Col and Andri: The Summer Queen

The Warning

“I saw the Forest Spirit; I heard his voice in my mind—just as you did, Col. But you should have told me about Grandmother Eleni’s farseeing earlier. So she prophesied trouble, did she? But I didn’t get a sense of evil last night.”

Andri rode beside his lover, Col, at the head of the column of riders. Guards flanked them on either side, out of earshot. It was the last day of their journey from the ArMor-ys Redoubt and Ruithin College to Yrys, King Cyndyllan’s court.

They had met with Tegan, Chieftain Aeron’s son, the previous evening in the forest, introducing him to cocksucking—both in taking and in giving. Tegan was a lonely young man, easily mistaken for a girl as he looked like his twin sister, even with his long, dark gold hair, and both dressed the same. But during the encounter, Tegan had invoked the Lord of the Woods, ruler over other forest spirits, who had subsequently appeared to them.

Their friend and guide, the Ruithin priest Cadwyr, had told Andri that the spirits would guide his choosing in the upcoming ritual of selecting the Summer Queen. He had only half-believed that to be true, but now he had experienced the realm of the Forest God himself: a being who had accepted their sexual tryst and his and Col’s ass-fucking, as a sacrifice. Andri felt disconcerted and afraid.

“To my knowledge, and Grandmother’s teaching, spirits are neither evil nor good, although we humans put our own interpretations upon them,” Col told him reassuringly. “Spirits just are: they have their own purposes and rules that sometimes are far beyond our understanding and can cause us harm. I didn’t want to alarm you. Grandmother’s prophecies are often a double-edged sword.”

“I know that. Eleni made prophecies concerning my master, Brynnan, and I saw the strain it put on him throughout our long journey, even though they all came true in their way. Sometimes, nothing is as it seems.”

Col sighed. “I agree with you there. Let’s be more careful.”

“So you won’t be taking Tegan into the forest for an ass-fucking?”

“I don’t know . . .Let’s wait and see. We will be in Yrys tonight, anyway.”

Andri turned in the saddle of his horse and looked back. He could see Tegan riding beside Gwenllaeth, his sister, accompanied by their aunt, a strict woman with a disapproving glance. Tegan was circumspect in not making their new friendship obvious, and Andri appreciated it.

*    *    *

At their noon break, the travellers and their horses rested on the broad, stony bank of a fast-flowing river. Some guards made small fires on the pebble shore and brewed up hot drinks for everyone. Col checked on Andri’s horse, black Kalo, whose hind leg had seemed sore the day before. He took a bottle of spirits and rubbed down the leg again before rejoining Andri, who was seated with the Ruithin Priest, Cadwyr, and the bard, Emrys. The bard played his harp softly as he talked with the young singer.

Andri looked up. “How is Kalo doing, Col? Is he better today?”

“He’s improved. We can give him a rest for a few days when we arrive at Yrys.”

“If you two feel the need to go adventuring again, for some alone-time, you can always borrow my horse, Caila,” said Cadwyr with a glimmer of laughter in his eyes.

The bard Emrys directed their attention. “And who is this fair maid approaching?”

It looked like Tegan, but Andri saw that it was actually Gwenllaeth. It was hard to tell them apart with the same hair and identical clothing—grey breeches, a loose, blue tunic belted at the waist that hid her body—although Andri could now see subtle differences in her features.

Col greeted her first. “Did your aunt let you off the leash, then?”

“Col!” Andri exclaimed, looking scandalized.

But Gwenllaeth laughed. “Aunt Vanora saw me leave. She thinks I am Tegan, but he is resting under a tree, wrapped in my cloak, being me.”

Emrys looked at her and bowed low, “Milk-white and corn-gold maiden, the meadowlarks praise your beauty with their song, as I will this night. But escape your Dragoness once more and seek me out, and I will perform for you.”

Cadwyr gave the bard a dry look. “Stop teasing the young woman, Emrys.”

“That’s alright,” said Gwenllaeth. “I’m afraid he is too old for me, anyway. My pardon, Bard Emrys.”

“Ouch,” responded the bard, but he was grinning.

“Actually, I came to see you, Andri. Is there somewhere we can talk?”

“Not out of sight of my chaperone.” He indicated Cadwyr with a nod of his head.

Gwenllaeth looked exasperated. “You seem to have had no trouble with my—” she cut off what she was about to say with effort, and Andri hastened to soothe her ruffled feathers.

“I’m not being an ass on purpose. Please understand, I am under a geas—I may speak with no maid unless accompanied by my . . .guardian until a particular time has passed. Many things would go awry if I broke the geas.”

She sighed. “Very well. Would you and Ruithin Cadwyr walk with me now? It won’t take very long, what I have to say.”

Cadwyr stood and beckoned to Andri. “Come, let us walk a little way along the river shore.”

Andri picked up his red travelling cloak and followed Cadwyr, Gwenllaeth accompanying them. At a large, flat rock overlooking the swirling current, they paused. Andri picked up a smooth pebble and skimmed it across the water, where it bounced seven times before hitting the far bank. Gwenllaeth followed suit, her stone also crossing to the far side.

“It’s about Tegan. He told me about last night,” she addressed Andri. “Does Ruithin Cadwyr know about your and Col’s tryst with him?”

“I know nothing except that Andri and Col walked the forest, seeking privacy,” said the priest.

Andri interposed, “It’s a fact that Col and I met with Tegan last night, having discovered he was not a ‘she.’ We shared our bodies. It was done in love. Col talked to Tegan beforehand and felt compassion for him. I hope I have not upset you, Cadwyr.”

“Who am I to judge you?” Cadwyr said.

“A Ruithin priest? Is that not part of your role?” answered Andri.

“Not as such. We listen and give advice or direction when asked, especially on matters involving the spirit world. Judging a situation is more the purview of the Third Bardic Order, which combines with the priesthood and involves the study of laws as well as songs and teachings—like your previous Master, Brynnan Marec Mavrenn. He was tasked to judge both the physical and the spiritual when called upon.”

“So you say you will not judge our lovemaking? What if it involved the spirits?”

“That would qualify for my involvement.” Cadwyr waited patiently for Andri and Gwenllaeth to explain further.

“I am concerned for my brother. Our souls are close,” Gwenllaeth said. “He told me he had been with no man before, and I could tell that was true. Although I know Tegan wishes they were closer, he and my father don’t get along. You and Col are his first meaningful encounter. Don’t . . . don’t hurt him.”

“We mean to leave him with a gift, not pain. We want to share the joy that we feel. We have no intention of causing harm,” said Andri earnestly.

Gwenllaeth continued, “But sometimes, intentions aren’t enough. Many things can happen—“

“—that we have no control over,” added Andri. “Do you wish us to step back from Tegan?” Andri gave her a thoughtful look, waiting to hear her answer.

But Gwenllaeth flushed and looked down. “No. I am close to him, and he is part of me, but we don’t own each other.” Then she said, in a rush, “But I am a virgin, too. I can’t judge either. I have little knowledge of matters between a man and a maid. I want to find out, though Aunt Vanora would keep me from all contact.”

Cadwyr interposed before Andri could say something compromising, “Are you taking part in the Dance of First Summer’s Night? If you wish, you will likely meet a young man then whom you can share your body with.”

Instead of answering straight away, Gwenllaeth said, “Andri, are you taking part in the Dance?”

“I will be present, but I am not Dancing,” Andri replied.

“Oh. Your geas, I suppose.” Her disappointment was plain to see.

“Yes, it is.”

“Tegan will be there, too, although he cannot dance with the maidens and therefore can’t be Chosen,” Gwenllaeth said.

“We may not speak of these things,” Cadwyr warned.

“I beg your forgiveness, Reverence. I was just . . .” Gwenllaeth started.

“I know,” said Cadwyr gently.

Andri said, “Be assured, Gwenllaeth, that we will be careful with Tegan. I wish you well, and I hope you find someone who will fulfill those particular dreams.”

“Thank you. Well, that’s all I really wanted to say,” Gwenllaeth finished.

“You have been heard and heeded,” said Cadwyr. “Let us return.”

Andri was glad that no mention had been made of the Forest Spirit. He intended to talk about it later with Cadwyr when Col was also present.

*    *    *

In the late afternoon, the rugged form of the citadel of Yrys came into view. People from the court met them and welcomed the travellers. Andri felt relieved. He couldn’t wait to ease his body, unaccustomed to long journeys again, and bathe and find food. Then rest, preferably with Col, although he knew his lover would be busy for some time. Col seemed full of energy and fire, and watching him with the horses and their riders, Andri thought it no wonder his lover was so fit and tightly muscled. But his musings were interrupted by Cadwyr.

“Come, young man. You and Col have a chamber near mine. It is handy to the King also and will keep you away from the general populace. We must exercise caution more than ever. It was well done of you to recognize the risks in talking to Gwenllaeth alone, although I wish you had mentioned Tegan to me earlier.” Cadwyr talked to him as they walked while two pages scurried after them, carrying their gear.

“When is the ceremony of Summer’s First Night? Three, four days?” asked Andri.

“Four days. So we have three days to settle in and go over things, then on the fourth day, the celebration begins. In the evening, the Dance begins, and you will Choose,” Cadwyr told him.

“And I expect the King will send for me . . .”

“Tomorrow in the early afternoon. As always, the King is busy, but he has made time for you both to meet. He is looking forward to your company.”

“What of Col? He’s fine with my relationship with the King, but I don’t want him to feel left out.”

Cadwyr smiled. “No chance of that. Queen Aerfen is planning to show him the finest warriors on her guard. She expressed that she wishes to review horseback fighting techniques with him.”

“That will make him happy. But about the King: last time I performed for him, I sang, and then Queen Aerfen left us alone, and I sucked his cock.” Andri flushed. “It was my offer, not his, though he did make it clear he desired me and had spoken to Master Geraint regarding my performing. I suspect he might want to be with me again and even fuck me.”

“That is up to you and Col. Whatever you feel comfortable doing. Don’t think the King wants to exploit you. He genuinely likes you, and he has confided to me that he’d be happy just to talk to you, although I think he hopes for something more. Cyndyllan seldom indulges himself with the male sex, but when he does, he and his Queen have an understanding. It will not upset her.”

“No, she was good about it last time, and she hinted as much at my Graduation, if you recall, Cadwyr.”

“Ah, here we are. This is your chamber. Mine is just along the hall—the door with the carved fox head on the lintel. We really must work on mind-calling. I believe you have it in you.”

They entered a spacious chamber with an anteroom and an attached bathing room. Cadwyr beckoned the approaching pages, who had been following a distance behind. They put Andri and Col’s pack on the table and withdrew.

There was also a jug and cups on a side cupboard. Andri examined the pitcher. “Ale, and it’s ice-cold! How did they know we would arrive just now?”

Cadwyr simply said. “I ‘called’ ahead, and my Ruithin brothers passed on the message.”

Andri gave Cadwyr a cup of ale and took one for himself. “Cadwyr? Will you stay a little while? I need to tell you something. You could help me shower while we wait for Col.”

“It can’t wait until tonight?”

“I’d rather not. It concerns Tegan and Col and myself.”

“Very well.” Cadwyr drained his cup, as did Andri.

Under the waterfall shower, they washed each other. Andri now felt easy with the priest, and he enjoyed the sensations of Cadwyr’s sensual touch as he rubbed soap on his body. He turned and let Cadwyr wash his back and buttocks. He felt a finger slip inside his ass.

Andri pushed back against Cadwyr and felt an erect cock sliding between his thighs. The priest’s hands reached around Andri’s hips to stroke his cock. He responded and pushed back even further, bending slightly at the waist and spreading his legs. He braced his hands against the wall.

Cadwyr needed no further invitation. He lathered his cock with more herbal lotion soap and pushed the head into Andri’s rectal passage. He gauged the young singer’s response, and Andri grunted and let him in. Water poured over their bodies as they fucked. Cadwyr gripped Andri’s slim hips firmly, steadily pumping his cock in and out. Andri jerked himself off at the same time. They played for some time, not in a hurry to cum. In fact, it was in this position that Col discovered them.

The young horsemaster stepped naked into the shower area and swiftly apprised the situation. He said nothing but knelt under the spray facing Andri and began to suck his cock. Now Andri moaned in ecstasy, twining his hands in Col’s black, curling hair.

“I’m cumming!” he gasped.

Col withdrew his mouth to watch the ejaculation, and it splattered all over his face. He grinned and took the cock back in his mouth to finish swallowing his lover’s ejaculate. Cadwyr came too, thrusting hard as he pumped his cum in the young singer’s firm ass. When Cadwyr and Andri had recovered, they turned to Col and washed him, soaping his body liberally. Then Andri knelt behind Col and, gripping his muscular buttocks, rimmed his ass, tongue-fucking him, while Cadwyr knelt in front and sucked the young Wanderer’s dusky cock.

“I forgive you both for starting without me,” Col grinned. “This makes up for it.”  

He did not let them off the hook too quickly, holding back his orgasm and making them work for it. Finally, he requested Andri join Cadwyr in sucking his cock. 

“I want you both to taste my cum.”

He looked down at the white-haired priest and Andri’s blond-streaked head, caressing them. When he ejaculated, he let out an animal cry of satisfaction and sent a mind call of gratitude to both of them. Cadwyr kissed the now-waning cock in response. Col didn’t know if Andri had heard his call, but in any case, his lover stood to embrace and kiss him deeply.

Afterwards, they shared more ale while Col and Andri relaxed on the broad bed and Cadwyr seated himself on the nearby divan.

“So much for your getting some rest, Andri,” he said. “Now might be a good time to tell me the news you have been holding back from me while I am in a good mood. You will be able to take advantage of me.”

“Cadwyr, I have never yet experienced harshness from you, and I hope you will forgive us now,” replied Andri. Then he and Col recounted the tale of their tryst with Tegan in detail and of the appearance of the Lord of the Wood, the forest deity.

“I heard the voice in my mind! He said that he accepted the sacrifice of our sexual offering! Col heard the same words, so we assume Tegan did. Tegan claimed that the God appeared because he had invoked his name when we made him cum. But we have never been so visited when we had sex in the forest before.”

“But we have felt a Presence before, admit it,” Col interjected. “And since Brynnan came into his powers as the son of the Underworld Lord, King Arawn, he has been able to shift his body through the Shadow-Realms and travel as the spirits do.”

Cadwyr looked deeply thoughtful. “The visitation may be because of the coming Summer Night. The Powers awaken at such a time, just as they will in the dark time of the year. Also, do not underestimate the power of a virgin. A person’s first time with someone can be an experience of incredible intensity that taps into the currents of power that flow in the earth. That is why sexual energies are invoked in some rituals.”

“But what does it mean for us?” said Andri. “Will the Choosing be compromised?”

“No. Whatever is meant to be will happen. As a matter of fact, this shows that the spirits will indeed attend to you and are listening. King Cyndyllan and I made the right choice, I believe.”

“Will you know when the God comes, or the spirits are called to me, Cadwyr?” asked Andri.

“Oh, yes. This is not a new event for me.”

“That reassures me,” Andri said.

“Nevertheless, I think I should forewarn the King. After all, the physical rule of the land is his, and his spirit is bound to it, as the Mother-of-All wills. And—” Cadwyr paused, seeking the words he needed to say, “—I think you should hold off from initiating your new young friend, Teagan, into anal sex in the next three days. If his response to being sucked off was that profound, I don’t want to complicate the mix, where the spirits are concerned, and risk summoning them unduly.”

“What about oral sex again?” asked Col. “I don’t want Tegan to feel we have forsaken him.”

“If you will it, Col. But again, I think Andri should abstain, although he may be present. Just warn young Teagan not to invoke any more forest gods.”

Andri sighed and said, “Brynnan always warned me not to swear by anything, because such words can create a binding that can turn out for the worse. He often told me that a simple yes or no is sufficient, but it’s so hard not to utter a Name when one is inspired.”

“He has a point. Now I must leave you and rest before we gather for the evening meal in the Great Hall—by the way, you are invited to eat at the King’s table. But if you haven’t noticed, I am no longer young in body, and it will make its demands known,” Cadwyr laughed.

He arose and embraced both young men, kissing them warmly, and left.

*    *    *

As they dressed for the evening gathering, Andri said to Col, “When I talked with Gwenllaeth today, I got the impression she is attracted to me. She seemed disappointed that I would not be in the Dance. I thought she was the obedient twin, but I think she follows her own mind and means to choose me.”

Col felt an unaccustomed chill run down his spine. “Be very careful, my lover! Do not engage with her."

“Is she that dangerous?”

“In our Spring Gathering among my people, we also celebrate the beginning of summer. Young people—and some older ones—roam the woods looking to share their bodies. If approached on that night, it is extremely unlucky to refuse someone’s offer of love. I have a feeling the same holds here. Would you end up being the father of her child?”

Andri turned pale. "But I would have to refuse her . . .”

“And risk the spirits’ displeasure? We know now that they are active.”

“Oh, why can’t this be like Torrent Mountain, where I am from? The people there don’t bother themselves with spirits and nature rituals and otherworldly things.” Andri put his head in his hands.

“I will be as close to you as I can. The Chooser customarily doesn’t walk the woods. You should be safe.”

Andri laughed bitterly. “Before I met Geraint, Brynnan and then you, I would have leapt at the chance to be with a young woman. Indeed, I was not a virgin in that regard. And what about Tegan?”

“I still mean to honour our promise to him. We can talk to him, and I can offer to suck him, although Cadwyr is right, and you had better abstain from him, though I would welcome your presence," said Col. "It’s only four more days, then you will be free of your obligations.”

“And we have each other. And Cadwyr’s friendship.”

“And the King’s,” Col remarked. “You need a scribe to keep track of your assignations.”

Andri turned to Col and held him tightly. “But at the end of it all, there’s just you and I. That’s all that matters.”

“Yes, ves’tacha, beloved. Now let us go to the feast and brave the lion’s den. Together we can face anything.”

*    *    *

To be continued . . .