roughshod, his fierce glare shutting up some, his cold arrogance the rest.

He expected obedience and he got it. Heero smiled, next time Duo complained that he was arrogant he was going to bring this up. Extensively, repeatedly and with relish.

The ride to the keep didn’t take that long, Duo made the miscreants trot hard the whole way. Heero approved. It would take some of the starch out of them, making them easier to handle.

When they got close to the keep, Duo and Heero rode ahead to make their preparations. Heero had a chair brought to the space between the inner and outer Bailey and set up on the small stage there. He also had a table and stool brought. He was going to act as Duo’s clerk, writing down the names of the men and women who pledged their fealty and their skills. The one’s who refused to pledge would be set on the road to find their way as best they could.

Duo stopped Heero for a moment. “You good with this?” Heero nodded shortly, giving Duo a small smile. “Thank you, love. This is more important than I have time to explain. I’ll try to when this is all over. Kiss!” Heero obediently kissed Duo and settled to arrange his papers, pens and ink pot.

All the new arrivals lined up outside the outer gate and quietly waited for their turn to pledge fealty. Duo had sorted the people out and was taking oaths only from the priests. The civilians, mercenaries and women would swear to Heero when Duo was done.

Heero calmly wrote down names and such as they moved by.

The last to swear was the leader whom Duo seemed to recognize. At lest he knew his name.

“Captain Niles.” The man knelt at Duo’s feet and pressed his hands together palm to palm. Duo clasped the captain’s hands in his. The man gave his vow and stood up.

“What made you believe me?” Duo waited as the man chewed the inside of his cheek.

“Well, the oracle said. ‘He shall have a king at his feet, unashamed. He shall ride a black horse and hold his scythe.’ and a lot of other things I didn’t understand. But I’ve seen you in the temple and know you. Your hair is shorter than I remember but other than that, you’re easily recognized. One of the reasons I was sent here. I know you by sight. Please . . . what are you going to do with us now. If . . . my men . . . they only followed my orders sir. If someone’s to be punished, it should be me.”

Duo shook his head. “I won’t punish you for following orders. There’s some women who are without husbands. You’ll see to it that they don’t suffer. I’m sure some of your men want to settle. See to it.”

“But, sir, what if the women don’t want to marry.”

Duo gave the man a stern look. “Did I say anything about them getting married? Send someone to help them. Understand?”

Captain Niles did. He nodded and started worrying at his cheek again.

Duo got up from the chair and allowed Heero to take his place. He took over the make shift desk and waited until the first man stepped up. He took his name and wrote it down, numbering out his skills as well. It didn’t take long for Heero to take the vows from the mercenaries and the women.

---

Heero knelt wearily at the side of the bathtub and wished, not for the first time, that the keep had running water. His palace in the Capitol did, supplied by a tank on the roof. He knew the water was pumped up by several teams of oxen, but that was all.

Duo stuck his head into the room and announced, “I’m exhausted. Is the bath ready yet? I told Captain Niles to dictate his statement to a secretary. I don’t want to try to question him. He’s too scared. If you try . . . just don’t, you’ll give him a heart attack.”

Heero snarled. “I’ll give him more than that. I really want to get my hands on . . . Zechs. What kind of name is that, any way.”

Duo sighed. “It’s his title. He’s the sixth in line for the helmet. He’ll never reach it. My immediate successor is only twenty-one. He’s very good at the job too. But . . .” Duo shrugged. “He’s not going to be very happy.”

Heero froze. He realized at once that Duo was his equal. The temple was the political equivalent of his kingdom. “Oh . . . Goddess . . . Duo?”

Duo knew what Heero was thinking the minute he thought it. “No! We stay together. I belong to you. If they want to separate us, you’ll just claim droight de seigneur.”

Heero sighed. “I do worry. Even if I am king, there are some things I just can’t get around. The council of advisors is already pressing me to produce an heir. Relena is the only choice they see. No one else is my equal. They are either too far away, too . . .” Heero ran his hands through his hair. “Too something. There’s always some reason this or that girl won’t do. I’m not sure what they really want.”

Duo leaned back against the door frame crossing his arms over his chest and cocking one foot against the opposite ankle. “ They want to join the two kingdoms. Either kingdom is small by itself, the two together are a good size with a real nice sea coast. Several mountain passes. Trade routes in every direction. It’s a good match. . . .” Duo shrugged. “Except that neither ruler is interested in the other. Relena is a Narpha.”

Heero snickered at the polite word for lesbian. Narph was a poet who celebrated sex of all sorts in poetry, but she was especially known for her poetry to her lover.

“Well, now aren’t we in a real mess. I’d like to join the kingdoms too, but . . . heirs? I can’t.”

Duo smiled. “I don’t mind.”

“No, you don’t understand. I physically can’t.”

Heero hung his head. Duo walked across the room and lifted Heero’s head by tucking his bent index finger under Heero’s chin. “Don’t worry about it. Chang might be able to help us. Bath. Please?”

Heero smiled a bit shakily and finished filling the tub. They both got in and settled down for a nice soak.

Their trip to bed was interrupted twice. Once for some play and once for more play. Heero grumbled softly that Duo was insatiable. And Duo just agreed with him before pulling the covers up to his chin and nearly passing out.

Heero lay listening to Duo breath for a few moments before falling asleep himself.

---

The next morning saw Duo in the study before breakfast, reading Captain Niles’s report.

He had been ordered to find Duo no matter what it cost and to bring him privately to Milliardo Peacecraft’s private estate. He hadn’t been told what was to be done with Duo. He wasn’t that high up in the priesthood. The rest of the report was about what they’d done trying to find Duo.

Duo looked up from his report when Heero came in with breakfast.

“Are you alright? You look . . . mad.” Heero cringed slightly. He didn’t like it when Duo was unhappy but in his present state of penitence, he wasn’t sure what he could do about it.

“I am. Is that breakfast?” Heero nodded as he put it on the desk. “I hope you brought enough for both of us. I don’t want you doing without. It’s miserable to be hungry.”

Heero sighed. “I know. My first master would make me go without for two or three days at a time . . . to make me tough, he said.”

Duo handed Heero a bowl of oatmeal full of dried fruit and nuts and swimming in cream. Heero passed back a plate of bacon and eggs.

Trowa wandered in with his own breakfast, a bowl of some unidentified mush, followed closely by Quatre who was drinking milk out of a mug. Duo wrinkled his nose. Quatre betrayed his desert raising by soaking toasted, buttered bread in it.

Quatre absently picked the report out of Duo’s hand, earning him an amused glare. Duo ate his breakfast while Quatre read the report occasionally spooning soggy bread into his mouth. Heero gave Duo a bland look. They both knew that Quatre and Trowa were the best tacticians of the four of them.

Wufei knocked on the door then entered without waiting for permission.

“I found the information you wanted. It is possible. I can do the spell easily. But why would . . .” Wufei looked from Heero to Duo and said softly. “Oh. It’s an easy spell to do but it takes considerable energy. I won’t be able to do it more than twice a year. I need my magic for other things too, you know.”

Quatre nodded. “Once a year should be enough. I know ways to make sure the female is ‘receptive’.” Wufei raised an eye brow. “No sense in doing the spell if it won’t take, now is there?”

Heero looked from one man to the other, wondering what they were talking about. But Duo just shrugged. “You know it’s time fresh blood was injected into the royal lines. Who is willing to do the same for other houses?”

Wufei gave him a look. “My house is corrupt. I was removed from my home because I wouldn’t breed with just any girl. I crave companionship but am forbidden. If you like, I will . . . chose a hidden wife.”

Quatre shook his head. “No. You know very well that your sense of honor would never stand to have someone else raise your child. We’ll make other arrangements for you. Duo and Heero can reach their own arrangement. If Relena agrees, of course. As to Milliardo, we’ll have to see. His attitude will make or break him . . . now. We have to get to the Capitol.”

Heero shook his head. “No. The other way around. I’m still king. They’ll accept Duo as my Royal Consort . . . or else.” Everyone understood the capitalization of the title. Heero’s glare made the ‘or else’ ominous.

Duo smiled. “As to the temple, such arrangements are understood. Most of the senior priests are paired. There won’t be any trouble from them. The only problem will be reassuring a few of them that I’m happy. The rest will grumble about it, but if they have to make a choice between my possible successor and me. Not that Janfid is bad. He’s just inexperienced and they’ve finally gotten me trained to my duties and I’m sure they don’t want to go through that a third time.”

Quatre cocked his head. “Third time? I don’t understand.”

“The successor can’t take over until the High General is proven dead. That means that someone other than Janfid is ruling the temple right now. Don’t ask me why it’s that way. It just is. Never bothered with a lot of the rules of succession. I’m young.”

Trowa sighed. “That is going to cause some problems.”

Heero swivelled his head to glare at him. “What is?” the flat tone of voice made it clear that it better not be big problems.

Trowa rubbed his forehead. “You rule this kingdom. Duo rules the temple. How are you going to manage that. You need to be here. Duo needs to be at his temple.”

Duo snorted. “Um . . . I’m the temple. Wherever I am, that’s the main temple ground.”

Heero blinked once, very slowly. Everyone else was silent too, taking this bit of information in.

“So let me understand this. Wherever you are is the main temple?”

Duo nodded. “Yes. Warrior priesthood, see? So if I say I’m flying to the moon, that’s where the main temple is. I’ll just find a place in the Capitol that’ll suit. So . . . we going to Sanque or what?”

—

They spent the rest of the day making plans for traveling to the temple and showing Duo to the priests. Duo insisted that Trowa and Quatre had to come. Heero scowled and demanded to know who was going to take care of the keep and domain in the absence of anyone else. Quatre just pointed to Wufei and nodded once.

Wufei shook his head. “I am unworthy. I am a sorcerer, no one will . . . but . . . you.”

Heero just sat and gazed at Wufei until he quit protesting. He knew that Wufei was a prince in his country well trained to care for a much bigger area than this tiny mountain vale. Wufei hung his head in mock surrender and snuck a peek at Heero.

“You will take over as my steward, no arguments. You’re wasted as a healer, although I don’t see why you can’t do that still as well. As to your magic. Wufei, I keep telling you that magic isn’t bad. It’s what you do with it that is either bad or good. Now . . . I want to be ready to leave in two days.” Heero gave Wufei a wolfish grin. “Steward, see to it.”

Wufei bowed low to Heero, then Duo. He bowed to Quatre and Trowa. “I won’t let you down. My life is your life. My sword yours. I’ll begin the planning as soon as you decide who is to go and who to stay.”

Heero looked at Duo. “Any ideas?”

“All the priests come with us. The mercs? I’d rather they stay here. You’ll need them. Servants? No, I’ve got plenty at the temple and I don’t fancy traveling with a bunch of whiners.”

Heero agreed as did Trowa. Quatre wasn’t so sure but he kept his mouth shut, he could rough it with the best, despite his looks. Wufei just nodded and left.

“Well that was easy. Heero, you’re sly as they come. You know Wufei will be the best steward you could get. And just dumping it on him then telling him to organize our caravan was brilliant. By the time he marshaled his arguments, we’ll be long gone.”

Heero eyed Quatre for a second then admitted. “Wufei doesn’t argue. It’s beneath his dignity. He rants. And he’s got great lungs.”

Duo nearly fell off his chair he laughed so hard.

---

It didn’t take Wufei two days to get arrangements made for the trip. He got most of it done in one day and the rest the next morning. He knew that they wouldn’t leave in the early after noon but that gave him time to make changes if Heero wanted them. Heero didn’t so they left the next morning early.

Cook called Heero over before he left and gave him a hearty smacking kiss on the cheek and a basket of baked goods telling him to make sure that Duo didn’t eat them all at once.

“I’ll make sure he shares. And that he doesn’t get a stomachache. Thank you. I’ll miss your scones and sweet bread.”

Cook smiled widely, flushed with pleasure at the compliment. “You just send to me. I’ll send all my secret recipes to your cook. I’m sure she can manage.”

Duo called Heero so he gave Cook a quick, rather self-conscious hug and hurried away.

After mounting up, with the basket still in hand, Heero showed it to Duo, “What should I do with this . . . sir.” Heero still had a small problem. He wasn’t sure whether he should call Duo sir, master, or High Genera.

Duo took the basket out of Heero’s hand and gave it to one of the near by priests. “Take care of this. It’s for me and Heero. No snacking.” The priest just bowed and settled the basket in his lap. Heero was a bit surprised that the man didn’t object to being ordered to care for a basket of sweets, but he kept his thoughts to himself. They had enough to worry about. Getting a procession like this moving was a major operation. If it wasn’t done correctly no one would be able to keep track of where people were or where the baggage was.

Wufei had started them out in good form. He’d told the drivers of all the wagons where they were supposed to be. This sort of thing wasn’t just a few men, a wagon and a donkey or two. Wufei had sent a full compliment of guards, servants, herdsmen and supplies. There were ten wagons full of food, tents, cooking utensils and harness. As well as furniture, bedding and clean clothing.

They were accompanied by twenty guards; beside the warrior priests. The ten wagoners had two herdsmen to take care of their horses and another six herdsmen to take care of the other horses. There were cooks, and pot boys, three pages and twenty other assorted people, all with responsibilities. All in all, the procession contained nearly one hundred and fifty people, half again that many animals and took nearly an hour just to get out of the keep and its environs.

Heero sighed, he hated this more than he could say. He was seriously considering galloping away, dragging Duo with him.

“Don’t even think it. I’m not real pleased with all this fooforaw myself, but appearances must be maintained. Especially in these circumstances. Right?”

Heero nodded rather sullenly. “You are right. But I don’t have to like it. It’s going to take forever for us to reach the temple and get this mess straightened out. And I want to take you home with me. You’ll like the capital, I think. I hope. Oh, hell. . . I just wish this was all over with. What if the temple tries to separate us? What if they won’t let us see each other? What if . . . ”

Duo snorted. “Stop! I don’t think you really realize who I am. I’m the avatar of the male aspect of Anchora. If I say shit, someone drops their pants. I was trained not to take advantage of that. I don’t think I would, even without training. No one can tell me what I can and can’t do. I went along with the requirements of the temple because there wasn’t anything better for me. Now there is. They’ll just have to deal with it. If they don’t, I’ll just resign my mantel. Simple. Understand?”

“You’d do that for me?”

Duo shook his head, braid snapping. “No, for us. Now settle down.” Duo turned around and eyed the priests straggling after them. He faced forward and started to sing.

It was a marching song meant to ease the miles with amusing comparisons. Most of them not fit for the ears of nonmilitary types. Heero jumped slightly as all the priests joined in on the second syllable, the guards joined as well. Heero laughed before he joined in on the second stanza.

---

Heero settled in for a long boring ride but found that Duo’s daily routine was ‘interesting’.

“Um . . . Duo. . . what are they doing?” Heero pointed to ten priests who were doing nothing but riding on each side of Duo and staring at him.

Duo glanced from one side to the other. “Oh. Them? They’re adoring me.”

Heero nearly choked on his tongue. “They’re what?”

“Adoring me. It’s an obligation of the order.”

Heero just looked at Duo like he’d lost his mind. “Excuse me?”

Duo glanced at Heero and smiled. “I’m the male aspect of the Divine Goddess Anchora. It’s silly, but since they can’t see her, they stare at me. I don’t mind. It doesn’t hurt me, it makes them happy, I just make sure that there’s only ten at any one time, except during ceremonies and they don’t stare at me too long. I allow them one hour each day, usually when I’m working. If you dislike it, I’ll make them stop. But they feel they get some sort of benefit or gain merit or something. Kinda seems mean to stop them.”

Heero sighed. “If you don’t mind and they don’t do it forever, or get under foot, I guess I’ll put up with it.”

Heero glared at the men as if challenging them. None of them so much as flicked an eye in his direction. They kept their eyes on Duo.

Duo let them gaze at him for his allowed hour then he flicked his hand at them. They obediently let their horses drop back into line behind the two leaders.

Heero noticed that each man gave an object to someone else. He poked Duo gently with his crop. “What’s that about?”

“That what?” Duo glanced back in time to see one of the men passing his object. “Oh, that. That’s a permission. Just a copper coin that is their token allowing them into my presence for their duty.”

Heero just nodded. “I see.”

---

When they stopped for lunch, the cooks opened up the cook wagon and handed out dried meat, fruit, cheese and bread. Each rider passed by and was handed his meal, the wagon was closed up again and people ate as they rode.

Duo nibbled on his meat and snickered as Heero nearly choked on a bite of cheese.

“Holy hell. Now what?”

Duo shrugged. “It’s supposed to aid digestion. You don’t like it?”

Heero snarled. “Do they sing you to sleep too?”

“If I ask.”

Heero just gave Duo a blank look, wondering if Duo was teasing, or did they really sing to him if he asked.

“I see.”

“Would you like for them to sing you something else? I’ll have them sing anything you like.”

Heero shook his head. “No. This is fine. Very soothing.”

Duo hid his snicker up his sleeve and rode on without further comment.

The following priests sang for nearly an hour. Heero finally realized that only about a quarter of them were singing at any one time. Duo watched Heero out of the corner of his eye, he seemed to be taking this fairly well. How he took the events sure to occur at the temple was another matter.

He’d just have to see exactly what was going on there. What happened depended on who was in charge. Duo knew that Heero wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt him ever again. He also knew that he was never going to be separated from Heero. The temple would kick and fuss a bit, it wasn’t traditional that the high general had a consort, but he, Duo, was the ultimate authority on what happened. Just as Heero was the ultimate authority in his kingdom.

They’d just have to see.

---

They reached their camp site with daylight to spare. Heero was well aware that every time they set up camp in the twilight someone might get hurt so he allowed plenty of time for setup. He didn’t want someone to lose a finger or worse because he was careless of them.

The priests immediately began unloading a wagon. Duo spoke to one of them for a few moments then began laughing. He walked over to Heero with a smile still on his face.

“They brought my tent. Do not say anything. You’ll only hurt their feelings. As to where they found the damn thing . . . don’t ask. Come on.”

Heero followed Duo to check on the animals and their attendant humans. The drivers were clustered around an infant fire, talking. Heero asked a few how things were and saw that Duo was doing the same. The general consensus was that everything was as well as could be expected. The next few days would be the shake down. They both visited a bit more then moved on, satisfied that the drivers and herdsmen were settling in well and had no complaints.

They stopped at the guardsmen’s fire next. They were all tired and saddle worn but satisfied with their tents and bed rolls. They were holding back comment on the food until they actually tasted it. But all in all they were also satisfied with the way things were, for now.

By the time they got to the cooks the meal was well under way. The head cook was a grizzled older man who was an old campaigner. He was used to cooking over an open fire and had no complaints about the three fires with attendant kettles that had been set up for him. He was only concerned that Duo and Heero would find his offerings too coarse for their ‘refined’ tastebuds. Heero assured him that they were both perfectly happy with pan bread and stew.

The last leg of the circuit sent them back to their part of the camp. Heero made a sound suspiciously like ‘eep!’ when he saw their tent.

Duo secretly couldn’t blame him. The thing was huge. Of course it suited them perfectly. As a king and a high priest of a major goddess, it was the least they should expect. Except the logistics of lugging such a thing around were mind boggling. It was as large as some peasants’ cottages. The peak of the tent soared 10 feet in height and the side walls were seven feet high. It was 18 feet deep and 14 feet wide, divided into a smaller front room and a larger back one. It even contained real furniture.

There was a king size bed, two chairs, a folding table, several trunks, and armor stands. All the furniture broke down into flat pieces for packing. Heero sighed softly. This was going to be a logistical nightmare.

---

Duo called to one of the priests standing by, waiting for his approval. “This is very nice. Thank you so much for going to all this trouble for me. Please tell me that your accommodations are as nice. Do you have everything you need?”

The priest bowed deeply. “Yes, High General. We are fine. We have everything we need. Do you desire anything else?”

Duo shook his head then changed his mind. “Wait. My basket. The one from this morning? Where is it?”

“Here. I put it on the table in the sleeping area so that no one would bother it.”

Duo smiled and followed the man into the back of the tent. He approved of all the arrangements and told the man so. This made the priest smile.

Heero watched Duo with the man and wondered what he’d said to make the man smile, being direct he walked up and asked him.

“What did you say to him?”

“I just thanked him for making such a nice place for us. I told him to pass it on to the others. I don’t understand people who don’t thank their servants. Most of them try very hard to please. It doesn’t cost anything to thank them and it makes them happy.”

Heero blinked. He’d always thanked Duo for his efforts. “I think I usually do. Don’t I?”

Duo slipped an arm around Heero’s waist. “You do. But I remember . . . never mind, I’m going to forget all about that. I have to. . . .” Duo snuggled into Heero. “You love me and that’s enough.”

Heero hugged Duo carefully. When Duo got like this all Heero wanted to do, was hug him until it went away. He didn’t want to hug him too hard. A broken rib wasn’t going to make riding comfortable.

“I’ll love you forever. No matter what. If this trip is going to make you unhappy, we can forget it. You don’t act . . . happy. Let me help you.”

Duo sighed and leaned into Heero. “This . . . punishment is getting on my nerves. I don’t want you serving me. Couldn’t we . . .”

Heero gently kissed Duo on the neck. “It’s only fair. After all, I made several mistakes, mostly because I got careless of others. And you don’t . . . punish me. Not like I expected at any rate.”

Duo leaned his head, allowing Heero better access. “I let you punish yourself. You’ll do a better job than I ever could. And . . . frankly, we don’t have time for self indulgence.” Heero started to say something but Duo shushed him gently. “It is. And this is too important to, not only us, but the entire populace of two kingdoms and any person who worships Anchora. You’re a king, not a serving boy. Get over yourself. Please.”

Heero thought about it for a moment. “You’re right. But I don’t want a servant, I find. I really want a companion, a . . . partner. Co-ruler. I’m not sure exactly how to explain it. But I don’t want this.”

Duo nodded, rubbing his cheek against Heero’s chest. “I understand. But you gave your word. Well, I release you from your bondage. Now, supper will be served in a few minutes. So . . . I’ll set the table and you get the chairs from the back room.”

Heero snorted softly. “Yes, master. At once, master. As you wish . . .” Duo ran dancing fingers over Heero’s sides. Heero wasn’t particularly ticklish but this never failed to make him wriggle and yelp.

Duo darted out the tent flap with Heero right behind him. He scurried around the tent and jumped over one of the ropes. Heero chased after him nearly tripping over the tent peg. The gathered priests all reached for weapons before they realized what was going on. Their commander called them to order quickly. They settled back to watch the fun.

Heero chased Duo through the camp. Duo slipped through the smiling men quickly hopping over obstructions and taunting Heero. Heero chased after him dodging and ducking. He finally caught Duo near the priests. He pinned Duo against a tree and kissed him until they both broke it off for lack of breath.

Duo put his forehead against Heero’s. “We can’t do anything. That tent isn’t private enough. Some of the priests have made a vow of celibacy. It isn’t fair to . . . tempt them. I’m sorry.”

Heero rolled his forehead against Duo’s. “I don’t mind. I know how private a tent really is. I wouldn’t put you on display like that. Or myself either for that matter. I can wait.”

They broke apart when someone called them to eat.

They went into the tent to find that someone had set the table and put out their food. Two bowls of stew, two rolls, and companion cups of hot tea awaited them. The basket of sweets from Cook was there, as well as butter, fruit, and some cheese. A young acolyte stood by to serve them.

They ate in companionable silence, the acolyte carefully filling cups passing the butter and pealing oranges. Duo didn’t seem to notice him but Heero watched as he guided the boy through the meal without incident. The boy was so fixed on Duo that a simple glance told him what was needed. Heero was impressed. Duo was so relaxed that the boy never really noticed that he was being subtly guided. If Heero had been in charge, he knew the boy would be in tears by now. Heero vowed to figure out how Duo did it.

---

When they finished eating, Duo called all the priests together.

“Since we are on the march, the morning song was omitted. From now on we’ll be up in time to sing the sun up. And the evening song will be sung. We’ll begin now.”

The priests lined up from highest rank to lowest and turned to face the setting sun. Duo started to sing, followed by all the priests. They sang for several minutes then stopped. The formation was broken up without ceremony, men going about whatever business they had.

Heero held out his arm, waiting for Duo to come to him. Duo cuddled into his embrace with a sigh.

“I don’t believe how comforting something that used to irritate the devil out of me has turned out to be.”

“It was beautiful. To greet the day and bid it adieu like that every day. I never had much of a routine most of my life. Train, eat, sleep, class; all crammed in between serving one knight then another. My father took me to visit home often and that was nice. But most of the rest of it wasn’t.”

“One of these days I’m going to get you to tell me all of it.” Duo tugged Heero into the tent. “But not now. There’s still some of Cook’s sweets left. We better eat them before they go stale. Tea?” Duo checked the kettle by the fire.

It was hot so he made up the tea pot. Heero took the opportunity to set the last of the cookies and sweet bread on a plate. He set out small plates, cups and saucers.

While the tea was brewing, Duo went to the flap and called to someone, asking them to bring them some butter.

He returned to the table and smiled at Heero. “It’s too early to eat again, but somehow I find myself starved. We’ll both be fat.”

Heero laughed. “I don’t think we’ll put on any weight. We’re going to be traveling for a while. How many days, do you think?”

Duo thought as he poured tea. “At least six, but more likely eight. There’s good camping and water according to the maps.”

Heero was a bit puzzled. “You don’t know? I thought you came this way.”

Duo hung his head. “Probably. But I don’t remember. All I remember is being caged in a transport or shackled in a chain of other slaves. We were all too miserable to pay much attention.”

Heero got up and rounded the table to hold Duo against the painful memories.

“I’m so sorry love. Never mind. Drink your tea. Here, fruit muffins. Your favorite.”

Heero offered Duo the treat with such a hopeful look that Duo had to laugh softly. He accepted the offering with a pat to Heero’s hand. “Thank you. My favorite indeed. And Cook was kind enough to give me recipes for all her best goodies.”

They turned the conversation to other subjects and spent the rest of the evening in pleasant conversation.

Heero noticed the soft singing as they were preparing for bed. “Duo . . . what now?”

Duo grinned at Heero. “They’re going to sing us to sleep.” Duo fell on the bed, he laughed so hard at Heero’s stunned expression.

---

The next day started with someone calling Duo softly. “High General. It is dawn. Will you rise to greet the day?”

Duo grumbled softly but got up and put on the long tunic and pants the man handed him. They were wool and warm enough that Duo wouldn’t get a chill in the early dawn. Heero crawled out of the bed too. He was a little surprised when the priest handed him the same sort of garments with a smile.

He pulled them on and hurried out to see what would happen next. What happened was dramatic and beautiful. Every priest burst into song the moment the sun peeked over the horizon. Duo’s voice soared over the rest clear and pure. Heero shivered slightly, thinking about how that amazing voice could have been silenced forever.

They sang the same song that Duo had sung every morning since he’d recovered his voice. It didn’t take more than a minute to sing but with the massed voices it was much more impressive than just Duo singing alone. No matter how beautiful his voice alone was. Heero listened in appreciation and nodded to Duo when he glanced his way.

Duo made a motion with his hand. One that Heero had seen many times before. The choir leader at the palace used it. The priests all stopped singing so suddenly it was like a blow.

Again they just started walking away as if nothing unusual had happened, Heero realized that, to them, nothing had. He waited while Duo conversed with one of the priests.

“You talk to the train master?”

Heero shook his head. “He wants me, he can come find me. I want my breakfast.”

Duo followed Heero into the tent and set out dishes while one of the acolytes brought their food and set it on the table.

After a hurried meal, Heero left to make sure that all the baggage was properly packed and all the men settled in their places. It didn’t take them more than half an hour to get back on the road.

---

They traveled for six days. Each day was a repeat of the first two. Heero got used to having an acolyte help him with his armor and clothing. Duo let Heero handle most of the arrangements for the troupe and Heero made sure that everyone was properly taken care of. He was glad that there were no incidents on the way.

In fact, the trip was down right boring. Heero enjoyed it. They got up, greeted the sun, ate, got on the road. Lunch was served cold, cut meats, cheese, and beer, taken in the saddle. They set up camp when the sun was a finger length from the horizon. This gave them time to set up camp and cook while there was still light. Supper was eaten early, the sun sung to bed and people and animals asleep just as full dark fell.

Duo was happy, chatting and laughing with anyone and everyone. The only thing Heero really didn’t like was the ‘adoration’ it made his skin crawl. He didn’t know how Duo could stand to have people just staring at him like that. Heero didn’t say much as they didn’t interfere with Duo in anyway and he didn’t even seem to notice them.

The priests continued to sing to Duo whenever he asked them too. He’d also start a song and everyone would join in. He even encouraged the teamsters and guardsmen to join. And not all the songs were religious. They sang ballads and drinking songs, some of which made Heero blush.

Heero’s blushes made many of his men laugh, not that Heero minded that. They teased him gently about it until Duo finally asked Heero. “What? You’re no blushing virgin so why the red cheeks?”

Heero hesitantly admitted that he felt he really couldn’t sing and it embarrassed him. Also he didn’t have much experience with women and that embarrassed him too. Duo laughed at his admissions, not in a cruel way, but gently.

“I catch you trying to get experience with a woman and you’ll be missing something you’re attached to.” The twinkle in Duo’s eye didn’t reassure Heero much. “I won’t put up with fooling around.”

Heero just ducked his head. “I don’t find women at all attractive. I . . . they’re . . . too squishy for me.” Heero kicked his horse into a gallop and went to the head of the column. Duo didn’t follow him. He just started a soothing ballad.

Late that afternoon, Duo caught Heero up and smiled at him. “Over your pout?”

Heero glared at Duo. “I don’t pout.”

“Sulk then. If you like I’ll teach you to sing.”

“I don’t sulk either. And it’s too late to teach me to sing. Old dogs and new tricks, you know.”

Duo just shrugged and addressed one of his adorers. “Nawa, when did you join the priest hood?”

Nawa blinked for a second then answered, “Three years ago. Um . . . at the age of thirty-one.”

“Did you sing much before you joined?”

Nawa laughed. “Me, High General? No, couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. But I have a decent voice and training fixed most of my faults.”

Duo nodded to the priest who was glowing with pride that he could help his idol. “See. Thirty-one before he sang a note. You’re only a little more than half his age. It’s all muscle control. And you’ll make a great singer. You have an excellent speaking voice. At least try.”

Heero thought for a second. “Are you ordering me to learn?”

Duo shook his head. “No. But it would please me greatly if you would at least try. You’ve been singing on the march.”

“Very well. But if I turn out to bray like a jackass and you laugh at me, I’ll be less than pleased.”

Duo smiled at Heero, all the love in his heart mirrored in his eyes. “You know I’ll never laugh at you like that.”

“I know.”

They rode on in companionable silence.