While standing in line waiting for the tickets, Billy unfolded the local newspaper and read the headline news on the front page. Rapist on the loose

Billy shook his head and started to read the article.

“George Preston, was found alive near Lake Placid last night around six p.m. He is still in critical condition at St Luke’s Hospital in Orlando. The doctors have reassured his family that he will survive. This will mark the fifth victim to the so-called Placid Rapist who has been terrorizing the Florida citizens for the past three months. The police have been baffled with no suspects at this time. The only known information about this attacker is that the victims have all been young males, suggesting it as some kind of vindictive homosexual act. All but one victim, Mike Felton, have been found alive within a twenty mile radius of Placid Lake. Each vanished for one week and had been sexually and violently assaulted. The only description the victims have been able to give is that the man was white and at least six feet tall, having a thick European accent. With the local police stumped, it is reported that the FBI will be called in to investigate for further clues.”

“All right, where did they go?”

Looking up, Billy stared at Jericho, who was holding out four tickets in his hand. Billy glanced around, and seeing the two were not in sight, he looked back at Jericho and shrugged helplessly.

Growling in annoyance, Jericho handed Billy the four tickets and made his way towards the parking lot. As he left, Billy looked back at the gate and smiled. In huge letters was a banner that read “KING ARTHUR’S COURT.”

Already he could hear the ancient music in the background and the laughter of people and of course he could smell delicious food just waiting to be eaten. He licked his lips and glanced at his watch. 12:30. Lunch time.

Throwing the newspaper into a nearby wastebasket, Billy put on his shades and waited patiently for Jericho to return with the boys. They better hurry, he thought. I’m starving.

***

Elijah decided that he liked kissing. Yes, he liked the kissing. Feeling Dom’s arms around his waist, pushed up against a concrete wall, a heated hard body pressed tightly up against his own and having a tongue stuck down his throat was a sensation that blew his mind. He melded further against the embrace and felt his body respond in many other ways. He never felt so alive. Elijah kissed back, wanting full access to that mouth, that tongue. He moaned in delight, as Dom allowed him entrance and exploration. To Elijah, Dom tasted like mint chocolates. He loved mint chocolates.

Everything came to a stop, when Elijah felt those masterful hands move down towards his butt, taking each cheek into each palm. Elijah broke the kiss, his eyes growing wide and looking slightly annoyed. That was something he sure wasn’t ready for. “No, Dom. Too fast. Just kiss me.”

Dom nodded and continued to put his hands on Elijah’s bottom giving those cheeks a firm squeeze. “Hmm, uh huh, yeah.”

Elijah in response, batted the hands off his rear end. “Stop it! Look, not so fast. I don’t mind the kissing, but the rest has got to go slow with me.”

Dom nodded and began to nuzzle Elijah’s neck. His tongue licking tenderly at Elijah’s collar bone caused tingling sensations all over Elijah’s body and elicited a moan. Then Dom’s hands were back on his butt.

Elijah broke the kiss. “Are you even listening to me?” Elijah pushed him away for the third time, and stared him down.

Dom looked at Elijah completely flushed with an obvious hard on, his expression border-lined on WTF and LEMOI (What The Fuck, and Loving Every Minute of It). Wow, He just couldn’t get enough of Elijah. He tasted so good, like apple pie. Apple crisp pie with a bit of vanilla ice cream on top. Don’t forget the cherry and whipped cream.

“What? It’s okay.” Dom glanced around the parking lot far too quickly before looking back at those bottomless blue eyes. “No one’s looking. Coast is clear.”

Dom moved in for another kiss and Elijah put his hand over Dom’s mouth causing him to make an unfinished and undignified question. “Humph?”

Elijah only shook his head. “Look Dom, I like the kissing. I really do, but I’m not ready for the rest. I still don’t know if I trust you.” Removing his hand from Dom’s mouth, Elijah waved his hand to silence Dom‘s protest. “I love you. I do. I admit it. I don’t know what that makes me, or us. I don’t know even if I can go all the way with you. I need time. I‘ve never done this before, you know.”

Only at this point did Dom seem to come to his senses, and he nodded in agreement, giving in way to easily. “I understand, Elijah. Really, n-n-n-no pressure.” His voice was just a tiny bit too high in its tone.

Elijah could see he had worked Dom up in quite the state when he looked at Dom’s waist and now very tight jeans. “Slow.” Elijah replied firmly.

“Slow, got it! Lijah-”

Dom went for another kiss on Elijah‘s lips, but Elijah held him at bay with his hands firmly planting them on Dom’s shoulders.

Lijah, that was Dom’s new nickname for him. It had come out of the blue in one of those rare moments that Dom had been set on fire and once Elijah heard the low passionate filled nickname he melted. He refused to melt this time though. He had to get through to Dom. He just wasn’t ready yet for that…final step. When he took that step, Elijah knew there would be no turning back.

“As in, kissing, hand holding. It’s called courting--- dating, whatever you want to call it. That’s all I’m ready to give and receive for now.”

Dom nodded again, eagerly and went for those pouty lips, that were just begging to be kissed. “Courting, got it.”

“Dom?”

Dom nodded, his hands eagerly moving around Elijah’s back and right down to his butt.

That did it. Elijah growled and pushed Dom away for the fourth time, and, turning around on his heel, Elijah started making his way towards the walkway.

Dom started to follow like a lovesick puppy, when a hand grabbed him by the shoulder and slammed him against the wall. Wincing, Dom tried to look innocent, as he faced down Jericho’s glaring eyes. As it happened, Dom didn’t have to say much.

“I don’t like you. Let’s get that straight, right now. It’s not because you’re gay or bi or whatever you think you are! It has nothing to do with the fact that your daddy is a psycho either. I just don’t like you. But, I do, love Elijah. He’s my cousin, my brother, my friend, and being the oldest and only family he has right now, means I’m responsible for him, until we find his father. That includes, keeping him safe and sound and in one piece. So, I’m going to say this once, and you won’t be getting another warning. If this--” Jericho patted Dom’s jeans, right near his groin, causing Dom to jump in surprise. “-little snake comes out of these pants and should make its way anywhere near my cousin--I will cut its head off. Capiche?”

Dom swallowed, and suddenly he didn’t feel that hot anymore. “Got it.”

Letting Dom go, Jericho made his way after Elijah with Dom following close behind. Raising his finger into the air, Dom couldn‘t resist asking a simple question. “So, the kissing is okay though, right?”

***

The lone figure remained in the darkness. He had enjoyed the lovers’ coupling moments before. It had him most intrigued. Both young and handsome, though one was far more rugged than handsome. The younger one, however, the blue eyed doll, was simply exquisite. He let out his breath, not even realizing he had been holding it, and willed control back into his body. He shook off his arousal and left the cover of the weeping willow and began to follow them.

***

Dom ignored Elijah’s giggling and stood proudly in front of the costume store in his chosen outfit. He was dressed in black and red cloth with a belt that had a small skull in the center of it. He had also a long black cloak clasped with another skull pin and wore long skin tight black boots with matching hat having a red and white feather poking out of it. Several times the feather fell in Dom’s face and he had to blow air out of his mouth to get it out of his way, hence the reason Elijah was having the fit of the giggles.

“Dom, you look positively roguish!” Elijah let loose more chuckles unable to help himself. Dom was dressed like a pirate with even an eye patch over his left eye to complete the effect.

“Arrr, me matey you better behave or I shall make ye walk the plank!”

Dom spoke in a low voice trying his best to do an impression of a pirate, from some old black and white movie, he had seen years ago. Elijah shrugged, still giggling, before entering a private stall with several outfits he had picked out moments before. He couldn’t wait to try them on.

While waiting for Elijah, Dom looked over more accessories for his costume and decided on a long silver sword with a unique design on its handle. It had swirls revealing two snakes dancing together. Or perhaps they were doing something else. Dom couldn’t help snickering at the thought. A tap on his shoulder got his attention, and Dom turned to see that Billy had finally chosen his own outfit. He wore a ridiculous hat that had bells hanging down and his tunic and tight fitting leotard pants were all in multi colors. He was dressed as a jester.

“You’ll need this to complete the charade!” Replied Dom handing Billy a small stick with a clown’s head crafted at its tip.

Billy grinned and did a quick silly dance, which caused Dom to laugh again.

“Most fitting, a pirate and a clown!”

Both Dom and Billy turned to see Jericho standing in all his glory, and even they had to admit he looked most befitting in the costume he had chosen to wear for the fair. He was dressed as a knight from the Crusades. Jericho was wearing a white knee length robe with matching leotard pants and over the cloth he wore a metal chain mail that was held by a silver belt carved with a cross on to it. In Jericho’s hands he was holding a shield and sword made from that era, and on his back he had rope and another sword. To complete the set, Jericho wore matching metal boots and a long green and white cloak clasped at his shoulders. In all, he looked like a hero who had just stepped out of the mists of time. “I take it from the stares that I look good. Naturally. Where’s Elijah?”

Before they could make a comment, they heard a clearing of a throat and all of the boys turn to see Elijah stepping out from the stall. Elijah looked completely uncomfortable and embarrassed as if unsure if this costume worked best. He felt it was far too tight and girlish looking. Dom had been the one to choose this particular outfit he wore, thinking the color matched Elijah’s eyes perfectly and would compliment his best features. Elijah still hadn’t been sure about the costume, for he had wanted to dress up as a peasant, but he had given in to Dom’s insistence and was now wearing the costume of a bard.

Seeing all eyes upon him, Elijah only wanted to turn around and get back into his normal clothes. That was until Elijah saw Dom’s face. Elijah had never seen such an expression on Dom before. It could only be described in one way: lust, pure lust. Dom was salivating with his mouth open. Literally.

Elijah wore a satin blue tunic with matching leotards, with a silver blue vest over it, and a golden harp was in his hands. The costume seemed to be made to fit his body, and it molded over him complimenting his features, enhancing his looks which were already perfect as far as Dom was concerned. Seeing the stares, including from several other customers in the store, Elijah felt the blush rise to his face. “What? Do I look as dorky as I feel?”

Billy, the first to recover, closed Dom’s mouth for him and signed. “Yes, you look like a dork. However you are our dork. Now, let’s go eat!”

Dom followed as they left the costume store and not once did he take his eyes off Elijah.

***

She stepped out in her costume ready to play her part. She had watched the boys change themselves into costume and used it to her advantage by planning her next move. The first priority was to get the boys split up. That shouldn’t be too hard. Putting on the black mask, Jade stepped out of the store dressed as a Ninja. All would appear to others that she was just another fair attendant joining in on the fun, but her accessories, sword and bow and arrow were all too real. No one would notice, until it was far too late.

***

“There they are,” said Dean.

Four men, fully masked dressed as outlaws, confronted the tall man in front of them dressed all in green with a bow and arrow poised over his shoulder. One could not have to take a guess that Dean was dressed as Robin Hood and that his four fellow IIA agents were his Merry Men.

“When do we grab them?”

Dean glanced around the crowd, and seeing that there were quite a few people out and about for the day at the fair, he nodded. “Stay with them for now. Let’s wait until the crowd thins a bit. You’ll make your move on my signal.”

Following, they hung back, making sure to keep out of sight, yet close enough to keep tabs on them.

***

Billy bit into his turkey drum stick with relish, all the while a mug of beer was in front of him. Jericho was sitting nearby consuming his mug of beer. While Elijah and Dom grimaced drinking their ale. Ginger ale that is.

“I don’t see why I can’t have a beer?” Muttered Elijah, who was stirring his fish chowder in the bread bowl with a pouty look on his face.

Jericho didn’t even hide the smug look on his face, when he made his reply to Elijah’s question. “Because you’re only eighteen. When you are twenty-one, then you can drink.”

“Not fair. Eighteen year olds can go to war and get killed, but can‘t have a beer?”

“Once again, I find myself telling you, life is seldom fair.”

“It’s legal in Britain. Share my fellow Scotsman?” said Dom moving towards Billy’s beer mug.

Billy promptly slapped his hand away. Completing his drumstick, Billy happily drank down his beer. With his stomach filled, he was feeling much better. Taking out the map and schedule of events of the day at the fair, he began to signal to everyone.

“Over to the left they have,” Billy said, pointing to the left, “vendors and certain market stores where you can buy creations made in the time of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. If you go center, there are more good places. Just past that is the jousting tournament which will take place at three p.m. and at eight p.m. To the right are a bunch of activities you can participate in. An archery range is set up, and there is a stage where they are having some plays all day. In a small barn house you can watch a real blacksmith make swords and jewelry to your specifications. They also have a horse barnyard where you can ride some of the horses and they also have a music center where you can listen to the kind of music being played at that time. Oh, and,” Billy added quickly. “They also have a fun castle that shows off some wax figures of the most famous people in the Middle Ages, as well as what was commonly done to the enemies or criminals caught in those days.” Billy paused to smile wildly. “I vote we check out the vendor area and have some more tasty food.”

Jericho quickly took the map and schedule from Billy’s hands, scowling at him in annoyance. “Look, while we’re here I’m not going to stop all of you from enjoying the events, but please remember we are trying to find Sir Ian, the knight who works here at this fair. Polly said that my dad had mentioned him several times while working for him and that if anyone might have a clue to Jason or my sister’s whereabouts, he should.”

“Did Polly say anything about how Uncle Jason knew this Sir Ian?” asked Elijah.

“When I called her, all she could tell me was that my dad had met Sir Ian when he was overseas, just out of the military and going to a prestigious university in England. Dad told Polly that they became quite close friends. Eventually, Jason left, but Dad kept in contact with him through the years. Sir Ian apparently was into theater and the arts. When he was forced to retire, he came to America. Eventually he joined King Arthur’s Fair and has been here since. They kept in contact by letters all the time that Polly worked with my dad, and though she never met him, she said that it was quite obvious that Jason was close to this guy. Like he was a father figure to him.”

“I wonder why he was forced to retire and come to America and then take up being at some fair. It seems rather odd for someone that was into theater.” Dom questioningly.

Jericho shrugged. “I talked to the gate keeper, and as soon as I asked about Sir Ian the Knighted, he denied knowing about him. Which makes me believe that he was lying. He was too nervous. So, I think if we split up we might do better.”

“How will we know if we see the guy, that he is Sir Ian?” signed Billy.

Jericho put down the map and shrugged. “How many elderly gentlemen with an old English accent at this fair could there be? Let’s go.”

Elijah touched Dom’s shoulder and announced his own plans, as Jericho got to his feet. “I’m going with Dom.”

Jericho was about to say something, but seeing Elijah’s determined expression, he relented. “Okay. You and Dom can check out the vendor area, and I will take the right and check out all the events. It will give me an opportunity to speak to some of the workers here. Billy can check the center and while you’re feeding your face, maybe you can try to ask some workers here about Sir Ian. We’ll meet back here in two hours. Two o’clock.”

Not phased by Jericho’s put down about his desire for food, Billy was already standing up and heading down the center of the path of the fair. Alone with Dom and Elijah, Jericho sat down when he saw Elijah looking over the schedule of the days events planned out on the back of the map. Elijah’s eyes lighted up as he read something in the paper.

“Hey Jericho, look. The Royal House of Boliviajovak are here, and princess Keira will be celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday tonight at the jousting tournament?”

Jericho looked down at what Elijah was reading, shaking his head in bewilderment. “Who and what is the Royal House of Boliviajovak?”

Elijah scoffed and went to answer, but Dom beat him to it. “What, you don’t read the Gossip Chronicles? Or the Juicy Tidbits Magazine? Oh, that’s right; you much prefer reading the boring 100 ways to catch a fish, right?”

Jericho frowned but kept his mouth shut. Dom continued with a smile on his face. He was about to get one up on the almighty, perfect, Jericho. “The Boliviajovak family reigns in the country Verdurian, that’s in Europe in case you don‘t know.” Jericho barely kept his mouth shut at Dom‘s obvious sarcastic toned voice. “Nearly twenty generations have passed since the founding by George Philip I. About five years ago Verdurian went independent. Apparently, the Boliviajovaks are the equivalent of our British royals in England. A lot of esteem, influence with their wealth, not much power. At least not anymore. Anyway, about two years ago, Queen Juliette died in a car accident and her husband at the time, George Philip II, married a noble woman named Delilah Hunnam, who also resides in that country. I guess old George had been having an affair with her for many years. It was quite the scandal, as you can guess, when it was discovered. Many of the people were outraged that Queen Juliette had barely been buried, and he was already re-marrying and no more than to this scarlet Delilah. George and Juliette had one child, Keira, and I hear she is quite a lovely princess.”

Elijah frowned, now looking straight at Dom. “How lovely?”

Dom smiled and gently touched Elijah’s shoulder, in a gesture that meant Dom found her anything but lovely. “She, of course, is the heir to the throne, once she reaches twenty-five. Philip has to abdicate, of course, more out of pressure of the people than his willingness to give up the throne. The current problem is Lance.”

“Lance who?” asked Elijah, still wondering if Dom had seen this princess and thought she was more than lovely.

“He is Delilah’s only son, and rumor for many years had it that Lance was George’s illegitimate son. He is quite the troublemaker, always getting into trouble. He was sent to an English boarding school for a time in an attempt to have him behave. He was eventually kicked out of all the schools in England, or so the Gossip Chronicles have said. This year marks Keira’s twenty-fifth birthday and Lance just happens to be twenty-five as well. He is older than the Princess Keira by six months.”

Getting a little bored with the stories of a royal family, Jericho mopped his brow. “,And what the fuck is the point of all this?”

Dom smiled cheekily. “Apparently, he has been trying to succeed over princess Keira, being the male heir to the Boliviajovak family. Genetic testing was supposed to prove it, and if so, by blood he wants to legally ascend to the throne. If you had read the papers when we stopped off at that small country store where we got directions, you would have seen the article about Lance. It was proven that he is George Philip’s son. Problem is that princess Keira is still the legal heir. Despite the fact that Lance is of George‘s blood and that he is male and older than princess Keira, Juliette was George’s first wife and legal queen.”

Seeing Elijah’s confusion, Dom replied. “Usually it is the first born male that takes over as king. However, since there is no legal male heir, princess Keira is the legit heir.”

Jericho sat down finally shaking his head, as this story continued to get weirder by the minute. “And why did she leave Europe to come here?”

“For the past six months Keira has been having some near fatal accidents, which many people suspect are foul play, though it hasn’t been proven.”

“The point, Dominic?”

“Keira’s father, George, owns many companies and has a lot of prestigious friends, including a Mr. McKellen, from George’s old school days in England. Mr. McKellen owns this fair and runs it. He usually journeys all over the world with this fair, not just the United States. Worried that someone was out to hurt or kill his daughter, George Philips decided that his daughter would come here to this fair and celebrate her 25th birthday. Once she is official, she will return to her country and take her place as the newest queen of Verdurian. To return home for her coronation in January of next year.” Dom polished the last of his speech with great flourish.

“And I still don’t see the point.”

Dom picked up his last French fry, and with a smile on his face, offered it to Elijah who snapped it up with one finger and ate it whole. “Half the population of the world thinks that Lance is the one responsible for Keira’s near fatal accidents. It can’t be proven, of course. But, I think old King George suspects his son, too, and decided to send Keira here so she can get to her twenty-fifth birthday alive and in one piece. I think with all the press and the fair, he probably thinks that she will be much safer in a crowd.” Dom pointed to the schedule. “At the stroke of eight tonight at the jousting tournament she will be of age and will be handed the Golden Scepter of the Gem star by Mr. McKellen. It is the seal of the royal family and once it is handed to her, she will be officially of age to take the throne.”

Sighing, Jericho shook his head at the kid. “We are not here to witness some snobbish princess becoming queen. We are here to find my father. So keep focused. Now let’s go.”

Getting back to his feet, Jericho headed off down to the right side of the fair.

Alone with Elijah, Dom looked over and smiled. “The point is I got one up on him.”

Elijah smiled fondly at Dom and shrugged. “You don’t have to compete, Dom. Jericho is just trying to look out for me.”

Dom only touched one of Elijah’s stray locks of hair and pushed it aside, staring fondly into his blue eyes. “I will look out for you.” Elijah didn’t even try to hide the smile and the warmth in his eyes when Dom made his vocal declaration.

***

Great, they are now scattered to the four winds. Shouldn’t be difficult now. Those were the same thoughts Jade had, and, unknown to her, Robin Hood and his merry men had them as well.

***

With the cape flung over her shoulders and the hood over her head, she raced past several people and in her haste pushed over several vendors carts sending custom made items to the ground. Ignoring the shouts and outrage that rose from the sellers, she continued to run through the grounds hoping to escape the guards who were chasing after her.

All because she just wanted to disappear into the crowd and join in the festivities as one of the ordinary people. Was it worth it? Seeing a rolling cart coming directly into her path, she barely had time to duck low, roll underneath and dart back to her feet. As she ran on, she tilted her head back to see that two of the guards didn’t make it.

They took direct hits and landed flat on their asses.

Chuckling, she stopped in her tracks when she saw the third guard leap over the cart and with a staff in one hand and a sword in his other continue the chase. She looked straight ahead and picked up her pace.

***

Jericho was just leaving a small wooden stage preparing for the coming production of Cinderfella and his many suitors. He had just spoken to a lovely, young Spanish gypsy woman, who was selling several trinkets, vowing that they were her own creations blessed by a true Indian priest.

She had known nothing of a Sir Ian the Knighted nor had any recollection of ever meeting a Jason or Natalie Richards. He had tarried a bit longer then he intended. The gypsy woman had been quite fascinating, offering to read his palm and tell him his future. It was only five dollars, and Jericho saw no harm in it. But the woman had said nothing as she looked at his palm. Instead she had given him one of her trinkets. “Free!” she said.

It didn’t look like the other cheap looking necklaces she was already selling. In fact, it looked quite old and almost real. A topaz stone was in the center of it.

“This will ward off any and all evil spirits and anyone who may cause harm. Give to a lady friend?”

Jericho smiled at the woman, who when he asked her name, said only, “Saura.”

As he took his leave, she grabbed his shirt and whispered into his ear some last words.

“I see many possibilities in your future. Much happiness and some sadness. Today is a good day, however. Today, you will find your true love.”

Throwing the older woman a few extra dollars, Jericho finally took his leave, and as he walked away from her, he saw a lone figure darting towards him. It was a woman covered head to waist with a long hooded cloak, and behind her, hot on her tail was a tall looking man dressed as a English knight wielding a long wooden staff and an all too real looking sword in his other hand.

The woman truly looked frightened as she seem to realize she was not going to out run her chaser. The man looked ready to kill. Was this an act? A play being pulled for the patrons’ benefit? Or was it real? The woman suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground in a heap just a few feet in front of him. The chaser was almost upon her, and he seemed to show no intent of stopping. His sword was raised.

She looked up and saw him coming, and her eyes widened in real fear when she saw the raised sword. It suddenly dawned on her that her protecting guard was anything but protective. Jericho didn’t know what to make of the situation. Relying on instinct, he took out his sword and shield and ran forward.

She let out a scream.

The sword came down and connected with a shield.

Jericho blocked the first blow and, still holding his sword in his other hand, brought it down on the blunt side against the man’s wrist. The guard scowled in pain and anger and dropped his sword. Holding his sword up against the guards throat, Jericho smiled unable to resist. “Yield.”

The guard instead turned and fled, leaving his sword behind. Shaking his head, Jericho looked down at the woman to offer his hand to help her up, to see that instead the woman was looking at the sword the chaser had dropped. On the sword was a clear marking that made no sense to Jericho, but to the woman it made sense. It had initials on it L.B.

“Can I help you up my lady?” asked Jericho trying to be ever gallant.

As if noticing the man for the first time, the woman blinked in surprise. The man was not exceedingly tall and in fact was several inches shorter than she, and yet he was quite handsome with his dark brown hair and hazel green eyes. His face was smooth and his chest was broad with a narrow waist. He was dressed like a knight from the Crusades. Apparently her rescuer.

Letting go of the sword, she offered the man her hand and slowly got to her feet. The crowd erupted in applause, and the two looked around themselves to realize they had a small audience, who had thought the whole battle with the guard had been a part of the performances at King Arthur’s Fair.

With bashful expression on his face, Jericho turned back to the woman to say something funny and found he couldn’t speak at all. The young woman had removed her hood, revealing herself at last. She was slender and tall and had dark and long wavy hair that spilled past her shoulders. Her eyes were dark and her skin was golden tanned. Her features were soft and smooth. Under the cloak, he could tell she was wearing a long lilac and pink Renaissance dressing gown from perhaps the 15th century. She had a long golden belt that draped the dress with just the right touch to show off her very slender waist. The only jewelry she wore was a diamond and gold tiara upon her head which sparkled in the sunlight. It didn‘t look like a cheap imitation; in fact Jericho was almost sure the thing was real. She was in a word a vision of beauty and Jericho had lost himself in her eyes.

And then she smiled. And Jericho realized his heart was never going to be the same again.

***

Billy was just finishing his caramel apple and was making his way towards the brewery inn. He had tried asking several of the food vendors about Sir Ian the Knighted, but no one seemed to understand sign language. Hitting a brick wall, he decided the best course was to find a crowded area where the workers usually went and try to mingle with them and keep his ears open.

It was a long shot, but he figured he could at least get a few drinks to go down with his food. Billy was just about to reach the inn when a pair of strong arms grabbed him and pulled him into the back of several pitched tents.

Billy was about to react and throw a fist at his attacker, when he caught the sight of two familiar pair of eyes. His heart sank and he swallowed as he faced down Lt. Dean.

***

Dom saw the blacksmith, and for the next few minutes Elijah and Dom watched as he demonstrated to the crowd how swords were made in that era. It was fascinating to watch, and Elijah was more than a little impressed with the result.

After a while, Elijah turned and spotted a vendor who did face painting and was currently painting a butterfly mask over a young girl’s face. Elijah smiled when the woman held up a mirror and showed the little girl the end result. A little later, the young girl took her mother’s hand and headed off to the sock puppet show taking place a few feet away.

Seeing that Dom was still watching the blacksmith, Elijah decided to follow and watch the puppet show too.

Dom pointed to a sword in the back and smiled at the black smith. “Yes, that one, size eight. How long will it take?”

The black smith grabbed something from behind him and nodded. “An hour or two,” he replied.

“Perfect. I’ll come back for it at.” Glancing at his watch, Dom added, “Four p.m.?”

The black smith nodded, accepting the money exchange.

Once the transaction was made, Dom turned to Elijah to see he was gone. Now where the hell did he go? Dom relaxed when he spotted Elijah standing just a few feet across from him watching a puppet show.

Shaking his head, Dom started towards Elijah, only to come to a stop when he heard a loud cry and the pounding of loud feet coming in his direction. Turning to his left, Dom spotted a galloping horse coming towards him with a man was sitting on it dressed in Arab clothing and holding a long metal sword.

Elijah, who had also heard the loud gallop of horses, turned with the crowd. To his right he could see a man and a horse coming this way. Directly in Dom’s path. Was this part of the show? Elijah wondered.

Dom saw the crowd disperse to get out of the way of the horse and realized to his horror that he was still in its direct path.

Elijah tried to make his feet move but found he couldn’t. A strong arm came from behind him, grabbing him tightly and holding him back. “Dom!”

The sword came down in one slicing motion, just missing Dominic’s head by inches. Within seconds, Dom got to his feet. As the dust cleared, Dom saw the horse rider spiraling away, disappearing into a cluster of trees.

Annoyed, Dom headed back to the puppet show to collect Elijah to find that his lover was nowhere to be seen. The only thing he found was a small harp. Elijah’s harp. Dom felt a cold shiver of fear hit him. Elijah was gone.

***

“Hello,” the mysterious woman said. Jericho couldn’t stop himself and responded in return. “Hi.” For a few moments they continued to just stare at each other when Jericho realized the crowd was still watching them.

Clearing his throat, Jericho took the lovely woman by the hand and started to lead her to a quieter setting. Ancient Celtic music was being played on a small wooden stage. A dark haired Asian woman dressed in long flowing robes was strumming a harp, and beside her was a young man about her age, dressed as a bard and playing a flute. The music they played seemed distant and from long ago giving the fair a more exotic and romantic feel.

Helping the woman to an empty seat, Jericho hurried to get drinks. He returned with a glass of ginger ale for them both. Once seated, they watched the stage and the two musical players for a few moments before looking at each other again. Once more Jericho lost his voice.

“Thank you for rescuing me. I think that man had every intention of cutting me in half. You saved my life.”

Jericho’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Who was that guy and why was he trying to kill you?”

“I’m not sure exactly. I hadn’t seen him before today. As for why…I don’t know that either, I’m afraid.”

Jericho continued to look baffled.

The woman lowered her eyes and folded her hands together onto her lap. She found herself feeling most shy. She wanted to explain things to her hero, but she was sure once he knew the truth, he would either flee or take her back to them. And she still wanted a chance to explore the fair and meet people.

“I’m sorry. I’m rude. My name is Sean Richards, but everyone calls me Jericho.”

“Oh, ahm my name is…” She paused and then smiled. “Christine.” It really wasn’t a lie she thought. It’s my middle name.

“So ah, do you work here?” Jericho asked. He watched her sip her glass of ginger ale and he copied her.

“No, not exactly. I came with a friend, and, well, the short of it is I’ve never been to America or anywhere, and I wanted to look around and I’m afraid a few of my friends didn’t want that. So, hence the cloak and dagger, but then that man came after me. I thought at first he was sent by my friends, but I don’t think so.”

Confused even more from her lack of specifics, Jericho still found himself lost in her eyes. Not able to help himself, he blurted out, “You are one of the most beautiful women I ever met.” He no sooner said those words he felt himself redden.

Shit, Jericho was that not the lamest pick up line in the history of pick up lines, he thought. Her eyes came up and a smile graced her lips. Jericho could feel himself melt.

“Did you recognize that guy at all?”

The princess only shook her head. “No. But I do think I know who sent him.”

Finishing her drink, she stood up and slowly made her way from the stage. She was heading to the archery tournaments. Reaching the nearby gates, she leaned against a fence and watched as a man dressed as an archer demonstrated how to shoot a bow and arrow. He made a direct hit against a bale of hay with a red target marked in the center. Once that was done, he turned to the crowd and gestured anyone forward. Several teenagers stepped forward, tried a hand at it.

“Perhaps we should go to the security station, by the main entrance, and report this guy. He could hurt someone else or come back, don’t you think?”

The princess nodded absently and continued to watch the tournament.

Jericho tried again to speak. “Or we could go find your friends.”

The woman avoided looking at him and frowned sadly. How was she ever going to explain this to Jericho? Would he understand? Perhaps not. How could anyone understand that her life up to now had been so well thought out, so planned and of course cut off from the rest of the world? It’s not that she was miserable. It was just that she just wished she had more freedom. Freedom to come and go as she wished, to have people treat her like an ordinary person. No, he would never understand; no one did. No one could. They were all too busy being envious.

Oh, how she would give it all up if she could! Willingly.

Jericho couldn’t seem to get her attention. It was as if she were worlds away. Spotting a woman making her way through the crowd, Jericho stepped in front of her handing her some money. The Indian girl smiled and handed him one long-stemmed rose.

***

Keira felt something touch her cheek and looked down to see a bright red rose handed out to her. She took it and looked up into Jericho’s eyes and felt the tears rising within her. He was just so sweet, and so handsome and---

“A rose for your thoughts. I know it’s supposed to be a penny, but a penny really doesn’t go far. Not these days anyway.”

The princess took the rose and nodded. She had never believed in love. Not at first sight. Nope, that was just in fairy tales and books. It did not exist in real life. So, why was her heart hammering away, why did her knees feel like they were going to cave in? Why did she so dare to hope instead of this rose, he would give her but a kiss instead? Jericho felt so stupid and awkward and completely confused. He did not believe in love, not true love, not forever after love and certainly not love at first sight. So why did he find it so hard to swallow, why couldn’t he find his voice, and why the hell did he just want to tilt his head and kiss this beautiful lady on the lips?

***

Somehow their bodies drew closer to each other, somehow their heads tilted just ever slightly in one direction. Both eyes closed and moved in for a taste of heaven.

“YOUR HIGHNESS!”

The moment ended. Jericho opened his eyes to see two burly men dressed as squires, step forward and grab the woman gently by the arm. The princess opened her eyes and saw her fairy tale moment disappear. They had found her.

“Mr. McKellen was going out of his mind, Princess. You had him quite worried. Call it in, Mack.”

The other man pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. A second later he was speaking.

“Yes, Sir. We found her. We’re at the archery tournament. No, she is fine. Right, yes, Right away, Sir.”

He closed the connection and with the other man they began to stir the girl away. All the while Jericho could only watch as it began to dawn on him who the mysterious woman was.

“But-but--Jericho, I‘m sorry I-I--” Keira tried to speak, but she was already several feet away.

“No time, Princess Keira. Your father called and he has been delayed in getting here in time for your birthday celebration. You still need to get ready for the jousting tournament tonight. Come along we haven’t a moment to waste.”

And just like that she was gone. Jericho bent down and picked up the rose the woman had dropped. It had been dropped by The princess as they swept her away. Jericho closed his mouth and felt the anger rise inside of him. He had never felt like such a fool. He crushed the rose in his hand and threw it on the ground.

***

Jericho stormed his way through the crowd intent on getting back to the group. It had been two hours, and so far he had found nothing but trouble. Reaching the tables, Jericho was not surprised he was the first to arrive.

‘So where the hell was everybody?’

***

Handcuffed inside the blue van, Billy could only sit on the small metal bench and wait. Wait for a rescue or a chance to escape, whichever came first. The door to the van opened suddenly, and the familiar agent got inside, closing and locking the door behind him. Dean shook his head at Billy and took a seat opposite of the man. For a few moments they just eyed each other until Dean who broke the silence.

“Well, you can kiss your pension goodbye. You know that? You totally fucked up. What were you thinking? Helping that kid escape? To where? What is going on in that malfunctioning brain of yours? Well, do you have anything at all to say?”

Billy only looked down at his feet.

“Look, I understand that you want to help the kid.” Billy’s eyes came up questioningly. “Yeah, I read his profile and all the reports including the ones you sent the agency. I feel for the kid too that is why what we are trying to do is for the better. You know that his kind are not safe. They are even a danger to themselves half the time.”

Still Billy remained still, his hands limp at his sides.

“All right. So did you tell them anything about the IIA?” Billy shook his head a firm no. “Well, that is one plus on your side.”

It was then Billy raised his hands and signed a reply. Dean could read it easily enough. “Haven’t had time, but I will.”

Dean shrugged in exasperation. “Sentimental idiot! Fine, what if you all do stay free? Right? What the hell is the plan? Keep running? Hiding? What kind of life is that?”

“Better than a cage,” signed Billy.

“You really have turned sides, haven’t you? This isn’t a ploy is it?”

Again Billy shook his head no.

Dean cursed under his breath. “You know what will happen now don’t you? The kids don’t stand a chance and once we have them I have to bring all of you back to the general. Emerson is not happy. In fact he is royally pissed. Not to mention the President.”

Billy looked away, but it was obvious he was now a little worried.

“You have more concerns now than just your career being over. You’ll be lucky to make it out alive. I don‘t even think the President can pull the strings needed to keep your skin intact.”

Sighing, Billy could only shake his head and stare at his feet. Moving back to the door, Dean glanced back at Billy before unlocking the door and getting out.

“This isn’t UNCLE anymore Billy. These are not the days of the legendary Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin. This is the IIA. They don’t play around like the old boys did. I’m sorry. I really am. I liked you. You were a great agent.” Getting out of the van, he slammed and locked the door behind him. Alone, Billy remained still for a few seconds, and then he began to bring up his shoe. From inside of the heel, he pulled a long pin out and quickly began to work on the handcuffs.

***

Jericho was really starting to get mad. It had now been three hours and nobody had come back. Just about to leave and start looking for his missing comrades, he spotted Dominic Fletcher rushing towards him. Jericho didn’t miss the fact that he was alone.

“Elijah’s not here?”

Jericho got to his feet and crossed his arms. Looking around, Dom noticed Billy was missing too. “Where’s Billy?”

Shaking his head, Jericho grabbed Dom roughly by the arm and began moving towards the food vendors area. “Come on, let’s go find them.”

***

He couldn’t move his arms and he couldn’t see a blasted thing with the blind fold over his eyes. The last thing Elijah recalled was seeing Dom about to be run down by a horse. He remembered trying to get to his friend and felt a hand grab on to arm. Then there was a sharp pain in his neck and then-- nothing. He still felt a bit dizzy and his neck ached where he had been hit. He could feel he was on a hard, flat surface. It felt almost like wood. His arms and legs were tied spread eagled, making him feel exposed. His mind raced. How long have I been out cold? Where am I? And who has me?

All questions and thoughts left Elijah when he felt a hand caress the side of his cheek. Gasping in fright, Elijah pulled away and then felt that same hand move across his shoulders and slide down to his chest. The hand was searching and weaving its way over the thin cloth, pushing it aside to gain access to flesh. Cold fingers touched his nipples, pinching them ever so slightly, before moving on to other places. Elijah shivered uncontrollably.

“Who…please don’t! Stop it!”

But the hand moved further downward and smoothed its way between Elijah’s thighs. Elijah heard the mysterious man began to speak. It had an accent. European? It was not Dominic’s voice. Whoever had him was not the usual Fletcher goon either. They knew better than to play with the merchandise. It wasn’t Vincent Caesar; he wouldn’t be doing this. So, who had him?

“So beautiful, flawless. Burning me alive with your heat. Like an angel you are. So untouchable. But mine for the taking.”

Elijah tried to move away, but he was tied firmly in place and had little capability of movement. Two hands were on him, stripping him slowly from his clothing where they could. Moving almost in a relaxed way, as if the kidnapper knew he had plenty of time to play with his new toy. Only when those hands found resistance, did they quickly yank and rip the cloth away. Elijah felt the cold in the room as his clothing was slowly discarded like shreds of paper.

“No…please--” Elijah cried, the fear slowly beginning to take hold. The man only pulled at the pants downward in one yank. Elijah tried to scream, but his yell was cut off when icy, dry lips covered his mouth and a wet tongue forced its way past his mouth.

It didn’t taste like mint chocolates as Dom did. It tasted and smelled like bad fish and a tangible taste of lust that was undeniable. Elijah choked and gagged as the mysterious man’s hands firmly took hold of his hips and began to slide his full body onto Elijah‘s. The man was taller and heavier built than Dominic. Clean shaven. The man had no body cologne, and yet he had a distinct smell. All male, the scent of sex and conquest. Domination. Elijah had to fight the urge not to throw up. Elijah instantly realized that the man was already nude. and the hardness pressing against his waist told Elijah that his kidnapper was already hot and aroused. His intent was coldly clear.

A hot tear escaped Elijah’s eyes, as helplessness and terror began to take hold.

***

“Where could he be!”

Dom was nearly in full panic mode. Jericho for the first time took a good look at Dominic Fletcher and could see the fear in those grey-blue eyes. Sighing, he shook his head, pushing his way through the crowds and looking desperately for any sign of Elijah.

“Calm down. We’ll find him.” Taking a firm grip on Dominic’s shoulder, Jericho looked him in the eyes. “Don’t lose your head, you can’t help him if you do that.”

The message seemed to get through and with one small breathe Dom was back in control again. For a moment two sworn enemies were at peace. Dom nodded at Jericho. “Okay. Should we split up?” asked Dom.

Jericho gave that some thought. “Yeah, I’ll head to the main entrance gates and you head all the way to the back of the fair and start making your way forward.”

With a plan now made, Dom turned and hurried away, all the while looking for one familiar form among the crowd. Jericho turned in the opposite direction heading for the main entrance.

***

Billy freed himself from the handcuffs and moved to the doors. He looked out to see that Dean had left one guard at the van. Without thought, Billy went to the back of the van and ran for the doors; at the last second he did a back flip sending his legs upwards connecting hard against the doors of the van.

The guard didn’t even have time to think when he felt the back doors of the van snap open slamming him in forward onto the concrete of the parking area. Recovering, he started to rise only to receive a hard blow to the back of his neck from someone behind him. Then darkness.

Without looking back, Billy hurried to the main gates. As he ran, Billy hoped he would be in time.

***

“Help! Somebody please! HELP!” Elijah screamed, but the man holding him captive chuckled in amusement.

Currently, he was enjoying Elijah’s neck, licking and biting the golden skin, marking it with his teeth as if laying claim. “No one can hear you, my little dove. Shhh, hush now, don’t be afraid, at least not yet. Right now I am just tasting you.”

The man licked the side of Elijah’s collar bone, before biting hard on Elijah’s shoulder. Elijah gurgled and half cried at the pain.

“DOM! DOMINIC!”

Elijah’s cries were cut off when the man once again thrust his lips over his captive’s mouth. In return, Elijah convulsed and threw up. His kidnapper pulled away, wiping his mouth at the sour taste.

“You prick! You fucking threw up on me!”

With that the kidnapper slammed his fist across Elijah’s cheek. The pain sliced through him and for a moment Elijah was sure that part of his face had been punched in. Sobbing, he ignored the pain on his cheek and jaw and continued to struggle against the ropes, which refused to release him.

Getting a cloth, the kidnapper moved towards Elijah and began to remove the vomit gently from Elijah’s lips and throat. “Sorry baby, I have a temper sometimes. But we will get used to each other. You really are special, aren’t you? We’re going to have so much fun together. I may just have to keep you just a bit longer then all of the others. Maybe I’ll take you with me when I go home? Hmm, would you like that? You can be my new little pet? My sex slave.”

Elijah felt like someone had thrown ice water over his entire body. He jerked and convulsed in terror as the man’s words clicked in his mind. Others? He has done this to others? Any thought to try reason with his capture went out the window. The only thing he could pray for now was unconsciousness. Blissful oblivion. Elijah heard the man’s chuckle and then something being thrown and landing far away. Two hands slid over his chest making its way down towards his thighs. Then, something hot pressed close to his ear whispering its seductive promise.

“Oh, yes, my little pet, I am going to have such fun riding you.”

In response, Elijah screamed.

***

PART TWO

He was coming to give a report to his boss when he heard the scream. He smiled and continued forward, his boss must be playing with his new toy.

***

Hearing footsteps, Elijah continued to scream for help until a small piece of cloth was thrown into his mouth followed by a hand clamping down over it.

“What are you doing here?” shouted his captive.

Elijah could only listen as another unknown man’s voice spoke. “You were supposed to be taking care of my problem.”

“I tried, but some guy got in the way.”

“Sir Ian’s men?” asked the capture.

“Don’t know. Anyway, last I saw of the princess she was being taken to the jousting tournament.”

“Damn it! I should have taken care of this myself! You had the perfect opportunity to get rid of that bitch and you blew it! You incompetent fool! She was without guards, wandering this fucking fair, like it was some kind of birthday party!”

“I’m sorry, but I have another plan. A great plan.”

“Do tell?”

Elijah choked on the gag and though the one hand stayed over his mouth, the captor’s other hand was stroking Elijah’s inner thighs with precise intent. Elijah felt his body go colder as he realized that this madmen wanted not only to rape him, but to also arouse Elijah’s own body.

Elijah hadn’t really given sex too much thought of late. He was still adjusting to his feelings for Dom. Elijah knew that Dominic was more than ready to jump into that boat. Elijah wasn’t. It’s not that Elijah was turned off on the sex idea. Ok, he was sort of a virgin. He had never done it with anyone. He had indulged in one on one self love with a few fantasies playing over his mind, but that was about it.

Perhaps that is why he kept turning Dom down, well partially the reason why he kept Dom at bay. Elijah admitted it freely; he was still unsure about his sexual tendencies. He didn’t think of himself as gay, and he most certainly had not been given a chance to have a mother and son talk. He didn’t even have time to speak to his father about his feelings. It was all so confusing, so frightening.

Gays and lesbians are treated either two ways, a joke or an abomination. Elijah had grown up in the Catholic faith and in his heart, though he no longer attended church, still had those beliefs inside of him. He believed in God and he believed in the love of humanity. But gays were not acceptable to his religion. Which meant that he was going against all that he had learned and believed in. Everything. He wanted to be straight. Elijah had even played with the idea once that his feelings for Dominic was just brotherly, until he kissed Dom at the cabin. It was at that moment that Elijah knew he wasn’t straight. But he wasn’t altogether sure he was gay either.

He had a crush on Lilly in second grade. And there was Mary and Sandy in sixth grade. And of course, Bunny. She had been so beautiful and had been his first real kiss in tenth grade. All that dark hair and bright dark eyes.

Ok, so maybe he was like Dom. Bi-sexual. Maybe he liked both genders but then, that really didn’t make things any easier. Nope, not at all. Elijah cared deeply for Dominic. Being so close together now, and with each passing day, Elijah felt himself drawn to those grey-blue eyes and mischievous smile of Dom’s. Elijah loved him. Short and simple.

But not simple. Never simple. He had loved kissing Dom outside the parking lot. It was the first chance they had of being alone together and Elijah had felt totally on top of the world. Until Dom had put his hands on his butt.

That annoyed him and Elijah still wasn’t sure why. The realization had hit Elijah almost at once. Because Dom hadn’t asked. Dom had asked to kiss him moments before, had asked Elijah if he could hold him, touch him. He had consented, and Elijah felt himself sizzle in that embrace. But then Dom took things just a bit too far. He wasn’t ready for more just yet. Elijah wasn’t even sure if he ever would be.

That last step, that last final step that would forever make him labeled…gay, bi…outcast.

Elijah felt a hand slap him hard across his face, bringing him back to reality. The man was standing over him speaking. “Yes, do it. Let me know when it is done.”

“As you wish, at the stroke of eight. Your sister will be no more.”

The footsteps walked away and Elijah knew he was once again alone with his kidnapper.

“Now, now, my little one, you aren’t falling asleep are you?” The hand slapped him for the second time across his face. Elijah bit his lips and tasted the copper inside his mouth. If he had taken that last step, Elijah would have had something to remember and hold on to. To remind him of what love really is. Now, Elijah would only have one memory of his first time. Only one.

The man moved back on top of him removing the cloth from his mouth, and Elijah felt the fingers probing between his legs.

“We’ve only just begun. This is your first time isn’t it? How sweet. I shall be your first and your last.”

Elijah felt one single finger circle around his anus. “Let’s play knocking on your door and waiting to be let in.”

Unable to help it, Elijah felt the tears again come to his eyes and he started to weep.

***

Dom could feel the panic rising inside of him again. He could not explain it to Jericho, not to anyone really. If he was in his right state of mind he would call himself a fool, but for some reason, Dom knew Elijah was in danger. He could feel it. More than that he just knew. Time was running out. Just as he felt his hopes hit the lowest they could go, Dom came to a dead halt as his eyes spotted a familiar figure just coming out of the wax museum.

Dom’s eyes narrowed in rage when he realized it was the man who had nearly run him down with the horse. About to go after him, Dom was just passing the wax museum when Dom stopped.

He looked back at the metal dome. Weird. He suddenly felt his body tense up. His spine was tingling and his hair was standing on end, and he thought he could feel Elijah’s presence. The essence, a smell or scent of Elijah coming from inside.

Shaking his head, Dom tried to ignore this weird feeling when he realized his body refused to move. Nope, his legs refused to co-operate and wouldn’t budge.

What the hell? he thought. Dom’s mind went into overdrive. Okay, that man on the horse had tried to cause a diversion by trying to run him down. He caused a diversion so that he could allow someone to snatch Elijah away. The man was leaving this museum… alone. Hence Elijah could be inside. Now that made more sense. Ignoring any other thoughts and feelings, Dom hurried inside.

***

Jericho stared at the gates and then back into the crowd. Nothing, still nothing. About to make his way back into the fair, Jericho felt a hard nudge hit him in the shoulder.

“Sean? Sean is that you? Oh my goodness, have you grown boy.” Jericho then felt himself spun around and was suddenly embraced in an older man’s arms. A much older man, who looked to be in his sixties or seventies. The stranger was tall and lean and was dressed up in the outfit of some knight of the crusades only in contrast of Jericho’s clothing, the strangers was in complete black and gold. Pushing slightly away from the stranger, Jericho looked at the man in confusion.

“Do I know you?”

The stranger at once looked at Jericho as if he had lost his mind. “Oh, your’re still incognito, aren’t you? My dear boy, I am sorry, I was hoping this time around you and your father had been able to settle your past affairs. And by the way where is he and that delightful friend of his? Ah, the blond Russian, his name eludes me at the moment? Oh and your sister? How is Natasha? I am sure she must be quite beautiful now with that blond mane of hers.”

Jericho continued to look at the man as if he were nuts until a flash of memory assaulted him.

//He was younger, much younger, a boy in his early teens. He was laughing at the tall man above him holding a black hat. He was demonstrating a trick and a moment later pulled out a small rabbit. The boy that was him clapped in complete joy. The magician though a bit younger looked the same. The man before him.//

Jericho swallowed in surprise. “Sir Ian the Knighted? Mr. Ian Mckellen?”

The man laughed, and taking Jericho’s arm gently, began to lead him away from the crowds heading to what seemed to be a small unmarked building on the opposite side of the gates.

“So formal, I much prefer how you always called me your wizard instead. Ah, alas, I wish we could spend a few hours in the pub talking about old times and your father. How I miss his presence terribly. I am afraid, I don’t have much time. I am helping another old friend of mine’s daughter celebrate her birthday today. Why don’t you come with me? I think you just might find it interesting. She is so beautiful, ravishing really, just like her mother! Her name is Keira Boliviajovak. I think you two just might be good for each other.”

Jericho swallowed and though his thoughts worried about Elijah, Jericho allowed himself to be led away.

***

She stared quietly out her window and sighed. Ever since she was taken back to the main house, she couldn’t stop thinking about her rescuer. About Sean, or what did he preferred to be called. Jericho. Yes, Jericho. She could still see the betrayal in his eyes as she was pulled away. The anger at her deceit. She hadn’t meant to deceive him. It was just that…yes, she meant to deceive him. She had.

Feeling another wave of shame overcome her, she stared out at the window, to see that the jousting tournament was preparing for the special event. Two knights would fight for her. The one was dressed in white and the other in black. The fight had already been worked out and the white knight would win. He would then take the scepter from Sir Ian’s hand and bring it to her. Then the fireworks would shoot into the air and she would finally be officially of age--to take the throne. She would be Queen of Verdurian.

She shook her head and wondered if it was too late to run? Perhaps it was, perhaps it had been too late the moment she was born. She heard a knock at the door, and she bade them to enter, who ever it was. She was not surprised to see Sir Ian enter the room. She smiled at the elderly man, who seemed like a gentle old grandfather to her.

“Sir Ian?”

“Ah, my dear, you aren’t even dressed yet for your part?”

“I know…I was just about to,” She replied as he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Excellent, but before you do, I have a present for you. Someone I think you will really like to meet.”

Waving on at the door. Ian smiled as Jericho entered the room with a little less enthusiasm. “This is Sean, the son of a dear old friend of mine back at my university days in England. Sean, this is Keira…Princess Keira Boliviajovak.”

Keira’s eyes lit up and once again she felt the redness rise in her cheeks.

***

Dom ignored the wax figures before him. Several he recognized as historical figures: Queen Elizabeth, Shakespeare, Henry VIII. Dom hurriedly walked past them and entered a long corridor. Several armored knights from different eras of time stood all along the walls. A sudden cry caused him to lose focus on the knights. There was no mistaking that sob and crying. Dom grabbed his sword and pulling it out, he ran straight towards that voice.

Coming into a room, Dom didn’t even hesitate when he spotted Elijah tied to a wooden slab and a mysterious naked man on top of him. Crying out in rage, Dom raised his sword and charged. Elijah felt the finger push inward and then suddenly was gone, and so was the body above him. Blindfolded, Elijah could only hear the sounds of yelling and a scuffle taking place around him.

“Dom?” Elijah cried. For some unknown reason, even without being able to see, Elijah could feel that Dom was in the room. Dom had come for him, he was here. He was safe.

***

The mysterious kidnapper was not amused to see his fun being interrupted, by no less then that annoying blond-haired boy he had seen with his pet hours before. He narrowly avoided the slashing sword and backed away, looking for anything to use to fight.

He spotted the knight with armor to his right and saw the sword was laid in his hands. Sidestepping Dom’s sword, he ran to the knight and grabbed his sword. Now armed, he smiled. He was ready to do battle and fight to keep his won prize.

The mysterious man did not know that he was still at a disadvantage. Dom was no amateur to sword fighting. He had been taught by Vincent himself how to wield the weapon. The kidnapper also did not realize that Dom was in protect and avenge mode.

The swords clashed and clanged. Dom stepped in, and the assailant stepped back. Dom brought down his sword; the assailant parried and then tried a low swipe. Dom leaped away and came back for much harder hits. The assailant to his surprise realized that he was facing one angry lover. An angry lover that would kill to keep what was his. He was out matched.

The assailant dropped his smile when Dom swiveled his sword around his enemies and came straight up causing his enemies sword to go flying, crashing several feet away. Seeing only red in his eyes, Dom raised the sword to the rapist’s throat. The kidnapper suddenly realized his death was at hand.

A hand touched Dom’s shoulder and Dom paused. His eyes looked back to see Billy staring at him.

So what if the mute had arrived. Dom looked back at the rapist intending to take his pound of flesh. He touched what is mine! All Dom could see was red.

Billy shook his head and tapped Dom on the shoulder again. He signed, “Go to Elijah. Go! He needs you.”

Dom looked back at the wooden slab to see Elijah was still tied in place, naked, exposed, his eyes blind folded and his face red from tears and from shame.

“Lijah!” Handing his sword to Billy, Dom ran to the wooden slab.

“Dom?”

Elijah felt a wave of relief over come him. A moment later, he could smell the familiar odor of his friend and lover. Seconds after that, he was free from the wooden slab and a cloak draped over his body. Dom removed the blindfold and saw two sad, tear-filled eyes look up at him. “Elijah, it’s okay, I’m here. I’m here.”

“Dom, oh God, Dom!” more tears filled and fell from Elijah’s eyes as the realization of all that had happened and what almost happened took hold. For a moment time stopped. Then Elijah was in Dominic’s arms his head cradled against Dom’s neck.

He didn’t know what to say, what to do, how to bring Elijah comfort. It was clear that the mysterious kidnapper had tried to rape Elijah. No blood on the wooden slab or on Elijah’s lower body parts. It seemed he had been in time to stop the deed. Dom realized all at once, there was only one thing Elijah needed, him. And Dom was there, he would always be there for Elijah. Always.

But even in those thoughts something else fell into his place, a dark thought that sounded much like his father‘s voice. None of this would have happened in the first place if Elijah had been safely tucked away at the estate. Guarded and protected by his father‘s men. Safe from all harm. Dom closed his eyes tightly, trying to banish this thought from his mind. No, he didn‘t need his father or his father‘s men or his estate to keep Elijah safe from harm. He would keep Elijah safe; he would be the one.

Would it be enough though? Would it? And so Dom clung tightly to Elijah, silently making his vow, and Elijah in his relief clung to him in return. No longer worrying about tomorrow or even what he was, only that he was in Dominic’s arms, safe in his arms.

***

Billy watched the tender moment and smiled, glad that it was over. He turned to deal with the kidnapper to see that the man had run off. He was gone. Damn. Frowning, Billy looked back at the two boys and shook his head.

***

“Oh, excuse me I have to go make sure everything is in order. I’ll be right back to fetch you for the event. Sean, my dear boy, please, do not leave. I have so much I wish to talk to you about.”

With that Sir Ian was out the door. Jericho stared at the princess and tried to keep his anger in check all the while his body and heart soared in happiness at seeing the beautiful woman again.

“I’m sorry,” She replied, seeing still a bit of coldness in the man’s eyes. “Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to trick you.” Her eyes were soft and her voice silky.

He felt her hands touch his and he found himself melting, falling.

He smiled and nodded. “It’s fine. We all wear disguises from time to time. So you are a princess?”

“And you? Who are you?” she asked.

Jericho smiled and shrugged unable to resist no matter how corny it sounded. “Me? Just your knight in shining armor. That is, if you will let me.”

The princess moved closer, smiling. “Oh yes, yes I would like that very much.” He really is cute.

Jericho tilted his head just a little up. A moment later their lips touched.

***

Sir Ian knocked and opened the door. The two lovebirds broke the kiss and looked up in confusion and embarrassment to see that they had been caught.

Not even trying to hide his smile, Ian chuckled. “My dear, sorry but you must get ready for your birthday celebration, and I will keep your new found friend at my side.”

The princess gave Jericho one long last look and then hurried past Ian and out the door. Jericho sighed and shrugged at the older man.

“So, are you going to tell me what you have been up to and where your father is?” Sir Ian asked.

Jericho finally moved towards the older man and nodded, time to come clean. “Yeah, about my father,” Jericho began. “Sir Ian, up to this day, I have had no recollection of you, and I have been searching for my family for about four years. Please, can you help me?” Now it was Ian’s turn to be confused and he stared at the boy in complete amazement.

***

Elijah waited for Billy’s return for his clothes. The cloak still covered him, and Dom was seated next to him, arms still wrapped around him.

“How did you find me?” asked Elijah.

Dom shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t explain it. I don’t even think I can explain it. I just, felt something. It’s not important. What is important is that you’re safe. We’ll get you some clothes and then get Jericho and leave.”

Elijah looked up at Dom and shivered slightly. Dom pulled Elijah closer to him.

“He was going to rape me, Dom. He really was going to,” he began, unable to finish the sentence. “He was sick.”

Dom nodded holding Elijah even more tightly against him. “I know, I wish Billy had let me kill the bastard who ever the fuck he was.”

That was when Elijah’s eye lit up in horror. “Dom! Oh Dom, that man, another man was here, he came in when it was happening.” Elijah barely spat that last part out. He had to swallow before he could continue. “They talked about the jousting tournament, about something bad that was going to happen. I was kind of going in and out of it at the time. I can’t remember all that happened, I think someone is going to try to kill that princess.”

Billy took that moment to come back into the room with a costume in his hand, taken off one of the wax figures. Elijah didn’t even ask questions and simply put the robes on. Only after he finished dressing and saw himself in a nearby mirror on the wall did he realize he was dressed as a prince.

He was in a richly white silk top and matching tights with a golden robe and a long cloak that fell at his feet. The cloth was much finer then the costumes rented out for the fair and the decorations on the robe and cloak were clearly of royal design. Dom couldn’t resist whistling at the sight of Elijah. He had thought the costume he had chosen before had been a perfect match, but now Elijah certainly looked like a prince. His prince.

Returning to the present, Dom saw Billy signing to him. “We have more than a princess in trouble to rescue; the IIA men are here. They caught me a few hours ago, but I managed to escape. We’ve got to make tracks. Now.”

Dom took hold of Elijah’s hand and nodded. “Okay, let’s go find Jericho and warn the princess and then let‘s get the hell out of here.” Turning to Elijah, Dom added softly. “And don’t you get out of my sight.”

Elijah smiled, unable to resist feeling warm and loved by Dom’s strict and protective order. The memories of his near rape were starting to fade. In time, he would forget them completely.

***

Sir Ian stared down at the table in confusion. “Amnesia? My heavens. And you haven’t seen your father in four years? Four?”

“I didn’t even know I had a sister until a few months ago.”

Sir Ian stared up at the young man sadly. He explained, “She was born a few days before your mother was killed. There was a fire on the Ranch and--.”

Jericho felt his mind turn back and again he remembered a boy of ten watching flames all around him, screams of horses in the barn. The running of the stable hands. Him running, trying to find his mother. Only to find her too late. She was already dead.

“Natasha was still in the hospital. Your father managed to get away with you and her with the help of his friend.”

Jericho watched as Sir Ian took something out of his pocket. It was a wallet from which he pulled several photos. Jericho saw the first was a picture of Sir Ian, and standing next to him in front of a university building was a young Jason Richards, his father. The second photo was a picture of Sir Ian and with a cluster of people around him.

One was clearly Jason, and the other a boy in his teens. Jericho smiled seeing the face of his childhood. He looked happy despite the fact that his mother had died so horribly. And then Jericho smiled more when he saw the little girl looking up at her older brother. Her hands reached out as if asking to be picked up. Jericho felt the memories come from deep inside him.

He remembered the flash of the camera going off and saw him as a boy reach down and pick up the little girl in his arms. She couldn’t be more than one or two years old. She had curly blond hair and blue-green eyes. She was the image of her mother, their mother. The little girl was giggling and was offering to give her brother something. Ah, a shiny rock. A shiny green rock she had found by the ocean. Jericho remembered taking it from her and giving her a kiss on the cheek. The little girl squirmed in his arms and continued to laugh. She was his little angel. Yes, that is what he use to call her. His little angel.

Jericho returned to the present and felt his eyes mist over. His sister, Natalie…Natasha as Sir Ian called her. His first memory of his sister. Jericho would never be able to explain the joy and the pain it caused him and the fear of where she was and the danger she could be in. Jericho paused and noticed a fourth figure in the picture one that also seemed familiar.

A blond-haired man stood off to the side, almost separated from the photo. No, as if the man himself wanted to separate himself from the photo and the people around him. He was handsome with blond hair and blue eyes. He was young, perhaps in his late thirties or forties. Jericho felt more memories return to him. He remembered the fire and the blond man running into the house as Jericho looked at his mother’s unmoving body.

“Oh God, no Jason, not Katherine!”

And other memories. The blond man with the accent holding him in his arms. Laughing. He was teaching him another language.

“Babushka?”

“Babushka. Yes, Sean that means grandmother in Russian.”

“Do I?”

“Do you what, Sean?”

“Do I have a babushka?”

The Russian smiled down at the boy and patted his head. “I am sure somewhere out there in this world you have a babushka. Everyone does.”

The boy smiled in pleasure. “Tell me more Uncle, tell me more Russian words?”

“All right.” And then the memory was gone.

Jericho looked down at Sir Ian. “Illya, Uncle Illya?”

Sir Ian looked at the boy and smiled. “Yes, that was his name, Illya Kuryakin. A very kind young man, smart too. Handsome. Ah, what I wouldn’t have given to be just a bit younger at that age and if he had been inclined…” He paused and shrugged, clearing his throat. “Ahem, smart lad he was. Very protective of you and Natasha. You were like his own.”

“I keep getting flashes of memory, but it doesn’t seem to come together.”

Sir Ian nodded at the boy. “It will. Give it time. You’re very special Sean, as you should know.”

Jericho was a bit taken back at this and then swallowed. “You know about us? About our blood?”

Sir Ian nodded confirming this. “I know a great deal. I knew when your father was young. He came to me at the university, and we did some experiments then, to try to find out more about his blood. Alas, in those days school labs were not as capable as they are now with more up to date equipment. Your father just completed his marine biology doctorate when they came.”

“They?”

“A mysterious woman, calling herself Kassandra I believe. She was very beautiful and she was looking for Jason. We feared she was from the government or some government and well, Jason feared for his brother Ben. He had left his brother many years before. Joined the military and afterwards moved to England and there he went to my university. Anyway, knowing about his blood, he went back to America to find Ben. But never did. All leads led to dead ends. Eventually on one of his searches he met Katherine, your mother, and fell completely and utterly in love with her.”

Jericho smiled as he thought about his parents and how young and in love they must have been.

“All was beautiful and fairy tale like until Saxon came along.”

Jericho felt his smile fade. “Saxon? He had my mother killed? Him and Doctor Raven?”

“He meant to kill your father. Jason kept in contact with me off and on through the years. Sometimes to look back at the past in joy and other times for a place to hide. You were my family, you know. I came to care for you and your sister and Illya very much. But then, they came, Dr. Raven and shortly after that woman. Odd, after so many years she looked unchanged. Anyway, I was able to divert Raven to get all of you escape.”

“Is this Illya my real Uncle? Is he related to us?”

Sir Ian shrugged. “I believe he is related but distantly. Your father was quite tightlipped about it all. All he would tell me was that Illya was a relation to your grandparents. I believe your grandmother’s sister, Stephanie or was her name Stacey? Greek, I believe. She went to live in Russia. Fell in love with a young man. She is dead I believe along with Illya’s father. I am uncertain of all the facts. I am afraid I don’t have the memory I once had. Old age does that.”

Taking a seat at the table, Jericho looked at the photos. He smiled sadly to see how happy the people in the pictures were. How happy even without their mother being present. Katherine.

“Elijah mentioned a Stephanie, Uncle Ben and my father’s parents, Alexandria and James Nathaniel.”

(Episode, First season: Road Kill Café)

“They died in a fire or so your father told me when he and Ben were children. They were sent to an orphanage and later ran away. Ben, I believe, wound up in the care of another family and Jason went into the military. The rest I just told you. Who is Elijah?”

Jericho nodded trying to recall all the information he had learned with Elijah up to this point. “Alexandria was Greek, from Greece. James was American. They left Greece to come to America. Alexandria had a sister Stephanie, but according to the records she died in a boating accident.”

Ian at once cut in. “Through the years Jason has been looking up his family history, his true family history in an attempt to find out where and how they got their special blood. From what I remember Jason telling me. Yes, the time of these photos, shortly after your mother’s death. He came to me and said that the history was wrong. That all of it was wrong. That Stephanie had not died. She had been in an boating accident but had been picked up and rescued however she had been badly hurt and for many months remained in a hospital. There she fell in love with a young Russian soldier. She eventually married him and went with him to live somewhere in Russia. They had two children. Ivan and Illya. Illya was the youngest. But then the war came. Her husband died in one of those cold harsh battles in war. The village she was in had been taken over and she and her children were put in a concentration camps. Illya was separated from his mother and brother…the last he saw of them was when they were being led to the showers. The showers with no running water.”

Jericho swallowed and sadly shook his head. “Do you have any idea where my father is now? Or Uncle Illya? Natasha?”

Sir Ian smiled brightly at this and nodded. “Not your father, but I do think I can help you in finding your sister and Illya.” Getting to his feet, Sir Ian hurried over to a drawer and opening it he pulled out a small card and brought it over to Jericho.

Jericho took it and stared. It was a postcard, and it showed the picture of Virginia Beach, with the state’s initials clearly written on it. Turning it over, Jericho read the words.

“To my dearest Wizard, how I miss you and my father and brother. All of you are never far from my thoughts. Uncle Illya is well and so am I. We have just moved here after living in Vancouver, Canada, for the past six years. I am hoping to start at Robert E. Lee University next year. Though you know my heart is for song I will try to abide my uncle and get a sound career to fall back upon. Love you always, Natasha.”

Jericho looked up at Sir Ian in delight. It was post marked six months ago.

“Yes, they live in Virginia, or specifically Virginia Beach. According to that postmark.” Seeing the boy’s eyes, Sir Ian held out his arms and Jericho ran into his arms and hugged the old man tightly. “I’m sorry I can’t help you in finding your father, but I do hope this will help you find a little bit of what you have been missing.”

When Jericho finally broke the embrace, Sir Ian looked down at him. “Now, tell me who is this Elijah and who you are running from this time.”

***

Elijah ignored the stares from several maiden women and, clinging closer to Dom, hurried through the crowds to make their way to the jousting tournament. They arrived to see that they were still in the process of setting up the arena. The seating of the royals at the center of the arena was empty. The princess was nowhere to be found.

As Dom seemed to be looking around for Jericho, Billy was keeping a close eye out for either Dean or any suspicious looking person up to no good. Elijah heard the sound of trumpets and followed shortly by the arrival of several guards. They took their place in front of the royal seating pallet.

A moment later more trumpets sounded. Dom, Elijah and Billy watched as the princess made her appearance in full royal attire. She even wore a tiara upon her head. She was breathtaking and Elijah had to admit she was beautiful.

Then to their surprise they saw an older man step forward and behind them was the unmistakable Jericho who accompanied them to the seats.

“Jericho!” Elijah cried out, but the crowd was already cheering as two knights armed with joust sticks made their way into the arena.

One was dressed all in white the other in black. In Sir Ian’s hand, Billy and Dom noticed was a golden scepter with several sparkling jewels.

“What do we do now? We have to warn them,” shouted Elijah to Dom and Billy. Billy was just about to respond when he spotted several men coming towards them.

They were pushing through the crowd uncaring of the people’s anger at their rudeness. Dean was in the lead and a gun could be seen in his hand. Billy tapped his finger on Dom’s shoulder to get his attention.

Dom grabbed a firm hold on Elijah’s arm, and watched Dean hurry in the opposite direction. Billy hastily followed.

***

Sir Ian rose from his seat and raised his hand. The crowd fell silent as Ian spoke into a small microphone held out to him by one of his fair attendants.

“My dear fair and good people. Today at King Arthur’s Court is a special day, a day that will be marked down not just a historical event but a day that will be remembered, the day that will be remembered as The Princess Keira Boliviajovak celebrates her 25^th birthday. It is now 7:30 and at the stroke of eight the knight who wins the jousting tournament shall take this scepter from my hand and place it in to the hands of the princess. Let the tournament begin.”

Ian waved to the princess who smiled at the audience and then at the two knights before her eyes strayed to Jericho’s.

Oh, how she wished it was Jericho that would give her the scepter.

Jericho felt eyes upon him and turned to see Keira looking at him. He wanted to smile but he was still worried. He still had heard nothing of what had happened to Elijah. Sir Ian had sent out several men to look for him but so far no one had returned. What if Elijah was in trouble? And here he was sitting on some royal throne. He felt silly sitting up here.

Looking back out at the audience Jericho watched as the two knights bowed before the Royals and Sir Ian and got onto their horses. The knights raised their weapons and circled each other before going to opposite ends of the arena. They then turned and waited. A trumpet sounded and the two knights started forward. The first run the two knights connected but did not fall or get hit. Pulling away they rode once more off to opposite ends and then turned and waited. The trumpet sounded and again the two knights on horseback with raised jousts came forward. This time the crowd heard a loud clang as they weapons hit but neither fell from their horse.

***

Reaching the far side of the arena, Dom came to a stop when he realized they had nowhere to go. A white fence blocked any further escape. As Dom started to look around for another place to run, he spotted something out the corner of his eye that didn’t seem right.

Up on a small hill just to the left of the arena he could see a female figure. She was dressed all in black like a ninja and was standing in the crotch of a tree. In her hand she held a bow and arrow. It was pointed not at them, but at the stage where the royals sat. At first Dominic thought it was pointed at the princess only to realize the angle was wrong. Not at the princess, no, but at Jericho.

Looking back at the arena Dom saw only one course. Dom pushed Elijah into the arena. “Run to Jericho! Warn him now!”

Dom meanwhile ran towards the tree.

Left behind, Billy spotted the woman in the trees just as Dean and his men were closing in around him. The crowd roared as the knights came for a third blow, which caused the white knight to fall from his place on the horse.

In the royal seating Sir Ian was taken back by this. That was not supposed to happen. Having won, the black knight raised a sword at the white knight, who, uninjured from his fall, (after years of in the service at the fair and practice at his craft) bowed his head in defeat.

The black knight then turned and started to the royal seats. Another shout sounded as a small figure darted right past the two knights making his way to the stage. Sir Ian spotted the lone figure at the same time as his personal guards. The guards at once took up their swords and weapons and moved to get in front of the princess.

However, Jericho also saw the running boy and felt a wave of relief go through him, though Jericho had to wonder why Elijah changed costumes.

“Elijah, it’s Elijah,” Jericho called getting to his feet.

Sir Ian at once raised his hand to his guards. “It’s all right. Lower your weapons.”

Breathlessly Elijah ran onto the stage with Jericho reaching down to help pull him up. “Jericho!”

“Elijah, where the hell have you been?”

Before he could finish the air was silenced as something soared through the sky.

***

The archer found her clear shot and fired the arrow just as something hit her legs. A rock? She looked down to see a man dressed as a pirate throwing rocks at her.

She smiled and pulled out another arrow and prepared her second shot.

***

Elijah saw something shoot through the sky and pushed Jericho just in time out of the way, but not himself. He felt something slice into his back and chest. He heard himself cry out, and then….darkness.

***

“NO!” Dom had dropped his rocks when he saw the woman had shot her arrow. He turned just in time to see Elijah push Jericho out of harm’s way, just as the arrow connected into Elijah’s back. At that moment, Dom saw his life flash before his eyes.

***

Billy, along with the rest of the crowd, saw what was taking place. There was a woman firing arrows in a tree, one that had hit Elijah and now was aiming another at Dominic who was seeing Elijah get shot was running towards the stage.

Billy reacted just as Dean reached him. Billy grabbed Dean’s gun and gave him a hard kick that sent him tumbling to his knees. Then Billy turned to the woman at the tree, aimed and fired. Another shot filled the air and made a direct hit. The dart slammed into her chest and Jade gasped. She dropped the bow and arrow and then tumbled to the ground. She was out cold before she even hit the ground.

Elijah!

Ignoring everyone and everything, Billy pushed his way from the crowds and met Dominic at the gates hurrying to the stage and royal seating area.

“Elijah!” Dom cried again, choking as the tears came to his eyes. He could see blood on the ground and Elijah was still. Sir Ian had sent out the guards to get the woman who had fired those shots and then faced the young man who had been shot. The young man that Jericho was clutching in his arms.

“Elijah--oh God--Elijah?”

There was blood everywhere. On Elijah, oh Jericho’s clothes, on the wooden stage. The princess had joined Sir Ian and stared down at the horrible sight in tears.

“Oh no!” Dom and Billy finally reached Jericho and Elijah. Dom at once threw his arms around the unmoving form. “Oh, God--God no. Jericho please give him to me--oh God please? Elijah?”

***

Jericho however was not listening. He was still holding Elijah in his arms. His hands moved to the arrow, and in front of everyone’s eyes they watched as he ripped the arrow from Elijah’s body.

Dom felt as if his heart had just been ripped out of his own body. Then he remembered and saw Jericho’s eyes turn neon green.

***

The energy came from within. He could feel it flow through his veins and in his blood. It felt warm and alive and true. It flowed onwards and outwards and into the other body. It repaired the damage, stopping the loss of blood, repairing the damage, sealing the hole closed.

Gasping for air, Jericho released Elijah into Dom’s arms and fell away heaving as he felt a wave of nausea overtake him.

The princess flew to Jericho and took him into her arms, and after a few seconds Jericho felt the pain and nausea leave him. He recovered and managed to sit up and turn to see Dom still holding Elijah. The boy was crying.

“Dom--he’ll be all right. Just give him a moment.”

It took a bit for Dom to realize what Jericho was saying and indeed as he looked down he could feel Elijah’s warmth and the see the rise of his chest. He was okay; he was okay. The tears still fell from his eyes, though, and Dom refused to let go.

Billy watched all of this and smiled. He placed a hand on each of them. One on Dominic and one on Jericho. For this moment in time they were no longer enemies. They were not friends but perhaps, yes a team.

***

Dean, seeing all the commotion, turned to his men and shook his head. “Not now…too many witnesses. Come on.”

They turned and disappeared into the crowd as the cheering began.

It took only a moment for Jericho and the rest of them to realize that the crowd believed that this was all a staged play. Well, let them.

***

Elijah opened his eyes and could feel he was being tightly held in someone’s arms. At first he was quite happy when he realized it was Dom who was holding him, but after a moment Elijah realized Dom was holding him far too tightly. He felt as if he were being smothered.

“Dom. Hi? I‘m okay. Can you, ah, let me go, please? Dom--Dom. I can‘t breathe.”

Dom couldn’t help it and laughed, and though he did soften his hold he refused to let go.

***

Sir Ian turned as the black knight stepped forward his hand reaching for the scepter. Sir Ian smiled and nodded. “Present this to the princess.”

Somewhere a clock struck eight o’clock. Seeing the black knight, the princess stepped away from Jericho and allowed the black knight to come forward. The knight at once kneeled and raised the scepter to the princess. Keira smiled and reached for the heirloom.

***

Jericho saw the knife before anyone else did and acted. He pulled Keira out of the deadly path and brought down his foot and kicked the black knight’s hand, causing him to drop the knife. Jericho found he didn’t need to do anything else, Sir Ian’s guards already descended on the poor assassination attempt. It was over.

***

An hour later

Jericho was pissed; oh, he was fucking pissed.

Unable to help it, he sent his fist flying, and it connected hard against the wall. He yelped at the pain and cursed at his own stupidity. Recovering, he turned to face Elijah and held out his uninjured hand to him. Elijah sadly looked at him. “Are you okay?” Jericho asked.

Elijah nodded numbly, what could he really say. He had been almost raped, but he hadn’t. He was okay. And yet, he could still feel those hands. Elijah shook slightly.

Jericho went to hold his cousin, only for Elijah to shrink away from him. Shocked by this, Jericho waited, and finally Elijah met his eyes.

“I’m sorry I - I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ll be fine. Really. He didn’t rape me. Dom saved me.”

Dom saved me. Those words cut Jericho deep. He had prided himself from the day he met Elijah that he would look after the kid. Even before he knew Elijah was his cousin, before they had even become friends, he had sworn himself to look after the boy. And when Elijah needed him most where the hell was he? In the arms of a princess.

“It wasn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself. Jericho, please?”

Jericho sighed and nodded. He reached out again and this time Elijah embraced him.

“I love ya, kid. I’m so sorry. If I ever find that bastard, I swear to God I will disembowel him.”

Elijah smiled. “If Dom doesn’t do it first.”

Jericho swallowed and grudgingly he agreed. “I guess I can give him first dibs. I suppose I owe him one.”

Elijah waited with a smug look on his face.

Jericho frowned. “Just because he came through doesn’t mean I trust him or like him. He is still a snobbish spoiled brat!”

“Who I love.”

Jericho huffed but nodded. “I’ll try to be nicer - maybe.”

Elijah laughed and though Jericho didn’t join him, he was relieved that Elijah was still whole, still free. The memory of this attack would stay with him for a long time. But it would mend, it would fade. In time.

As Jericho headed out the door, he bumped into Dom, who was just coming in. The two made eye contact and Elijah watched from afar hoping that this would be the moment they would lay down their swords. Jericho muttered under his breath. “Dip shit!”

Dom muttered back under his breath as Jericho left the room. “Bugger off.”

Elijah chuckled; he still clung to hope that someday they would be friends. Dom stopped and looked at the man he loved. He moved to Elijah’s side and sitting next to him, put his arm around Elijah’s shoulder. After a long moment of just looking at each other, Dom found he had to ask.

“Are we going to be okay? Lijah?”

Elijah knew what he was asking. It wasn’t a simple question. Dom needed to know if Elijah still wanted to court, to get to know him, to someday become lovers. After the attack today, perhaps a few hours ago, Elijah would have said no; he might even have run off. But that wouldn’t solve anything. He still loved Dominic Fletcher. He still wanted to try.

“Yeah, just - ”

Dom cut in, “Slow…got it.”

And this time Dom kept his hands on Elijah’s shoulders and asked before making the next move.

“Can I kiss you? On the lips?”

Elijah grinned. “I like kissing. Yeah, I would like that very much.”

And then they kissed.

***

Sir Ian smiled at the two boys. He hadn’t meant to spy on them, but he had come to find Jericho only to see the two young men in a very intimate moment. Closing the door without disturbing them, he headed down the corridor to be greeted by one of his guards.

“Sir, just had to let you know that mysterious woman we collected escaped before the police could pick her up.”

Ian didn’t bother to ask why. He left the guard and found Jericho in the courtyard. He was with the princess…rather the soon to be Queen of Verdurian.

They were holding hands and sitting on a bench. Kissing.

“When do you leave?” Jericho asked.

“Tomorrow. My father should be arriving in the morning,” she responded.

“Oh,” he sighed.

“You are leaving, too?”

“Yeah, today - shortly. We have to.”

“Sir Ian won’t tell me why you have to leave. Only that you must. Does it have something to do with what you did to that young man, Elijah?”

“My cousin. Yes. Some people are after us, and I have to find my dad and my sister.”

“I see.” Her eyes filled with sadness as she placed her hand gently on Jericho’s chest. “I understand. Perhaps someday the fates will have us cross paths again.”

Jericho nodded. “I don’t believe in fate, but if it does happen, I would be most happy to cross your path.”

She wet her lips and stared into Jericho’s eyes. Her hand raised to gently stroke his hair as his hands moved to take hold of her shoulders.

“I think it was my brother, half brother, who tried to kill me today, and I have my suspicions that man who tried to hurt your cousin was Lance. I’m sorry. I‘m sorry for all the pain he caused. I will try to do what I can as queen to prevent him from hurting others. I will stop him. I will make him pay. I promise,” she vowed.

Jericho only shook his head and for a moment the tip of their heads touched. Her eyes filled with tears as she knew their time together was coming to an end.

“Do you believe in true love? Soul mates?” asked Keira.

Jericho smiled. “I didn’t, but I do now.”

Remembering, Jericho took out the necklace and showed it to Keira. She smiled and turned and Jericho placed the necklace he had received from the gypsy that morning. Her words came back to him. He would find his true love today.

After clipping the necklace in place, Jericho reached over and kissed the back of her neck. Keira turned and again their lips came together.

Sir Ian coughed cutting into the lovers’ quiet moment together. He hated to do it, but time was short.

“The car is waiting at the back entrance,” Sir Ian said as he handed Jericho the keys. “It’s old but reliable.”

“I hope we will see each other again. Sir Ian?” Sir Ian nodded.

“I’m sure we will. Good luck.”

***

He somehow managed to escape the others. He knew he shouldn’t have left them, especially when that rapist was still on the loose, but Elijah had one thing he wanted to do before he left the fair, and he did not want anyone knowing what he was about to do. If they did they would laugh at him.

So here he was standing out side the tent. He heard the voice bid him to enter, and Elijah stepped into the darkness to see a young Spanish woman seated at a table. He offered her money, but she shook her head.

“You, free…so handsome you are.”

Elijah took a seat and offered her his hand. But again she shook her head. “Your future does not lie in your hands, but in your eyes.”

She reached for his face, and tilting his head down, she looked deep into his eyes.

Elijah kept still and waited, watching for her reaction. He was not prepared for what happened. Her eyes misted and with a sob the woman turned away from him. When she recovered and looked at Elijah her face was streaked with tears.

Puzzled, Elijah stared at her. “Please, tell me my future.”

Recovering her composure, she nodded, and when she faced Elijah, her eyes were still filled with genuine sadness and tears.

“I see you are on a journey, a long journey that shall take you to many places. Treasures and knowledge. Some for good, some for bad. Knowledge has its rewards, but it has also a high price. I see three dear friends shall walk with you on this journey. Another shall come. Yes, one more. A young girl who shall charm all of your hearts. I see also that you are confused in the affairs of the heart. Love never is an easy path even on the best of circumstances. You seek answers I cannot give. All I can tell you is the answers already lie in your heart. There are no guarantees and no promises. Even forever is never forever. But do not despair, I see beyond the boundaries of time and the veil lifts. Fear not love, fear not. You have found your soul mate, your true love. It is of course frowned upon here, but I see a solution. One that is of many years away. Yes, love will find away. Be patient, you are still quite young. True love will wait and always it shall return to each other.”

Elijah smiled in relief. He now had hope. Dom and he had a chance. Didn’t they? Then Elijah saw more tears in her eyes and couldn’t help himself. “What is it? What makes you look so sad?”

The woman looked at her hands and spoke softly. “Looking into the future does not always lead to happy endings as everyone desires to have. Although I see that your life line is long, so very, very long. I see someone dear in your life, someone that you love shall perish. And soon. I see more pain in your future, such pain. You shall lose great things that you love. What is impossible will be possible and you will believe it a blessing, but it will be too late as that blessing will be taken away like a shot in the dark.”

She patted his hand and continued. “You are truly special. More than you realize, more than those who even think that they know how special you are. You are an evolution and a part of each line you carry in your blood.”

Elijah felt his body go cold. Did she know? But that was impossible. She couldn’t know about his blood.

“You will learn truths you wished you never learned. You will cross paths that you wish you never crossed. Death shall follow you. But again do not despair. Yes, I see it now. I see the path that you are being drawn to, one that you do not realize you will someday reach. Yes, another journey and another path, and this one shall be full of joy and happiness. Peace. Love. Eternity. Yes. Saura sees and knows. So precious you are. Thank you! Thank you for blessing me with your presence.”

She bowed and Elijah felt heat come to his cheeks. She tapped the medallion he had around his neck and she nodded. “All roads lead to the stars. Remember that. Remember.”

She rose and helped Elijah to his own feet and showed him to the door. Elijah paused to look at her. She smiled and turned away.

Shaking his head Elijah headed out of the tent to be met by three annoyed men. Jericho, Billy and Dominic.

***

He watched them get into the car and take off. He watched and cursed.

He spat on the ground vowing that this was not the end. He could still see those mesmerizing blue eyes, the feel of that skin, the lips, the taste. Elijah Chevalier, that was his name and Lance vowed that someday there paths would cross again and when they did, Elijah would be his forever.

***

She watched the car take off with its four occupants. She sheathed her gun and she got into her car preparing to follow them. She had already screwed up. She nearly killed the boy, Elijah. But fortune had smiled upon her. Next time she would not miss. The boys would die, all but Elijah. She would be more careful. Saxon would not be pleased if Elijah was hurt.

As she moved her car forward, she felt something move wrong with her car. Stopping the vehicle, and getting out, she was taken aback to see her two front tires were flat. They had been slashed.

***

Dean stared at the van’s tires in fury. All four tires had been slashed. But who? His men stared at him, not sure what to do.

“Call it in and get anther van pronto.” He ordered.

All the while he watched as the car with four occupants made their getaway.

***

He had watched the boys in the car escape. He also noticed the mysterious woman. He took several photo shots of her. He would have to send them to Vincent to see what he could learn about the woman, and of course he took several shots of the men at the black van. Though he already knew who they were.

IIA. So they were closing in on the kids. He laughed as he recognized one of them; Dean was leading the team. How wonderful. This little chase was turning out to be quite a bit of fun.

Viggo rose to his feet and moved past the trees and headed for his red Mustang. He started his engine and slowly started out of the parking lot, passing by the woman and a black van with four occupants who had four slashed tires of their own. Viggo waved at Dean as he drove passed.

“That little bastard!” Dean shouted. The men turned to their leader and saw that Dean was smiling with a hint of both amusement and annoyance. “So, he has joined the opposing team. Well, will see who gets the last laugh.”

“Who?” Asked one of the men. “Who was that?”

“Who else? The legend, Viggo Morton.”

“Who?” asked the man again.

Dean ignored him and banged his fist on the van. Damn it, this was not good. Now he not only had to contend with some mad woman out to hurt the boys, but he also had to deal with HIM. Viggo.

***

Elijah played with the radio and finally got it on the channel he wanted. Music filled the car, and both Billy and Dominic frowned.

Jericho merely grinned and shoved Elijah back into his seat. “Will you sit down and buckle up. For crying out loud!”

Elijah did has he ordered, buckling in the seat in the back. Turning, Elijah saw Dom looking back at him. His hand reached out, and Dom took it into his own and stroked it gently. Their eyes softened and love was clearly seen in their eyes.

“So where are we going now?” signed Billy.

Jericho answered, “Virginia Beach.”

No one argued and as Jericho turned onto the interstate, his thoughts dwelling on a beautiful face of a princess, music continued to play in the car and in the back seat, Elijah and Dominic held hands.

The End.