Col and Andri: The Summer Queen

A New Dawn

“I choose you,” Col had said.

Gwenllaeth looked panicked. “But it’s Andri with whom I wish to share my body.”

Unexpectedly, Tegan spoke in his authority as the new Summer Queen. “My sister, you may not refuse the one who chooses you on this night. I know you set your heart on Andri, but Col is a gentle man and won’t hurt you. The God has witnessed his words.”

Gwenllaeth held out her hand to Andri’s lover in appeal. “Col, please? Do not make me do this.”

“I force you to do nothing, Gwenllaeth. To accept, or not, is yours, as are the consequences. But I would prefer a willing heart,” said Col.

“But is your heart willing, Col?” she asked plaintively. “It would be my first time!”

“Gwenllaeth, you are a beautiful and desirable young woman. Any man would be honoured to have you,” he told her with uncommon diplomacy.

Beside Tegan, Andri stood frozen. He seemed unable to speak. The young singer knew Col’s generous heart. He also knew that once resolved, his lover would not be swayed.

Col turned on his Wanderer’s charm. He smiled, took Gwenllaeth’s hand, and led her under a spreading oak tree. Taking her chin in his hand, he kissed her.

Andri closed his eyes. He did not want to watch. Unexpectedly, Tegan held his hand. “Come, dear friend. Let us lie beside them. Our presence will ease their joining.”

The young women crowded around Col and Gwenllaeth and removed their clothing before withdrawing to give them space. The maidens began interacting with the youths accompanying them, pairing off into their own couples. Some girls chose each other, as did some of the young men.

Tegan was still naked, but Andri shuddered as he felt the twiggy fingers of the tree Elementals who undressed him. He allowed Tegan to lead him beside his sister and Col, and they lay down on the grass next to them.

“Will you let me take you, Andri? I know I’m not experienced, but I think I have the idea.”

Andri found there was an odd poetic correlation in the fact that he would be giving his ass to Tegan, as Gwenllaeth was giving her virginity to Col. It made the event less disturbing somehow, and he would not be forced to watch his lover with a woman.

The strange night continued to cast its special magic on him. Andri felt both the enchantment and the compulsion. He decided to surrender to it. So he turned and kissed Tegan, taking him in his arms. The boy’s returning kiss filled him with fire. They explored each other’s mouths and bodies, then mutually masturbated. Andri felt himself coming to full arousal.

“Lie on your back for me as I did for my Father,” Tegan told him. “Then you can help direct me on what to do.”

Tegan was fully hard now, pushing his precum-drenched cock against Andri’s rectum. “Are you ready for me?”

“Yes. Just push steadily until you are inside, then pause to get your bearings.”

The boy’s cock strained against his ass, then the head entered. Andri uttered an involuntary cry, and at the same time, Gwenllaeth gave a cry of her own. Andri briefly became aware of what must be happening with Col and Tegan’s sister, then he was distracted by the cock now entirely in his ass.

“Now, move as you wish. Let your instincts guide you,” Andri encouraged Tegan.

He moved slowly at first, eyes wide with amazement. “I can feel you gripping me. It’s so tight! How does it feel for you?”

“I love every moment, Tegan. You can shove it in harder. You won’t hurt me.”

The boy began to thrust in and out in Andri’s ass with enthusiasm, and the young singer felt his excitement rising. He also sensed Tegan was close to cumming.

“Let go. Give it up to me,” Andri said and could swear he heard Col utter the exact same words.

“I’m cumming now!” Tegan and Gwenllaeth both said simultaneously.

The young singer felt Tegan’s ejaculation happening, and it triggered his own. He cried out just as he heard Col cry out and embraced the boy fiercely.

Andri did not know how long they lay together afterwards: he only knew that he felt strangely peaceful. His fear of Gwenllaeth’s unhealthy obsession was gone. He felt a hand gripping his and turned his head to see Col smiling at him. Col lay on his back, cradling Gwenllaeth’s head on his chest. She seemed to be asleep.

“We survived, ves’tacha,” Col murmured. “Lightning did not strike us.”

Andri squeezed his beloved’s hand in return.

Some of the others were still in the act of coupling, and Andri lay listening to their cries of joy and desire. Two young men near him were fucking dog-style. Tegan sat up and watched them with interest. There was light in the glade: green orbs glowed in the trees, brought by the revellers, and a waning moon shone through the branches.

Some young men approached Andri and Tegan with cups of cider. “Hail to our Summer Queen!” they declared. They laughed, but Andri could tell that it was inclusive and that they accepted Tegan in his new role.

Tegan smiled and poured a little cider on the ground in a libation. “Let us rejoice and honour the Lord of the Wood as we share our bodies with one another,” he replied formally. Andri wondered at the dignity that the ordinarily shy Tegan was showing. He seemed to be growing in acceptance of his new role.

Then more lights shone in the trees, and they heard the voices of men and women. A procession entered their glade. King Cyndyllan and his Queen, Aerfen, and their followers had returned from their own tryst in the woods. Among them, Andri saw Cadwyr, Draig and Emrys.

Aerfen hailed them. “Our Summer Queen is found! Greetings to you, Tegan mab Aeron! The Lord of the Woods and the spirits favour you. We are glad to see you safe in the hands of your friends and companions. Return with us and let us properly greet the coming dawn together.”

“Allow us to dress you,” said two young men, approaching Tegan with the gown and shawl.

“I will take that,” said a feminine voice, and Gwenllaeth stepped forward from Col’s side. “Let me take my proper attire. There will be no more deception. My brother and I will become simply ourselves, as we were meant to be.”

Accordingly, Tegan was clothed in the breeches and jerkin that Gwenllaeth had been wearing while several girls crowded around Gwenllaeth and dressed her. But Tegan looked just as fair.

King Cyndyllan approached, his wise eyes taking in Tegan and Gwenllaeth, Andri and Col. “I am pleased to see you accepting your role, young man,” he said to Tegan. We had worries about you until your father brought news that you were safe and well, and then Cadwyr received a message from Col. You will be honoured this summer, and you will bring us joy. Don’t be disturbed. The Forest God himself chose you. The Queen and I witnessed it—we both have the Sight, and you are most welcome among us.”

“But I can hardly be called your Queen of Summer, Lord King,” demurred Tegan.

“Why not?” laughed the King. “Let it be a title of honour. You will remain the Summer Queen: unless it bothers you?”

“No, my King. I accept the title with gratitude.”

Andri, however, turned to regard Gwenllaeth, still standing beside Col. She seemed uncertain of her position as if she thought Col would now reject her. But Col looked at the bard, Emrys, catching his eye. Some communication seemed to pass between them.

Emrys approached Gwenllaeth. He bowed low before her. “Corn-gold maiden, would you allow me to escort you back to the gathering place, or am I still too old for you?”

Tegan’s sister considered the bard. She seemed to realize that Col belonged to Andri, and in this summer night’s tryst, she had no claim on him. She showed an unexpected poise and wisdom when she reached out and took Emrys’ offered hand.

“No, Bard Emrys. You are not too old. This night has taught me the futility of preconceptions and acceptance of what really is. I will take your gracious offer.”

She turned to Col. “And you, Horsemaster Col, I thank you. I owe you a debt for enlightening me in more ways than one. You have my gratitude.”

“I’m honoured by your trust in me, Gwenllaeth,” replied Col.

She turned back to Emrys. “You may lead me, Master Bard, and I will follow.”

“No, my wild bird. Walk beside me. I will tell you stories as we go.”

Others were rising now, dressing and preparing to return.

“Walk with us, Summer Queen,” said Cyndyllan, and Tegan moved to join them.

Col looked at Andri. They came together in an embrace. “I think we both just survived a most perilous night, ves’tacha,” Col told him.

“I don’t quite know how. It was touch and go there for a while. How do you feel?” Andri asked Col.

Col knew what Andri was referring to. “I survived it. She’s a sweet girl, but I hope that’s the end of it.”

“It’s a good thing that Emrys fortuitously stepped in.”

“Yes. Isn’t it?” replied Col with an innocent expression.

*    *    *

The company broke their fast at the gathering place as the sun rose. Tegan sat with a crowd of young people who joked and laughed with him, making much of him. Someone had placed a wreath of fresh hyacinths in his hair. Already some warriors approached Tegan to congratulate him, and their interest in him was evident.

Cadwyr, sitting with Andri and Col, remarked, “He will receive many proposals this summer. There will be contests and games performed in his honour. He seemed a shy young man, but I sense that he is changing. Chieftain Aeron and his daughter will be invited to spend part of the summer at court, where Tegan will be lodged.”

“Look, here are two latecomers,” remarked Andri. He smiled to see Gwenllaeth and Emrys coming out of the wood. They were holding hands, and Gwenllaeth looked content.

“I wonder what kept them?” Col remarked, grinning. “It relieves me to see them. I hope she won’t miss him too much when we return to ArMor-ys.”

“He comes down occasionally to the court to visit Draig. I expect his visits may become more frequent,” said the priest.

But Col had a thought. “Cadwyr, what happens to the children conceived on Summer’s First Night? There must have been many couplings among relative strangers.”

Cadwyr looked keenly at Col. “As I explained to Andri, they are regarded as Children of the Forest, or Summer’s Children. Their parenthood is not questioned, and they are raised solely in their mother’s house. I, myself, am a Summer’s Child.”

Andri looked surprised. But Col continued, “So there is no claim on the fathers?”

“No. Sometimes, people couple more than once during that night or have multiple partners. It would not be easy to keep track of who sired who. Many married people partner with strangers then, but there is no stigma on the child produced.”

Andri looked understandingly at Col. “You saved me from a dangerous situation. I am so much in your debt, my lover.”

Col ruffled Andri’s hair. “Fool. Don’t be such a dinlo. There are no debts between us. There never will be. There is simply love.”                

 Andri stood up. “Col, let’s go join Tegan and his new friends. It’s only right we formally congratulate him.”

*    *    *

For the next few days, they saw little of Tegan, caught up as he was in his new role. But they were summoned again by King Cyndyllan. As they arrived in his chambers, they found him with Queen Aerfen and the bard, Draig. The King held Aerfen’s hand, and there seemed to be a new closeness between them. Andri surmised it had somewhat to do with the royal couple’s own tryst in the forest on Summer’s First Night.

But she was not possessive, for she said, “I hope you will spend a little more time with my husband before you leave our court. It has renewed his vigour.” She laughed, and the expression on her face was that of a mischievous young girl.

She added, “So I will leave you together just now, but I am arranging a swordfighting contest on horseback tomorrow. My husband may contend, and my own warriors and chieftains. We will honour our new Summer Queen.”

Andri cleared his throat and deliberately asked, “Will your Battle Chieftain, Catlin Cryf, be there?”

“Why, yes. Did not Col tell you? He is helping her train her favourite warhorse in some . . . unusual manoeuvres.”

She must have read Andri’s expression because she said, “Don’t worry, Andri. We will be using practice swords tomorrow since less experienced contenders will be there.”

Andri blushed. “Am I that obvious, Queen Aerfen?”

*    *    *

There had been rain, but the weather favoured them this day on the practice grounds. Stands for spectators ranged around the field, and a special one housed the Summer Queen. He was dressed in breeches and a white blouse, sporting a wreath of hyacinths and green leaves on his head. His hair hung in a long braid, and he did not look like his sister for once. His new friends accompanied him, but sitting beside him was Chieftain Aeran, looking proud, his arm draped over his son’s shoulder. The King gave Andri leave to sit with them, and Tegan happily made room for the young singer beside him and his father.

“All is well with you? You seem at ease, Tegan; I am glad for you,” said Andri, greeting him with a kiss.

“I never imagined all this. It’s been difficult at times; I’m not used to all this attention, but it’s wonderful; and my Father and I—”

Aeron interrupted, “I am very proud of him. He bears his new responsibility well. My son and I are rediscovering each other, and I am finding he is a most amazing young man.”

Tegan grinned. “And my sister has a new interest in life; you’ll be happy to know.” He indicated the King’s stand with a nod of his head.

Andri looked and saw Gwenllaeth seated beside the bard, Emrys. She wore a pale blue gown and a crown of wild roses, her dark gold hair loose and spreading over her shoulders.

At that moment, a horn sounded to indicate the beginning of the contest. The less experienced warriors rode first, in pairs and in groups, and Andri was able to watch them with a critical eye, as he had learned discernment from his lover. Before each bout, the contenders would ride up to the stands, bow before the King, and then ride over to honour their new Summer Queen.

Andri watched the fights with interest until the more experienced warriors came on. One burly, black-bearded warrior rode up before Tegan, bowed and said, “I beg your favour, Summer Queen.”

Tegan, flushed with pleasure, and something more, reached out and handed the man a green silk scarf, watching as the warrior tied it around his upper arm. “Ride well, Lord of Duneld,” said Tegan.

Andri was pleased to see the man win his bout for Tegan’s sake.

Then Catlin Cryf rode onto the field with her opponent in single combat. Andri realized it was Col. Both fighters were dressed in black, padded gambeson coats and leather wrist bracers. Catlin’s dark chestnut horse looked spirited, with a stocky but agile build. But to Andri’s dismay, Col rode Aristan, the troublesome gelding. Andri couldn’t imagine a worse choice for a horse in this contest, especially against Catlin Cryf. What was Col thinking?

But the warriors saluted the King and his courtiers. Col backed Aristan to where Gwenllaeth sat and bowed to her also. Beside her, Emrys smiled at him, appreciating Col’s courtesy. Then they rode to the Summer Queen’s stand.

Andri had never wished more fervently that he could bespeak Col mind-to-mind. He wanted desperately to warn him from using the temperamental horse. Why could his lover not have used Dewr instead? Anyone could see that the gelding wasn’t settled as he chewed the bit and flattened his ears.

Col bowed to Tegan and then Andri. The young singer could say nothing lest he shame his lover, but on impulse, he took the string of jade beads from his neck and passed it to Col. Col grinned roguishly and put the necklace on. He blew a kiss to Andri and rode off after Catlin Cryf.

They faced off against one another. The horn blew to announce the start, and both riders urged their horses to a canter. They clashed, swords drawn. Their engagement was fierce, and Andri could swear that it was real and potentially deadly. Neither fighter seemed to be holding back. They broke away and circled their horses, with Aristan shaking his head and trying unsuccessfully to evade the bit.

The horses charged each other once more, but as they closed, Aristan suddenly reared very high, pawing the air; then, he seemed to overbalance and fell down, rolling to his side. The crowd gasped in horror, and Andri stood up in anguish. Catlin Cryf spared no thought to noble action: her opponent was on the ground and vulnerable to her. She leaned down from her horse to deliver a vicious slash.

Andri cried out in alarm, both with his voice and his mind. But before Catlin’s sword could contact Col, a seemingly impossible thing happened: the horse was on its knees, with Col back in the saddle, thrusting up with his sword. The blunted point caught Catlin’s gambeson under the arm and would have penetrated and badly wounded her if it had been sharp. As it was, she was knocked back on the saddle, losing her grip on her sword, and Andri swung his weapon at her unprotected head. She rolled around, flattening herself against her horse as the sword’s arc passed over her, just as Col had done days earlier. At the same time, a horn sounded to halt the action. Catlin broke away, clutching herself under the arm.

Col rode the now seemingly-obedient horse in a circle and, hanging down from the saddle, swept up Catlin’s sword. He trotted over to her, the sword hanging loosely from his grip, clutched by the pommel. He handed it to her, and she took it with her uninjured arm. Words were spoken that Andri could not hear, but he saw them clutch each other’s wrists in a warrior’s salute. Andri began to realize that the whole play on Col’s part had been a feint, a ruse to trick the warrior into exposing herself. The crowd seemed to know it, too, as a roar arose from them.

Then a voice in his mind sent a clear message: ‘Don’t worry, ves’tacha, I am safe. There was no danger.’

Andri paused in shocked amazement. He had heard his lover: they had talked mind-to-mind! Then Andri was aware of Tegan hugging him. He listened to the boy’s father say, “That was damn well-played. I thought he was down for good. Catlin Cryf is not known for her mercy, even in practice combat.”

“I know,” agreed Andri fervently.

The pair of combatants rode to the King’s pavilion again, and the King greeted them with enthusiasm. Then they approached where Tegan and Andri still stood. Catlin glanced at Col with almost motherly pride. “He bested me, the young rogue!” she exclaimed. “I’ll treasure it, as long as he teaches me that trick.”

“You need a bad-tempered horse for it to work,” Col replied, laughing. He looked at Andri. “See, ves’tacha? Catlin spared me. Now we are off to share a drink of ale. I will see you shortly.” He turned Aristan and rode away with the warrior chieftain.

*    *    *

“Never scare me like that again!” said Andri. “Wait! Haven’t I said that before? Oh, it’s hopeless.”

“It’s not hopeless,” replied Col. “It’s just me.”

Andri sighed. “I know. Forgive my worries, my lover. I’ll try not to make a complaint in future.”

“But you’re allowed to worry. You love me!” Col smiled.

“That I indeed do.”

They walked through the sand dunes that encroached on the seashore near Yrys. It was a fine evening but windy. Andri’s sun-bleached hair ruffled in the breeze, but Col’s black hair was tied back in an efficient ponytail.

“At least it prompted you to call me mind-to-mind, and I heard you.”

“And I heard you. I hope that now we will be able to talk to one another that way. But I don’t plan on over-using it. It’s a strain!” said Andri. Then something caught his eye.

“I don’t believe it. There’s Tegan again. It seems this is one of his favourite walks, too. But where are his attendants?”

“I escaped,” said Tegan as they met. “I needed some alone time. I’m not used to all this attention.”

“Don’t let us interrupt you then,” said Andri, embracing the boy.

“No! Please stay. May I walk with you?”

“Of course. How are things between you and your father now?”

“Col, you were right when you predicted that things would change between us! How did you know? I feel like a new day has dawned, and the sun is shining. He is kind to me now, and we can talk to each other. We also share our love physically. It doesn’t feel strange having sex with my own father; it feels the most natural thing. Apparently, he has wanted me for a long time. And it’s not just because I am like Mother; he wants me for me. It’s nice to be wanted.”

Tegan glanced shyly at the two young men. “Things have changed, but . . . Do you both still want me?” He added quickly, “I don’t want to lose your friendship. It means so much to me.”

“Of course we want you. And we will stay friends, I know it,” said Col. “We must leave in a couple of days—our duties call, but let’s take the time now. We have no more pressing matters to attend to.”

“Can we? Will you both take me? I am prepared. I love to feel your arms holding me.”

They found a sheltered spot and lay down their cloaks on the sand, stripping off their clothes. Their joining felt fluid and natural. Col and Andri delighted in the feel of Tegan’s smooth young flesh, and he returned their kisses with enthusiasm. They rolled together and sucked each other’s cocks.

“This is like dancing between the two fires on Summer’s First Night,” the boy said at one point when both Andri and Col sucked Tegan’s cock simultaneously.

“Now, let us take your ass,” replied Col.

“Can you both fit in at the same time?” Tegan asked hopefully.

“We brought lubricant,” Andri replied. “It helps to have that. Col and I were planning on fucking each other’s asses.”

Col opened the bottle as they resumed their lovemaking, squeezing lubricant into his hand. He massaged their cocks with it. He had Andri lie down and hold Tegan on top of him until he could penetrate the boy’s ass. Col positioned himself behind him and pushed his cock alongside Andri’s.

“Just let go and trust us,” he told Tegan.

Gradually both young men were able to simultaneously stroke their cocks into Tegan’s asshole. The lubricant was wonderfully slippery, and Tegan could feel both cocks sliding in and out, filling him. It did not hurt.

“Oh, fuck me harder, please. Cum inside me. I can’t hold off long,” Tegan murmured.

“You first, ves’tacha,” Col directed Andri.

Andri thrust in slow and deep, soaking in the sensations of heat, tightness and the sliding of Col’s cock against his own. “That’s it, I’m cumming inside you, Tegan!” he gasped.

“Now, me,” said Col. “Cum with me, lad.”

Gratefully, Tegan released his sperm. It flooded over Andri’s stomach as he felt Col cumming in his ass. He collapsed onto Andri’s chest as Col rested over his back.

When they had caught their breath, Col arose and pulled Tegan to his feet. The three ran to the sea and plunged in, Col leading. The young Wanderer was agile and capable in the water, swimming around Andri and Tegan, kissing their cocks; teasing them. Andri and Tegan clung together.

After their swim, the sun set over the dunes, and they sat and watched it as it shimmered its way to the horizon. Just when it had nearly disappeared, a flash of green light became visible, hovering for moments before fading away.

“My people say that on such occasions, the sun dances, showing her green skirts. Just as you danced, Tegan,” said Col, smiling.

Tegan replied, “And you, my friends. You taught me how to dance—with my Father, with the forest spirits, and with you.”

“There will be more dances to come,” said Col. “Take it as a prophecy.”

*    *    *

Finis