Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Sampson Effect ❯ Chapter 15

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Sampson Effect 15

Betaed by Skippyscatt


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

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

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

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

Duo rolled his head from side to side. "Doesn't matter, Masters don't thank slaves."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heero blinked. "That seems like a lot to me."

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

"Tell me. I'll go kill them. Slowly."

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

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

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

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

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

"Damn hedge prince. I'll gut him. He'll . . ." Heero trailed off as Duo just shook his head.

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

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

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

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

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

Heero sighed. "I'll sing for you if you'd like that better."

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heero smiled. "A bit. I didn't want to scare you off. You needed the exercise for one."

"And I didn't need my ego completely crushed. Thank you." They both laughed.

---

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

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

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

Heero turned to Duo. "That many? How?"

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

Heero shook his head. "Not smart. Most of them don't stay bought."

Trowa shook his head too. "And my man recognized the merc's . It's Andowain's crew. They're
notorious."

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

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

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

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

Heero snarled sourly. "Or it'll give them the opportunity to shoot you out of the saddle."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He gave Duo a suspicious look. "You . . ." Duo sputtered indignantly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We have to accept their oath of fealty. I don't want to do it here."

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

Heero stood up and eyed the group of men.

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"But, sir, what if the women don't want to marry."

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duo smiled. "I don't mind."

"No, you don't understand. I physically can't."

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

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

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

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

---

The next morning saw Duo in the study before breakfast, reading Captain Niles's report.
He had been ordered to find Duo no matter what it cost and to bring him privately to Milliardo
Peacecraft's private estate. He hadn't been told what was to be done with Duo. He wasn't that
high up in the priesthood. The rest of the report was about what they'd done trying to find Duo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quatre cocked his head. "Third time? I don't understand."

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

Trowa sighed. "That is going to cause some problems."

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

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

Duo snorted. "Um . . . I'm the temple. Wherever I am, that's the main temple ground."

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Heero looked at Duo. "Any ideas?"

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

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

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

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

Duo nearly fell off his chair he laughed so hard.

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You'd do that for me?"

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

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

---

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

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

Duo glanced from one side to the other. "Oh. Them? They're adoring me."

Heero nearly choked on his tongue. "They're what?"

"Adoring me. It's an obligation of the order."

Heero just looked at Duo like he'd lost his mind. "Excuse me?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heero just nodded. "I see."

---

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

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

"Holy hell. Now what?"

Duo shrugged. "It's supposed to aid digestion. You don't like it?"

Heero snarled. "Do they sing you to sleep too?"

"If I ask."

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

"I see."

"Would you like for them to sing you something else? I'll have them sing anything you like."

Heero shook his head. "No. This is fine. Very soothing."

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

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

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

They'd just have to see.

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What did you say to him?"

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

Heero blinked. He'd always thanked Duo for his efforts. "I think I usually do. Don't I?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They broke apart when someone called them to eat.

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heero was a bit puzzled. "You don't know? I thought you came this way."

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

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

"I'm so sorry love. Never mind. Drink your tea. Here, fruit muffins. Your favorite."

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You talk to the train master?"

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heero glared at Duo. "I don't pout."

"Sulk then. If you like I'll teach you to sing."

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

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

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

"Did you sing much before you joined?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I know."

They rode on in companionable silence.

---