Thank you to everybody who reviewed this story
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________

Part 13 - Celebrations

Quatre smiled as he passed the drawbridge and rode though the heavy gates into the courtyard of the royal palace.

It had been a long trip. He felt exhausted but at the same time excited. Ironically this felt more like a coming home than his return to Surabia had. He couldn't wait to see his friends again, to tell them all about his journey and hear about everything had happened in Sank during his absence. He also wanted to talk to them about his dreams, which he believed to be premonitions.

Next to him, Abdul gasped in awe at the sight of all the people lined up in the courtyard to welcome Quatre.

The young mage could see Heero and Relena, next to her father, the king, as well as Captain Treize and Wufei. He dismounted and smiled widely as he walked to his friends to greet them.

"Quatre, it's wonderful to see you again," King Stephán said. "We are glad that you made it back safe and sound."

"Thank you. I was well protected I assure you," Quatre replied and motioned toward the Maganacs. "My father wouldn't let me leave Surabia without a proper escort, as you can see, your Highness."

"I can't blame him. We live in dangerous times. I'll have quarters arranged for them so that they can rest before starting their long journey back."

Quatre gave the king a somewhat sheepish smile. "I'm afraid, your Highness, they won't be leaving; not as long as I'm here in Sank. They swore an allegiance for life to me when they became my guards."

"Oh… I see!" Stephán stroked his chin, thoughtfully. "In that case, I suppose we will have to find them some more permanent quarters."

"Thank you, your Highness. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No trouble at all," the king assured him.

"They wear strange uniforms. And where is their armor?" Heero asked as he curiously eyed the three dozen riders.

"The Maganacs don't wear armor. They rely on speed and agility during battle." Quatre laughed.

"Maganacs?" Treize echoed.

The blond mage nodded. "They are all members of the same tribe. Maganacs have been protecting my father's emirate since many generations. They are warriors who are trained since a very young age. The ultimate dream of every Maganac is to become a member of my father's elite guard."

"Interesting," Heero remarked.

"Yeah, I had a feeling that you would say that."

"Why don't we go inside?" the king suggested. "I had some refreshments prepared. You look exhausted, Quatre. You probably should try to get some rest; because tonight we will be properly celebrating your return."

*****

Zechs stood by the window, watching the hassle and bustle in the court yard. It was one of the few things he could do to kill time. Two days ago he had been moved from his cell to this chamber at the top level of the castle. The room wasn't very large but elegant and comfortable. Ironically, he hadn't lived in such luxury before his capture.

He hadn't seen Noin since the day she visited him in the dungeon. He wasn't sure if she was still angry at him - he couldn't blame her if she was - or if the king was keeping her away from him.

Zechs turned at the sound of the door being unlocked. A servant walked in with a tray of food in his hand, and with him two armed guards. Although his accommodations had changed, there was no question that the prince was still a prisoner.

"Just put it down on the table," Zechs said.

The man complied and left the room without speaking a word. Before the guards could follow him the blond knight stopped them.
"Just a moment." He picked up a book from the nightstand next to his bed.

"I finished reading this. Perhaps I could have another one?"

The soldier nodded as he took the book. "I'll ask the king…Sir."

It was obvious that even the guards were confused about how to treat their high-level prisoner. The revelation of his identity had caused quite some stir and confusion in the castle.

As the guards left, they relocked the door. Zechs walked over to the table. He wasn't really hungry, but he sat down and ate anyway. He had to admit that the food was rather tasty. When he was a child he had never really liked stew very much. Heero on the other hand, loved it. But then again Heero had never complained, no matter what was put on the table. Zechs shook his head to ban those thoughts. Being here at the castle and the fact that he had too much time to think, stirred up memories in him; memories that he had been able to keep at bay for so long.

*****

The celebrations in honor of Quatre's return lasted till late into the night. The scrumptious feast was followed by entertainment and dancing. As the evening progressed some of the guest retreated to their sleeping quarters, others had to be hauled off by their servants, because they were to drunk to walk on their own.

Treize ran his hand through Wufei's soft hair, as they watched the minstrels. The young man sat at his feet with his head resting comfortable in his master's lap.

The captain dipped his head and whispered into the wizard's ear: "I don't think anybody would notice if we were to leave now."

Wufei gave him a somewhat surprised look. "Are you tired already?"

Treize smiled. "Actually I had planned a little more private celebration for the two of us in our quarters."

"Is that so? Well, how could I ever refuse your request?" the young wizard replied with a smirk. "You are my master after all."

"Let's go then, shall we?"

"You said something about a private celebration," Wufei said as he opened the door to their chamber and lit the candles in the room with a flick of his wrist. "What is the occasion?"

"You really don't know?" the captain asked.

The younger man frowned as he thought about it for a moment, then shook his head.

Treize smile softly. "It's been three years to the day that I bought you."

Wufei seemed surprised. "Really? I can't believe it's been that long already."

The captain nodded as he embraced the young wizard and kissed him tenderly. "Time has been flying, hasn't it?" he said once their lips parted. "And I never regretted for a single moment that I bought you."

Wufei snorted in amusement. "Not even in the beginning?"

"Well, perhaps that time when you tried to choke me with your chain." Treize chuckled. "Or when you almost broke my jaw…or when…"

"Alright, alright already. I had to ask, didn't I?" Wufei laughed. He put his arms around the captain's neck and pulled his head down. He gently brushed his lips over his lover's then put a trail of soft kisses along the older man's jaw. "Perhaps," he breathed between kisses. "I can make up now for being such a terrible slave back then."

"You never were terrible; just frightened and angry," Treize replied. He shuddered as the young wizard nipped at his earlobe. "Let's hold this for just a moment. There is something I want to give you." He freed himself from Wufei's embrace and stepped over to the table. He picked up a wooden box and handed it to the young man.

"May I open it?"

The captain nodded. "By all means."

As Wufei flipped open the top his brows furrowed. Inside the box lay his collars, the leather one as well as the metal one he had worn when Treize bought him, and beneath them a piece of paper. He looked at the captain, puzzled. "What am I supposed to do with them?"

"Whatever you want," Treize told him with a soft smile. "You won't need them anymore. You are free."

Wufei's jaw dropped. He swallowed, then opened and closed his mouth a few time before he managed to stammer: "You…I…I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything," the captain told him. "I should have done this a long time ago, Wufei, but I was too scared. I'm sorry."

"Too scared?" The young wizard stared at him bewildered.

"I was afraid that I might lose you; that you would leave once you had the choice," Treize explained. "But I thought that if I don't let you go I'll never know if you really care for me, or if we have nothing but a master and slave relationship. I do hope that you will stay though."

"Care for you?" Wufei set down the box. "Would you like me to show you how much I care for you, Captain Treize?" he asked suggestively.

"Yes, I think I would love that." Treize dipped his head and pressed his mouth against Wufei's. The young wizard closed his eyes as parted his lips invitingly. The older man moaned softly as he plundered the hot cavern of Wufei's mouth with his tongue. His lover's hands slipped beneath his tunic and started to move slowly up and down his torso. With nimble finger's Treize untied the sash that held Wufei's trousers up. As the pants dropped down, his hand moved deeper, fondling the firm flesh of his lover's manhood through the fabric of his undergarment.

Wufei squirmed, and groaned against the captain's lips. As they finally broke their kiss both men were panting breathlessly. They continued to exchange soft nips and kisses as they undressed each other. Moments later they settled onto the large bed.

"Let me take care of you tonight," the young man breathed into Treize's ear. Wufei pulled the warm quilt over their naked bodies, then disappeared beneath it. He parted the captain's legs and knelt between them.

Treize moaned and closed his eyes in delight as the young wizard run his fingers over his chest and abdomen. He could feel his lover's hot breath on his bare skin. A hand slipped between his thighs and fondled his firm shaft. Treize felt himself hardening with each slow stroke of the young man's hand. He was floating in a sea of bliss when an unexpected knock at the door startled the two lovers.

"Captain Treize, Sir? His Highness needs to see you."

The captain's eyes flew open. "Now?" he asked. Does he know what time it is?

"Yes, Sir. He said it was important."

Treize groaned inwardly. Then he shuddered, because Wufei run his fingertips along the inside of his thighs, dangerously close to his manhood. He had to clear his throat before he could ask: "Would you happen to know what this is about?"

"I'm not certain, Sir, but it might have something to do with the young man who arrived at the palace and demanded to see the king. He said he came with news about Prince Milliardo."

Treize jumped up and reached for his pants. "Tell the king, I'll be right there."

Wufei's head appeared from beneath the covers, a pout on his lips.

Treize sighed. "I'm sorry, dear."

"I know," the young wizard replied. "It's not your fault."
The captain tied the strings on his tunic and slipped into his boots. He reached for his sword belt leaned over the bed for one last, brief but affectionate, nuzzle. "I'll be back as fast as possible," he promised.

"I'll be waiting for you."

***

Then young man who stated to have news about the crown prince introduced himself as Walker to the king. He claimed that he had been together with Milliardo as recently as a week ago.

"Is Milliardo alive?" King Stephán asked anxiously.

The man was still kneeling in front of the king. He nodded. "Yes, your Highness. He was still alive the last time I saw him."

Stephán breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He had worried that some day somebody would come to tell him that the prince had been killed. And when Walker arrived he had feared that that day might have come. Milliardo as still his son, and he loved him, no matter what. "Then tell me, what is the news that you bring about my son?"

"Milliardo was captured six days ago near the royal palace in Whelshyre," Walker reported. He told the king and Treize everything that had occurred.

"But you don't know what happened to him after he was taken to the castle."

Walker shook his head, as he looked at the captain. "No, Sir. I left for Sank soon after his capture."

"You know that you are wanted here, and yet you came to bring me this news. That's very courageous of you, young man," Stephán remarked.

"I would like to believe that Zechs would do the same for me, your Highness."

"My son is very fortunate to have such brave and devoted friends."

"He is a brave man himself, your Highness, and an excellent leader," Walker replied.

"You must be exhausted. I'll have my guards take you to your quarters. You do understand that I can't allow you to roam the palace by yourself. You are confined to your room."

Walker nodded. "I understand, your Highness. That's more than I had expected," he confessed.

The king gestured for his guards to escort the young man to his quarters.

Treize waited until they had left before he spoke. "Do you think we can trust him, your Highness?"

"I believe him. I don't know him well enough to go as far as to say that I trust him," the king replied. "I want Wufei to put a confinement spell around his quarters."

The captain nodded. "I'll have him put it up first thing in the morning. And with your permission, your Highness, I would like to travel to Whelshyre. Perhaps the king would be willing to negotiate Prince Milliardo's release."

"I was hoping you would say that, Sir Treize." Stephán responded. "You do realize that you could only take a small number of men with you, don't you? I would not want it to seem like a show of force."

Treize gave another nod. "Yes, I realize that."

*****

From a window in the main hall Princess Noin and her father were watching, as Zechs Merquise, or Prince Milliardo for that matter, was let from the castle.

After thorough considerations the king had decided to return his prisoner to Sank and let the people there deal with their wayward prince on their own. This way he was hoping not only to avoid a conflict between his kingdom and Sank, but also to keep his daughter happy, who seemed to have fallen hard for the young man.

She didn't look very happy now though, as she watched him mount his horse. It had been her decision not to visit him to say good bye.

The king put his hand on his daughter's shoulder, reassuringly. "Noin, you've made the right decision. This is for the best, trust me. You'll probably never see each other again."

The princess looked at him. "That's what I had thought too. But now I'm not so sure anymore. If this was the right thing to do, why do I feel so miserable now? Why does it hurt so much to watch him leave?"
He took her into his arms. "It will take some time, dear, but you will get over it," he told her.

What else was he supposed to say? The sad fact was that their relationship would have been doomed from the start, even under better circumstances. Whelshyre was a small kingdom, with little power and influence; but these were the things royal marriages were arranged for. Sank would gain nothing by marrying their crown prince to the princess of Whelshyre.

***

Two guards let Zechs from the room that had been his cell for the past week to the courtyard, where a group of two dozen soldiers on horseback were waiting. His own mount was saddled and waiting for him. He had been told the evening before that he was going to be returned to Sank.

As the blond knight mounted the white gelding he looked back toward the castle. He thought that somebody was watching him from behind one of the large stain glass windows, but he wasn't certain. He had hoped that Noin would at least come to say good bye, and give him a chance to apologize to her, but it never happened.

The guards didn't take any chances. As soon as he was seated they tied his hands together and secured them to the saddle horn.

*****

Quatre had asked Heero to meet him at the wizard's tower after his morning workout. He wanted to show the young knight the book he had brought back from his trip to Surabia. They settled around the large table.

Quatre turned his head, as the door opened and Wufei walked into the room.

"Good morning, Wufei," he greeted the young wizard with a smile. "Did Captain Treize leave yet?"

Wufei nodded. "Yes, they just left. Good morning Quatre, good morning Heero."

"Did he take those protection charms you made for him?" the blond mage wanted to know.

"No," his friend grumbled. "He told me that he didn't need them, and pointed out that he did survive the first twenty-three years of his life without me trying to protect him. He better not get hurt, or I'll make him eat those words."

"The two of you are so cute together."

"I don't think Wufei likes to think of himself as cute," Heero remarked with a smirk.

Quatre chuckled, but then he looked at Wufei and grew serious. "You really are worried about him, aren't you?"

"Maybe I'm just overreacting. For the past three years I have been always by his side."

"He is an excellent swordsman," the mage said. "Perhaps one of the best I have ever met. You shouldn't be concerned about him. His enemies should be worried."

"It's just…" Wufei glanced at Heero. "It's not so much his enemies I'm concerned about."

Heero frowned. "You are talking about Milliardo? Do you really think he would harm Treize? The two have been friends since childhood."

"Milliardo has done strange things before," the wizard replied.
"But this time, Milliardo isn't under somebody' control," Quatre pointed out. He had learned all about the spell that had been put on the prince and how he had tried to kill Heero.

"We don't really know that, do we? For all we know, everything that happened could have been planned by somebody. I'll not be fully convinced that he is not under any spell until I see him face to face," Wufei declared as he walked over to the table where his friends were sitting. "But enough of that, what are the two of you looking at?"

"It's a book Quatre brought back from Surabia. It is somehow connected with the Knights of Destiny," Heero explained. "The only problem is that we can't read it."

Quatre nodded. "It's written either in a very strange language or some kind of code."

"Hmmm…" As the young wizard looked over his friend's shoulder, his brows furrowed. "That's interesting."

"Interesting? Have you seen this kind of writing before?"

"Indeed I have," Wufei confirmed. He stepped over to one of the large bookshelves and pulled out several scrolls. "I found those when I first started to clean up this place," he said, as he open them up and spread them out on the table.
"You are right," Heero agreed. "This is the same kind of writing. Now if we just could find out how to read them. Isn't there anything you can do, Wufei; some kind of spell or so?"

Wufei laughed. "I wish it was that easy. But magic doesn't work that way."

*****

"Sir, did you have enough to eat?"

Zechs raised his head. The guard in front of him, he couldn't be possible older than seventeen years, looked at him questioningly. Obviously he had been assigned to take care of their captive's needs during their trip.

The blond prince nodded. "Yes thank you, I had enough." He gave the young man a tentative smile, as he handed him his empty plate. "However, I would like to stretch my legs a little before we move on, if that's possible."

"I'll ask the captain," the guard replied. He left to return just a few moments later. "The captain said it is alright as long as we stay in sight."

"Thank you."

The young man removed the leather straps from the blond's ankles, and Zechs stretched his long limbs with a sigh of relief. For the past three days he had been bound whenever they weren't traveling.

"What's your name?" he asked the guard as they started to walk around the camp side.

The young man looked at him somewhat puzzled. Zechs smirked. "We will be traveling together for several more days. I can't call you "soldier" the whole time, now can I?"

"I suppose not. My name is Martin, Sir."

The two of them walked quietly for a while, and by the time they returned to the camp the other guards had already saddled the horses. Zechs mounted his gelding, and allowed himself to be tied up again.

It was a long and dull ride. The prince must have dozed off, because he was startled by sudden shouts and weapons' rustling. He was fully awake in an instant and realized that they were under attack. Apparently the assailants had been waiting for them just at the edge of the forest.

Zechs gave an angry grunt as he recognized the grey uniforms of imperial soldiers. He could see at least three dozen of them. Martin, the young soldier who was leading the prince's horse, had grown pale. He watched with wide eyes as his fellow guards fought for their lives.

"Cut my restraints and give me my sword." Zechs demanded.

"I… I'm not allowed to do that," Martin stammered.

Zechs scowled. "Unless we start to defend ourselves, we are all going to be killed."

The young man hesitated still.

"Do you want to die?"
Martin swallowed. His hands were trembling as he pulled his dagger and cut the leather straps around the prince's wrists, and handed him his sword.

Zechs felt sorry for him, but he knew there this wasn't the time to panic. "Follow me," he ordered firmly. "And make sure that you stay by my side."

"Yes, Sir."

Zechs raised his weapon and threw himself in the midst of the battle. He was immediately confronted by two imperial soldiers. The prince knocked one of them out of the saddle and fought the other one with his sword. Beside him, Martin was fighting against a tall soldier. In the heat of the battle an occasional glace was all Zechs could spare for the young man. He was bleeding from his left arm, but it looked like a minor wound, and he seemed to be holding his own.

Zechs cursed quietly as another wave of imperial soldiers joined the battle. Several of the men on his side were already down, and the rest of then had their hands full as it was. Things didn't look good. He turned his head a little.

"Martin."

"Sir?"

"When I give you a sign you turn your horse and head for the forest. Ride like the devil is after you and don't stop until you are absolutely sure that nobody is following you. I'll try to cover your back as much as I can."

"But Sir, I can't just…"

"You can and you will," Zechs' voice left no room for arguments. "Your king needs to know what happened here. Somebody has to survive to tell him. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

As the prince was waiting for the right moment to send the young man off, he suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind.

"Fan out and attack. Don't let anybody escape!"

That voice?! It's impossible, I must be imagining things. As Zechs turned around, he saw soldiers in blue and white uniforms and amongst them a tall man with tawny hair. A few moments later the man was at his side.

"Treize, how in the world did you get here?" he exclaimed.

The captain gave him a slight grin. "Let's finish this up before we start talking, shall we?" he suggested.

***

The captain and his men came at the right moment to change the outcome of the battle. Once the fight was over and all the wounded taken care off, Zechs was finally able to greet his old friend.

"Treize I can't say I have ever been so glad to see you," he said. "But I don't understand. What are you doing here?"

"I was sent to take you back to the royal palace," the captain explained.

Zechs' expression turned dark. "As a prisoner?" he asked grimly.

Treize didn't answer; instead he pulled a piece of paper from his saddlebag and handed it to the blond. The first thing Zechs noticed was his father's seal. He unfolded the paper and read it carefully.

"A Royal Pardon?!"

Treize nodded. "Every member of White Fang who is willing to put down his or her weapons now will no longer be considered a criminal in Sank."

"That's not good enough." Zechs shook his head. "This…," He gestured at the document. "Doesn't feed them or keep them warm in the winter. Those people lost everything, Treize. They need roofs over their heads and food on their tables."

"You should talk about this with your father and try to find a solution together. But for now a pardon will just have to do. Milliardo…" The captain looked at him seriously. "Your father opened the door for you. Why not use it instead of trying to go through the wall?"

Zechs sighed. "You are right, I'm sorry. But how are you planning to get this news out to the rest of the White Fang?" he asked. "If they followed my orders, they left our old campsite when they found out that I was captured. So, they could be anywhere right now."

"Actually, your friend Walker is taken care of that," Treize told him.

"Walker?" the prince echoed surprised.

The captain nodded. He told Zechs how Walker had showed up at the royal palace and informed the king about Zechs' capture. "I think that your father was very impressed by his conduct. As you know, loyalty means a great deal to the king."

"Yes, I know. It comes right after devotion to your kingdom, and willingness to sacrifice everything, including your own family, for the good of the kingdom." Zechs wasn't able to keep a hint of bitterness out of his voice.

"You shouldn't be so harsh on him," the captain reprimanded. "Perhaps some day, when you are king yourself, you will understand."

Zechs snorted. "I find it very unlikely that that's ever going to happen now."

"For god sake, Milliardo, will you stop wallowing in self pity," Treize told him sternly. "I do realize that you have been through a lot. But don't think that life has been all sunshine and roses for the rest of your family after your disappearance. What happened changed all of us, hopefully to the better."

Zechs blinked. For a moment it seemed as thought he was going to snap back at the captain, but then he suddenly smirked.

Treize raised one eyebrow in surprise. "Did I say something amusing?"

"I was just thinking of something," the prince replied. "Do you remember when we were children? Whenever I got into an argument with Father I would hide somewhere where I could pout. But no matter how well I was hiding, you would always find me. You would give me an earful and send me back to apologize."

The captain grinned. "Yes, I do remember that. For some reason I seemed to be the only person you would listen to back then."

"I'm glad you came to find me once again, Treize."

*****

Zechs settled down next to Treize by the campfire. The captain was poking around in his supper. He didn't seem too impressed with the cook.

"Treize, on the way back to the Royal Palace, we will be crossing through Halton Borough County, won't we?" the blond asked.

"I'm afraid that can't be avoided," the captain replied. "But don't worry; we won't come anyway near Alnwick castle."

"Actually," Zechs smirked. "I was hoping we would. It really isn't that much of a detour, considering that we would get a good meal and warm beds out of it."

"And not to forget, the look on Lord Alnwick's face," Treize added with a grin. "I'll send a messenger, right away to inform him about the arrival of the crown prince."

"Thank you, Captain; you are as quick thinking as always," the prince laughed.

***

Alnwick castle was anxiously expecting the arrival of Prince Milliardo.

News that the crown prince had been found alive, and that he was returning to Sank was slowly spreading throughout the kingdom. Lord Alnwick was rather pleased with the fact that his highness had chosen to stop at his castle on the way to the royal palace. That would give him something to brag about for years to come - or so he thought.

Everybody, including his Lordship and Captain Bunt, the head of the palace guard, were lined up in the inner courtyard as the prince and his entourage rode through the main gate.

There was a slight expression of surprise on Bunt's face, as the men stopped their horses and dismounted. He looked at Captain Treize, then at Zechs, and surprise turned to irritation. "What's this supposed to be, some kind of a twisted jest?" he spat. "This isn't Prince Milliardo. His name is Zechs Merquise he is the leader of White Fang; a deserter and an outlaw."

"You must be mistaking, Captain," Treize replied smoothly. "I assure you that this is Crown Prince Milliardo Peacecraft. But you don't have to take my word for it. Ask his Lordship." He turned toward Lord Alnwick. "You do recognize Prince Milliardo, don't you?"

Lord Alnwick had turned pale. He swallowed convulsively, as he nodded. "Welcome at my castle, your Highness. I'm honored by your visit."

Milliardo gave a curt nod. "We thank you for your hospitality," he answered, his face a mask of perfect calm. "I have some very fond memories of this place…as well as a few not so pleasant ones."

*****

Zechs tried hard to fight down the feeling of nervousness, as they came closer the royal palace. He had dreamed so many times about this. Still, he dreaded the moment when he would have to face his father.

Unconsciously he slowed down as he approached the draw bridge.

Treize moved his horse next to his. "Are you alright?"

Zechs turned his head and gave Treize a ghost of a smile. "I'm alright, just nervous," he confessed. "It's been so long…It almost seems like a different lifetime. So much has changed."

"It will be just fine," the captain assured him. "Your family, your friends they all have been looking forward to your return."

The prince nodded. "Thank you."

There was no big welcome celebration in the court yard, and Zechs was grateful for that. He wasn't sure if he would have been able to deal with that right now. Instead his family was waiting for him inside the castle. Zechs steeled himself as he walked down the long corridor to the great hall. He took a deep breath before he stepped through the door.

There was a moment of awkward silence, before Relena broke the ice by running toward her brother and hugging him lovingly.

"Welcome home, Milliardo."

He smiled as he embraced her. "Thank you, Princess."

______________________________________________________________________ ____________________

T.B.C.

Author's Note:

Feedback is greatly appreciated, constructive criticism is welcome :-)