Col and Andri: The Vanna Stallions

The Broken Wheel

“Eirik is not here,” stated Jorge.

He stood in the yard of his steading, his home in the high mountain pass. The timbered dwelling, outbuildings and animal pens looked well-kept: there was a pile of dried grass in the goat’s pen and freshly split firewood neatly stacked outside the cabin door. But the yard lacked any human presence other than Jorge, Col, Andri and their friends.

“Can you call him?” said Col.

Jorge grunted assent and turned to his tall bay horse. He took a horn from where it hung on the saddle and raised it to his lips. The loud and mournful sound echoed in the surrounding forest. Geese honked, goats bleated, and a furious grunting screech greeted him: adding to the cacophony were the squeals of piglets.

“Keri!” exclaimed Jorge, making his way past the lean-to at one end of the dwelling.

An enormous black pig stood in a separate pen, surrounded by eight tiny piglets. The gate to the pen was open, but the sow was not inclined to leave her brood.

“Have you seen my nephew?” Jorge questioned the pig. She grunted at him as he reached across and scratched her behind an ear.

“If only pigs could talk . . .” muttered Aled, the older of the party’s two guards.

But Col walked away from the group and stood alone. He quieted his mind and listened with every fibre of his being. He seemed to hear past echoes of Eirik’s voice but had no clear message except for knowing that Jorge’s nephew left early in the morning and headed down the trail. He quickly returned to the group and told them what he had sensed. The others readily accepted his account; they knew the young Wanderer had a talent that could sometimes feel future or past events.

Jorge sighed and began to walk back. “If you sense no imminent threat, Col, then we might as well settle in. I’m hungry, and the horses could use the rest.”

Keven took care of their horses, helped by Gethen, while the others entered the large cabin where they shed cloaks and boots. A fire still burned in the enormous stone hearth that took up one end of the room, albeit it was just red coals, and a basket of fresh eggs sat on the surface of the large pine table.

“My nephew was here not all that long ago. He may be out gathering herbs or checking his snares. We’ll give it some time,” Jorge said.

Aled placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Let’s wash up and eat something. The cauldron is full of hot water."

Sometime later, the friends lounged around the table, with the remains of their meal of bread, goat cheese and cured venison washed down with ale.

“Do you get any sense about Eirik?” Andri asked Col.

“Only that he headed down the trail on the east side—the way we must go when we leave here.”

Aled glanced at Jorge. “Why don’t we two go for a ride and see if we can pick up any signs?”

“I don’t think we’ll find . . .on the other hand, why not?” Jorge had been about to refuse Aled, then seemed to have something else on his mind.

“If you’re not back soon, I suppose I will have to feed your pig, as well as the horses,” joked Keven.

*    *    *

Aled and Jorge rode with care, frequently pausing to listen in case of anything unexpected. They reached a clearing beside the trail and turned off to investigate. Dismounting, they found a fallen tree which afforded a seat where they could rest.

“I’m tense because it’s my nephew. He's generally not the adventurous type,” Jorge admitted.

“Well, we two are alone. Can we spare a little time to relax?”

“Ah, Bright Spirits be damned, I could use the release,” the hunter said.

“Me too, my friend. Let me ease you first.”

Aled moved close to Jorge and laid his hand over the bulge in the hunter’s breeches. The two men leaned together and kissed until Aled broke away. Jorge had opened his breeches, and his stiffening cock presented itself. The guardsman knelt before Jorge, who remained seated on the tree trunk, and without preamble, took his friend’s cock in his mouth. His sucking brought an immediate response from Jorge.

“I’ve been wanting this,” Jorge said, sighing in pleasure. He tipped his head back, allowing the experience to draw him in, but he did not close his eyes. Both he and Aled knew to remain alert through the most distracting circumstances. They took turns sucking each other to orgasm but remaining aware of their surroundings.

“I wish we had more time,” said Aled. “But, alas, we have a job to do.”

As they emerged from their brief tryst, they heard a horse neigh in the distance. Jorge took his bow from Pyotr’s saddle. “Keep still: someone comes,” he told Aled.

Then the sound of a horn split the still air, and Jorge lifted his head. “It’s Eirik,” 

“But is he alone?” Aled asked as he retrieved his bow.

The two men peered between the trees. Presently, Eirik appeared, riding the assassin’s horse he had claimed. Two men accompanied him. They were well-dressed and seemed assured and in command as they directed the young man to call again.

“My uncle will have heard me the first time,” they heard Eirik say.

Aled indicated that they should hold back and follow the party. Eirik and his companions rode on, drawing closer to the steading.

Jorge frowned. “He knows better than to bring strangers to our door,” he told Aled.

*    *    *

Col arose from the table and walked to the door. “I sense Eirik, but he’s not alone. Trouble comes with him. Be alert!” he told Andri and Keven.

Gethen was outside, keeping a watch, and Col hoped the young guard would remain out of sight, at least initially. He opened the door in time to see Eirik arrive with the two strangers. The hunter’s nephew spotted him, and he called out.

“Col, you’re back! Where’s my uncle? We need to talk.”

Col regarded the strangers, noticing that they were well-armed. Behind their saddles hung crossbows—not hunting weapons, but offensive ones. Short swords hung from their belts, and Col noticed when one man surreptitiously undid the cross strap on his scabbard.

“Come down!” he called. “You have no need of your weapons.”

“No, we are peaceable folks,” said Gethen, stepping out from behind the shed. But he held his bow, nocked with an arrow, although it pointed down.

Andri came out the door and stood beside Col. The two strangers said something to each other in an unknown tongue and stared at Col’s lover.

“I thought you said your Uncle would be alone,” said one of the men, an older and experienced-looking man with a black beard and flashing jewels in his ears.

Eirik just shrugged and dismounted. “These men come with a proposition for my uncle,” he said to Col.

“And I would hear it,” a new voice called out as Jorge stepped from among the trees, bow drawn, with Aled following him, also armed.

The other stranger, with long white-blond hair, cursed under his breath. “Is this how you greet guests?” he asked.

“Not guests, but unknown strangers,” replied Jorge. “What do you want? Speak. I am not long on patience.”

Eirik held up his hands. “They mean no harm, Uncle. I met them at the foot of our trail. We talked, and they have an offer for you.”

Jorge stared at the men. “Put down your weapons on yonder bench and come inside. No armed men may enter my house.”

The two strangers looked at one another. An unspoken message passed between them as one nodded to the other, and they complied with the hunter’s demands. Inside the cabin, Keven was given leave to attend to the horses, and he left. The others sat at the long table, except for Aled, who stood closer to the door.

“Tell me your names,” said Jorge. Using his long dagger, he calmly cut a piece of bread from the loaf on the table, an action which was not lost on the men.

“I am Lazzero Precipio and my companion is Matteo Baldassar. We are from the city-state of Senarica,” said the black-bearded man.

“You are a very long way from home,” said Jorge. “What brings you here? Speak plainly if you want my cooperation.”

 “We travel with our Lord and Lady to Narib to treat with Jehanadir, its ruler.”

“A little out of your way, perhaps. What do you want with my nephew?”

Eirik would have spoken, but Jorge silenced him with a glance. “Let our guests explain themselves,” he said.

The blond man, Matteo, looked irritated, but Lazzaro answered. “At the mountain’s foot, one of our wagons broke a wheel. Eirik offered us his assistance. He says we can get the materials here to repair it.”

“So it’s a simple request for our aid,” said Jorge, leaning back.

Col spoke, “If that’s all, it’s something I can help with. I have no trouble fixing wagons. Eirik and I can do it tomorrow after we head out.”

Andri glanced at his husband, sending a private thought to his mind. ‘Do we want to get involved with them, Col? I don’t entirely trust these two.’

‘Better than having them camp on Jorge’s doorstep,’ Col sent back.

“How many are in your company?” Aled asked from the doorway.

Matteo’s eyes flashed annoyance, but Jorge said, “Yes. Tell us.”

“About sixty in total, forty of them our guards. We are prepared to meet unknown hostiles.”

“There must be many wagons. And yet you have no wheelwright with you?” said Col.

“We did, but he fell from his horse and cannot work,” said Matteo.

The blond man slowly stood. He brought out a pouch from inside his richly embroidered coat and spilled its contents on the table. A cluster of deep green jewels flashed.

Jorge laughed without humour. “That’s an expensive wheel repair!”

Lazzaro interrupted, “We wish to hire your nephew to come with us. He has skills we could use,”

“Nephew, what do you say?” said Jorge.

“I spoke the Lady,” said Eirik. “She thinks she can use me. She seemed very gracious.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll use you, boy. And all these jewels for your contract? Seems a pretty price.”

Matteo leaned his fists on the table. “What are you suggesting? Do you question our Lady’s honour?”

“Nay. I merely meant that my nephew is not experienced in the ways of the world. I would not see his good nature taken advantage of.”

“But, Uncle, it would be a chance for me to learn!”

“And what about Keri? She needs you right now.”

Eirik flushed and looked down. “I know. But we can always leave her and the little ones with Samsin, the Goat-herder.”

The two strangers looked puzzled at this exchange. “This Keri is your wife?”

“Bless me, no!” said Eirik. “She’s our pig.”

“A pig! You would select a pig over the payment we offer!” Lazzaro’s indignation was clear.

“She’s a very special pig,” said Eirik. “She saved my Uncle’s life.”

“Nephew—you know we don’t talk about our business.”

“Sorry, uncle.”

The two strangers looked at each other with disbelief, but Col spoke up. “My friends, I have a suggestion. Let these two men return to their people. There is enough of the day left. We'll leave in the morning with Eirik and the repair supplies and meet them below the trail. It will give Eirik time to come to a decision.”

Andri sent a quick thought to Col. ‘If they are hostile, we will be vastly outnumbered. Why don’t we wait a day or so?’

‘I’m curious, ves’tacha. Besides, we are not helpless.’

Jorge said, “That seems good to me. But I’ll just tag along tomorrow to see that things are as you say. Meanwhile, you can take your jewels. We will settle later.”

Jorge’s gaze was implacable. Seeing how immovable the hunter was, the two strangers arose. They took the jewels but left two, “As a promise of our goodwill,” Matteo said as they went out.

After they had ridden away, Aled slipped out the door. “I’ll follow them a little way; then I’ll come back and stand guard with Gethen in case they send their soldiers to convince us.”

The others agreed. When all was quiet, Eirik addressed his uncle. “I’m tempted, but I don’t want to leave you here alone, Uncle. I said I’d stay with you, and I meant it. There’s always time later for me to explore the world.”

“It’s not an exciting life here for a young man. Let’s see what this company is like first. If they are fair-minded, I think you should go.”

Andri said, “I have met the Prince of Narib, Jehanadir, and I can give you letters for him. He is a staunch supporter of the Pact, an ally of Torrent Mountain and King Cyndyllan in ArMorica. If you decide to go, you could find out if these two men’s request is indeed a fair offer.”

Jorge sighed. “And here’s me looking forward to a quiet retirement.”

“Uncle, I’ll gladly stay. I have no intention of deserting you!”

But Jorge only laughed.

*    *    *

In the evening, the remaining companions took up Jorge’s offer of bathing themselves, and much hot water was heated. Andri knew what Jorge was suggesting, and he smiled when the hunter announced he and Eirik were retiring early.

“Don’t mind us. We have some catching up to do. Enjoy yourselves. I think we are safe enough for the night,” the old hunter told them.

As Jorge undressed in the cabin’s roomy loft, Eirik noticed his uncle's arm. “That scar is new. But someone stitched it with skill—it seems to be healing well.”

“Aye. I’ll tell you about it later; I don’t want to stir up memories just now. I have other things on my mind.”

“But did things work out, Uncle?”

“Yes. Things worked out. Now lie down with me.”

Eirik complied. Jorge lay on his back until Eirik took the initiative, rolling to his side and kissing him. “Let me distract you from your thoughts.” He ran his hands down his uncle’s body until he reached his cock. He slowly stroked it, then worked his way down the bed until he could take it in his mouth.

Jorge consciously relaxed, immersing himself in the sensations as his cock stiffened. He would miss fucking Aled and Geraint: there had been an understanding and a sharing of experiences between the three older men. Now he turned his thoughts to Eirik and concentrated on the moment, not projecting his thoughts ahead to the next day. Eirik pulled his lips up the shaft, sending surges of pleasure in Jorge’s body.

When he was fully hard and aroused, Jorge said, “Come up and lie on your back, nephew.”

Eirik did as he was told but passed over his bottle of lubricant first. Jorge used it on Eirik’s cock and his ass, manipulating the slippery shaft until it rose erect from Eirik’s body.

“Mmm . . .I’ll cum if you keep that up,” Eirik said, breathing heavily.

In response, Jorge took his stiff rod in hand and pushed it into his nephew’s ass, holding it there until he felt the rectal passage relax. Then he began to stroke smoothly, rocking his hips back and forth. Eirik gripped his uncle’s body tightly. 

As they fucked, Jorge could hear Andri and Col below. It seemed like the young couple was also sexually engaged. Incredibly, he could almost feel their excitement flooding his mind, adding to his sensations. He knew he had some mind talent: it had played a part in his being such an effective assassin, able to read danger in the making. But now, feelings of Andri and Col’s lust and love permeated his mind, adding to his experience.

Eirik responded readily, raising his knees and giving his body totally. This surrender prompted Jorge’s sudden orgasm, the wave of sensation rushing from his toes to his head, engulfing his body. He lay over Eirik, panting. Then he took the young man’s hard cock in his hand and jerked him off until Eirik cried out and ejaculated. At the same time, Jorge was aware of Andri’s moans of surrender to Col on the floor below. The synchronicity of the moment bound him in an encompassing release, and he felt that rarest of sensations: joy.

*    *    *

Morning came too soon, and the friends arose early. Eirik fed the animals, giving them extra rations. He left the gate to the black sow’s pen open, so she could forage if necessary. Aled and Gethen had reported that the trail was clear. The friends took a hasty breakfast and led out the pack horses, the two Vanna stallions and their spare horses. Gethen took one of their horses and packed the supplies they would need to repair a wagon wheel, and Eirik insisted on leading it, leaving Keven free to manage the others.

When they left, Andri took a last look around. He hoped that when he and Col returned the following Spring, Jorge would still be there to welcome them.

On their way down the trail, they turned off a side path until they reached the goat herder’s cabin. The goats were out to pasture, but Samsin was there to greet them. He and Jorge engaged in negotiations, and Andri saw the hunter pass something to Samsin that flashed green: one of the strangers’ jewels, he surmised.

“Samsin’s older son will keep an eye on our place and look after the animals if I am delayed,” Jorge told them.

As the sun reached its noon position, Col’s party emerged from the trail up the mountain. Mountains still surrounded them on one side, but it was not too far from the main trail. Col saw the tents of a large encampment before them, some flying red pennants. 

A group of riders approached, armed but displaying no outward aggression. They wore bright red surcoats over chainmail shirts in well-kept condition, and the riders’ tight formation spoke of discipline. The leader advanced closer and demanded their names and their business.

“I am Captain Bonafede. The Lord Vieri and Lady Alessa have informed us to expect you. Please follow us.”

But Col noted how the man greedily eyed the black and white Vanna stallion he rode, and he promised himself to be on his guard.

They were interviewed by Lord Vieri himself, with Lazzaro and Matteo standing by. Another man stood near them. He was quietly dressed but had an intense and probing gaze. Looking back at him, Col felt like a thunderstorm was imminent. His body tensed, and his head suddenly ached. Then the man looked away, and the feeling passed.

Eirik and Col were directed to the damaged wagon, but the others were invited to relax and refresh themselves. Lord Vieri took Jorge aside to speak to him, but Col noted that the quietly dressed man accompanied them.

As Col left, Andri sent a thought. ‘Be careful, my husband.’

‘Watch over our stallions. The Captain seems to like them,’ Col sent in return. ‘I could sense his desire,’

Col and Eirik found the offending wagon. The rear wheel axle was supported with blocks, and the broken wheel lay nearby. Eirik examined it. “It’s just two spokes, and the iron band has snapped. It’s an easy repair: I wonder why someone didn’t attempt it?”

“Maybe they have other motives,” Col replied. “Tell me about this Lady you spoke to.”

“She’s beautiful and younger than her Lord. What can I say?”

Col sighed, “Come on, Eirik. Don’t be naive. Did she seem interested in you?”

“Well, she said that if I came with them, I would be well taken care of.”

“And you are just a farmer that can repair wagons. But you are good-looking. If she has her eye on you, it will spell trouble. Surely Jorge has taught you that much!”

“Relax, my friend. I know she has her eye on me, but I’m not interested in her. My uncle and I have developed a bond which I find satisfying. I knew he cared for me, but I spent years without his physical affection, and now . . .it means a lot. He rescued me from a bad situation, and I don’t forget that.”

Col took a spokeshave to a length of wood they had brought, working on it and attempting to match it to a broken spoke. “So, do you plan to take up her offer?”

“I don’t think so. I’m content where I am. But we’ll see what my uncle says.”

When the wheel was finally repaired, Col and Eirik enlisted the aid of several servants to jack up the wagon so the wheel could be replaced. As they fastened it to the axle, Col said, “It looks fine. I think it will hold well enough.”

“But they still don’t have a wheelwright to work on their wagons,” Eirik commented.

“Their lack of foresight isn't our problem,” Col responded.

*    *    *

The companions spent much of the day at the strangers’ encampment. Jorge emerged from his briefing with Lord Vieri. Col was preparing his party to leave the camp and its people. His discomfort was growing.

The old hunter joined his friends and spoke quietly to them. “Eirik and I are staying,” he said.

Aled looked alarmed, and Col was about to interrupt when Jorge cut them off.

“I would prefer it if you went on your way as quickly as possible. The Lord has expressed an interest in your two stallions. And while he may offer you an exorbitant price, I don’t think he’s the type to take no for an answer. Leave before they realize it, and I will distract the Lord.”

“How can you do that? Will you and Eirik be safe?” Col said.

But Jorge said. “Andri, what is your opinion of Prince Jehanadir of Narib? Do you know him well?”

Andri was surprised at Jorge’s change of tack. Still, he answered, “Jehanadir is an honourable man and essential to the Pact that oversees the settlement of the Sojourners, once the Invaders. He holds a strange power over his land, and Brynnan and his Father befriended him. Why are you asking?”

“These people plan to see him, and now I have many questions. The quiet man standing next to the Lord is an assassin. I recognize him, but he doesn’t know me. Now, why would a Lord visiting a Prince have an assassin in his employ?”

Andri felt chilled but also helpless. “Is there nothing we can do?”

“Yes. Go your own way and leave me to deal with this. I can work effectively only if I know you and Aled and Col and the rest of you are safe. I will misdirect them as to your whereabouts, so they think they will be able to catch up to you later. But go now. Eirik and I will play our parts and try to find out what they are up to, even as far as going to Narib if I must and warning Prince Jehanadir. This is not how I meant us to part, but it seems I have one more game to play.”

“Uncle, don’t risk yourself,” Eirik pleaded.

“I haven’t lived this long just to throw my life away, nephew. Besides, I will have you to take care of. We won’t be gone forever, and Keri and the goats will be waiting for us.”

“You joke, but I hope you mean what you say.”

“I would not lie to you, Eirik. Take heart.”

Col said, “Even though we part, you are not alone. Work on developing your mind skills if you can. I know you’ve got a hidden talent. Andri and I have other responsibilities, but at least I can send word to Geraint.”

Col was not one to risk his friends or his mission, but he swore he would send what aid he could to Jorge. They embraced each other, and Col felt grateful for this complex man who had saved their lives.

“Ride swiftly. You will encounter a river. Follow it for a short distance until you find the ford. Cross it and take the hill trails,” instructed the old hunter.

“We will, Jorge. Go with God,” said Col.

“You too, my friends. And mayhap we will meet again next Spring.”

Col took one last look at Jorge and his nephew; then he turned the stallion’s head. “Let’s ride!”

*    *    *

To be continued . . .