Disclaimer: Harry Potter and his world belong to J. K. Rowling. In this story, Harry Potter is very old, and is known as 'The Great Wizard.' His name is Bellamy.

Chapter 21:

By the time Bellamy appeared in Loch Lomand, the day before the horse show, there was a great deal of activity. Valencio and the other men were fully occupied carrying loads of tack and provisions to a hired truck. Except for his class, he was to help saddle horses, help groom horses when required, and lead Belinda in the class she was entering, riding Bluejoe. He would be fully occupied.

Carol would not be riding, just organising. By dinner, everything was prepared that could be prepared, even the refreshments, both the ones they would take, with a preserving crio on them, courtesy of Melanie, and a dinner that was already prepared for the evening meal on their return.

Valencio was too busy to take much notice of John until dinner when he manoeuvred himself a place near him, and started to quiz him about Narzu-Han.

"They said you attacked him."

"I was furious enough to kill him. But in the end, I let him go."

Carol said, "You nearly killed him in front of the aurors?"

Bellamy acknowledged, "It would have been very foolish. But he was supposed to be harmlessly in Turkey, unable to hurt anybody, and with his magic weakened. Instead, he changed his name, and took power. The only thing is that he's apparently a force for law and order."

Valencio said, "A force for law and order?"

"Apparently so."

Valencio shook his head, and suddenly laughed. "I told him what I thought about his family once. It took me three days to regain consciousness!"

Helene said, surprised, "Is that why he punished you so severely? I always thought you tried to kill him."

Valencio said casually, "He slept with me regularly. If I'd wanted to kill him, it would have been very easy." He'd embarrassed himself, but tried not to show it. Some of the younger ones were staring at him, astounded. Valencio was irritated at their surprise. He'd been a sex slave, just like them all. And if he was told to sleep with Arikiyo or Narzu-Han, or anyone else, what choice had he had?

Carol gave them a look of rebuke, and asked Bellamy, "What about the others you spoke to."

"It worked alright with the others, as far as I can make out."

More quizzing followed, and he admitted that he could find them by thinking carefully about them, and then looking at their minds. They took it for granted. He was the great wizard, wasn't he? Surely he could do anything!

Carol asked, "Ahjmed?"

"I sent him to Russia, and he's in some sort of a mental institution. He wears a shapeless tracksuit, and there's a stout nurse who kindly calls him Love!"

There was a peal of laughter, followed by cheers. So many of them had been just children when they were pushed into his room.

Valencio asked, "Adil?"

"Fat! Married to a medj, surrounded by small children, that he smiles on. He's happy."

Valencio was disappointed, and remarked, "For years, I waited for a chance to ruin his other eye."

Bellamy said, "He cannot rape, he cannot hurt, or defend himself. He may be happy, but he's harmless."

"Iyad?"

"I couldn't find him. I think he must be dead."

"Faheem?"

"Also living with a medj wife. Contented."

Valencio nodded. Faheem hadn't been so bad, really. Just that he'd asked for a boy, and the boy had lost eighteen years of his life, and in a way he still thought of as shameful. Adil, though. Yet as far as he knew, Adil had never exercised his sadism on anyone other than himself. There were several women who'd said they'd been his favourites, and not one had complained of their treatment. Rosnita had even called him 'kind.'

Carol asked, "What about the women?"

"The ones I could remember seem fine, mostly living in wizarding cultures again. I didn't take notice of the young ones."

"What about others? Do you know much?"

"Zoe and Najia have taken over both Morocco and Japan, and both countries have a new system of law."

Eva asked, "Zhang?"

"Part of the girls' personal guard."

"Hung Tu?"

"The same, I think, or maybe just an ordinary guard or fighter."

More questions of individuals, though most he couldn't answer, and reminded them he'd been in Morocco only a week or so after they'd gone.

"Fujita?" asked Gloria.

Bellamy hesitated, and frowned. "I've heard the name..." He took another mouthful of his dinner, and mentioned how good it was.

"Fujita?" Gloria persisted.

Bellamy said casually, "I remember, now - I killed him," and nearly choked as Gloria hugged him from the back, as hard as she could.

"How?" Carol asked.

"It was after I brought Evita here for a quick visit. Rafu was with me. Luckily only the best wizards can make a death spell without verbalising it, and I heard the incantation in time to hit it back."

"We heard about that. Abensur said that it was impossible, but the great wizard was known for doing things that were impossible."

Gloria asked, with relish, "Did it hurt him to die?"

"Death Curses are instant and painless."

Gloria sighed, "I would have liked him to suffer."

He looked surprised, a little shocked, even. "I always thought death enough."

Gloria shook her head, "It's not enough."

Shirley said, "Definitely not enough. I like the thought of Ahjmed, though. I hope they're cruel sometimes."

Bellamy said, a touch reprovingly, "You're very bloodthirsty."

They laughed, and Ingrid said, "We don't casually kill people, and by all accounts, you do!"

To their surprise, Bellamy was seriously offended, putting down his knife and fork, and speaking very deliberately. "I have never in my life killed anyone casually. I may have killed - on rare occasions, but never casually!" He abandoned his dinner and left them staring blankly at each other.

Valencio only shrugged. He was a wizard wasn't he? They had different standards. The women forgot sometimes, he thought.

Bellamy reappeared a couple of hours later, escorted by Veronica and Angini, who looked very pleased with themselves. His hair was now trimmed shorter, and distinctly brown. "I'll be in disguise," he explained to Belinda, who stared at him in surprise. "Make-up in the morning to conceal facial scars, and I'll wear riding dress, which I never do, normally."

Quietly, a little later, when he was alone for a moment, Valencio joined him. Bellamy asked, "Worried about Narzu-Han, Vince?"

Valencio was perfectly honest. "I'm frightened he'll come for me."

"He did ask about you, I didn't tell him anything, and he doesn't know where you are."

"I think he could find me - we had a connection."

John was using that voice again, that made someone feel as if he knew everything, and cared. "You should not see him again, I think. If you do see him, what you should do is yell for me, but only in your mind. I'll hear, and wherever I am, I will come, and if you want, I'll kill him."

Valencio said in a low voice, "I don't want him killed. Just that he has to stay away from me."

"Don't worry about him. He cares about you, and I don't think he wants to harm you. If you see him, call me."

"Would you really hear?"

Bellamy nodded. "A few of the aurors have done that, when they get into too much trouble. Michael even, once. I guess if you happen to catch me sound asleep, it might take a while to wake me, but even then, all you have to do is persist."

Valencio said, "Yell for you, in my mind."

He tried it, and Bellamy winced, and said, "Like that. No need to practise any more."

Valencio laughed, and commented, "Carol was sure I had some telepathic talent myself, and was always pestering me to try and look at the minds of the guards."

"Could you do it?"

"Occasionally, I think. But I never knew whether I was right or not."

Bellamy said, "It's a rare talent. I was fifty before I knew that I had some talent, but since then, it's continued to develop. Can be awkward. I never try and feel minds, unless there's a real need, but sometimes, a thought is so loud and clear that I hear it anyway. I have to try hard not to show I've accidentally overheard, and sometimes it's very embarrassing."

Valencio said, "I stopped trying the moment I stepped out of the App. Box. Before then, it was a matter of survival. Now, I don't want to know."

Bellamy agreed, "A lot more peaceful."

There were a few laggards in the morning, but they were away only a few minutes after seven, complete with thirty-four horses and fifty-six riders, plus Bellamy, almost all of them in riding gear.

Bellamy was in the small bus driven by Valencio, and he relaxed in his seat and went to sleep. He hadn't slept well the previous night, restless again, as he was so often recently. He was waiting for something to happen. Something more than the horse show, though he understood the significance it had for what he tended to regard as 'his medj.' He looked unfamiliar, the scar on his left cheek that was so much a part of him, was now concealed with expert use of make-up, plus the brown dye over his black, white-streaked hair.

It took a little longer than expected to reach the venue, and find an area where there was space for all the vehicles to be together. But then Carol was issuing quick orders. "Unload the truck, horses out of the big horse box, and John, stay with me."

A few minutes later, she called, "Fancy Dress people. Quickly. You can change in here. Jimmy, you have the list of horses. As quick as you can."

They gaped. The horse box now had a pair of swinging doors, red carpet, gold tasselled cushions, two chairs, two full length mirrors, and a few shelves, and hangers. Maharni had the most elaborate costume, and was first to start stripping in order to get ready. There was not much time.

The horses were already waiting as they emerged, now costumed. Maharni was boosted into her seat by Jimmy, and arranged herself into the side-saddle. Madigan was a big horse, and Valencio was wearing silk. He too, was given a boost. Madigan turned his head, looked at him, and shook himself, as Valencio grabbed his mane, and asked him to please behave, he knew he couldn't ride. Jimmy took his shoes for him. Valencio was to have bare feet.

Jimmy looked up, and shook his head. He hadn't quite realised just how extraordinarily good-looking his friend was. He handed up the scimitar, and Valencio arranged it aslant across his back, and then pulled it suddenly, flashing it around in the sunlight. Madigan snorted disapprovingly, and Daybreak, being ridden by Tasha, in flowing Arab robes, shied away from him.

Carol snapped, "Valencio, stop that!"

Valencio grinned, put the scimitar back in the scabbard, and apologised.

The six joined a dozen other competitors, and a steward studied them, and changed them around. Tasha was put with other 'Arabs,' and Valencio was ordered to ride with them. The steward indicated to Maharni. "You go first, then the Arabs, the bare-chested man among them, then the red Indians, others as they choose." He pointed, "You, last." Hilde nodded.

"You're to circle the whole ring at a walk, then line up in front of the main grandstand. There's a steward there will show you where."

"Commencing the show with a spectacle," boomed the loudspeaker. "Adults' Fancy Dress."

Maharni took a deep breath, Nigretta remembered she came from a breed bred for parade duty, arched her neck, and showed herself off. Maharni had glossy black hair, an exotic beauty, and caught all eyes. She was the Spanish Senorita.

She was followed by several strangers in flowing Arab robes, and riding Arabs. There was also Tasha, on Daybreak, who looked like she had more Arab in her than anything else. But then came Valencio, and there was a positive sigh from the crowd at the beautiful man who sat casually bareback on the prancing horse. Madigan carried his passenger very carefully, making sure not to do anything that might dislodge him. Valencio grinned at the crowd, and Madigan arched his neck a bit further. He was being admired, and he was loving it.

Then the red Indians, the mare called Annie Oakley, white splashed blood chestnut, with Kwai-Jeeha in loosely interpreted Indian gear. Three more strangers, on Appaloosas, as Indians. Then Mariabella, on Thowra, her golden mane almost the same colour as the horse's coat. Hilde on Dragon Breath came last. She wore voluminous black skirts, and her blonde hair was veiled. There was no saddle. Even the bridle was just rope reins attached to the halter, as Bellamy often used. She looked like some sort of a peasant woman, and was an Earth Mother.

They'd done a good job of matching riders to horses, and the Fancy Dress participants wound up with a first, second and third, Maharni, Valencio, and Kwai-Jeeha. "At my age," Kwai-Jeeha said, laughing.

It was a triumphant return to the horse boxes, and there was a cheer for them. They'd have to do it again later, as they'd been instructed that they were all to be in the Grand Parade. Gloria was all smiles. It was a good start. The side-saddle for Maharni had been a winner, she thought, supplied by Cramsie McGonnigal.

But there were show classes, and riding classes, and Carol was very busy, ensuring horses and riders were sent off to the right place at the right time. Valencio was in ordinary clothing again, and acting under instructions, setting up trestle tables, pulling out foldable chairs, and setting out food. It would be available all day, the simplest way.

Bellamy turned up, disappeared into a horse box, and started handing out an apparently endless supply of tables and chairs, effortlessly and instantly conjured, followed by red and white checked table cloths. "Obligatory for any sort of picnic," he claimed, when queried.

Women rode off, and came back happy, whether or not they had ribbons. Tasha was in a pairs class, and reported, "We were in the front row, but Russki decided to try and kick the one next door, and then we were put back." A lot of the women liked the pairs classes, as there was always a friend close for moral support. There had also been two pairs of women on black ponies, and a pair on grey horses. There were plenty of horses to choose from, and they'd been allocated carefully.

Belinda was in the Joanna Greene Class. It was theoretically a show class, but the riders were led, they didn't have to dismount, and it was judged on appearance, grooming, and behaviour of the horse, not the rider. The class had been designed especially for Riding for Disabled competitors, but open to anyone. It was ideally suited to Belinda, who even now could scarcely rise to the trot, but wanted to be in it anyway. She rode her beloved Bluejoe, and was led by Valencio. He was no longer bare-chested and in pantaloons, but attracted attention anyway, as did the angelically fair woman who rode the ugly pony.

Two men hovered near in riding dress, and Valencio narrowed his eyes. They carried that indefinable aura of power, but Thierry told him, "They're aurors, keeping an eye on Bellamy, as bodyguards."

Gloria appeared, and told Valencio to stop looking as if he expected to have to run any moment.

Valencio said defensively, "Call me Vince. And I wasn't taking the slightest notice of them!"

Gloria grinned at him, "I'm thinking of marrying one. I don't like housework, and everything's so easy with magic."

Valencio glanced at them again, "Which one?"

"The one who moves like a panther. John says he has a sweet tooth," and she chose a chocolate slice and an iced cake, and took it to the chosen one.

Valencio shrugged, and wondered if that man would ever do any housework, whether or not it was so easy with magic. Bellamy took a coffee and a few refreshments to the other, and stayed talking easily with him a few minutes. He didn't appear to be expecting the slightest trouble, but was obviously totally accustomed to the bodyguards.

But then Carol snapped at Valencio to clean up Grey Lady, Daybreak, and Connor, as they were needed in five minutes. Valencio did as he was told, and not long later, it was Madigan he was saddling. The show jumping would be soon, and they had several competitors. It was a very large class, and would go most of the day.

Bellamy strolled around the area filled with their horses and the women not currently competing, and vanished a few piles of dung. It was a definite advantage having a wizard around.

Melanie was with the girls, very busy in the gymkhana events, such as the bending, potato and bucket, flag and bucket, and quite a lot of others. They loved the speed and excitement, and Gus, Mosquito and Storm were all quick and clever horses.

Riders in the show jumping came trickling back. Thierry on Kennedy, looking more frightened than triumphant. "We had a clear round, and have to jump again."

Valencio hugged her, and said she was obviously the most marvellous rider in the world, and Kennedy the most marvellous horse. Thierry patted Kennedy, who nudged at her pockets, where there was often sugar.

"John's watching, and I think every single one of us made him come close, so we could touch. I'm sure he's good luck."

Valencio agreed, "Definitely good luck!"

He wasn't worrying about Narzu-Han any more. John would make sure he never came near. Eva, Lucy, and Tasha did their rounds, but each knocked down at least one jump. Then Tiffany, a clear round, Helene on Dot's horse, another, and Gloria on Madigan, three more clear rounds. They were doing very well, and Carol crossed her fingers there would be no disasters. Surely it was too good to last. Marietta on Annie Oakley, but she knocked over jumps, and was out of the competition, and so were Margaret and Deirdre, but they came out of the ring beaming, all the same. Their horses had done well. They had done well.

In the end of the first round, Tiffany, Gloria, Thierry, and Helene had jumped clear, and were among the eighteen left in the competition. The jumpoff would be after lunch. The ones going clear a second time would jump off against the clock, but none of them had any intention of trying to hurry, if that happened. They didn't have the experience.

Gloria and Carol went into consultation. The horses out of the jumping were now available for use in other classes. Carol raised her voice. "Kendrick, Connor, Annie Oakley, Janda and Jezebel available if anyone wants, and there's a show class for horses 15hh and over starting shortly."

Two women raised their hands. Carol said, "Get dressed then, Treen, just as quick as you can. Spare clothes in the dressing room. How about you have Connor in the show class, and Rosnita can have Kendrick. Just follow Maharni, and do what she does." Carol was pleased. Treen hadn't wanted to compete, but would now have a good chance. Clarence energetically rubbed the saddle sweat off Connor, while Didi tackled Kendrick. Brigitta swung up on Dragon Breath, and cantered to the steward's tent to make the last minute entries.

When the competitors in that event came back, Nigretta wore another ribbon, but it was Treen who looked happiest. She hadn't won any sort of award, but she hadn't disgraced herself. She was returning Connor, but Carol noticed the youth who hovered close, and said calmly that Connor wasn't wanted any more that day. He'd done enough. She could ride him around gently, though, if she wanted.

Treen smiled brilliantly, and rejoined her new acquaintance, who looked smitten.

There was a break in activities, and Valencio took the opportunity to go to the toilet. He took not the slightest notice of the man next to him. It was only wizards who wanted him for sex. It was an unpleasant surprise when an arm went around his shoulders, and an insinuating voice said, "You should be a film star. I could make you a star in my next movie."

Valencio flinched away from him and took a step back, scarcely believing the unexpected approach.

The man laughed gently, and said, "Don't pretend you don't know what I want. With looks like yours, I'm quite sure you've had it before."

Slowly, still reluctant to believe the approach, Valencio shook his head, and then abruptly snapped, "Leave me alone. I have no interest in sex with men, or in being in films."

Unwisely, the man persisted, putting a hand out to fondle. Valencio punched, and he ducked, ready for it, knowing he risked aggressive action from any stranger he approached. But this one? It couldn't possibly be the first time he'd been approached. He was obviously made for it, and must have had approaches most of his life, probably since his teens. Even now, he said, but warily, "I'm a very gentle lover, and I'll pay very well."

Valencio was fierce, "Get away from me or I'll beat you to a pulp."

The man cautiously backed away, and said, one last time, "I could make you a film star." Valencio took a rapid step towards him, and the man turned and hurried away.

Valencio leaned against the wall. Of course he should have known. It wasn't just wizards. There was another man came in, and looked at him, at first curiously, and then with something else in his eyes. Valencio hurried out the door.

The girls were passing, and Inge laughed, "I bet I know why you're running!"

Valencio concealed his very real upset, and said, "Next time, I'll take Jimmy as a chaperone."

The girls thought it a huge joke, and shared it. There was heartless laughter, except from Jimmy. "Did you knock him down?"

Valencio was feeling better now. It couldn't be serious when everyone thought it a joke. He said casually, "He ducked, and decided I would not, after all, make a good film star."

But Tasha was thoughtful. Actors were very well paid. She was accustomed to the looks of her husband, but he really was something special. And he could act, she knew that!

There was still a lot of activity, with riders and horses coming and going, but Carol seemed to know exactly who needed to be doing what at any given moment, and they worked together smoothly, cheering successful competitors, but also congratulating the unsuccessful ones. They were competing in a public event. They were doing well. The second round of the show jumping proceeded, and both Thierry and Gloria managed second clear rounds, though Tiffany and Helene were eliminated.

Gloria smiled at Thierry, and said, "We're doing very well."

Thierry said, "The next one's the last."

"Against the clock, and neither of us are to make any effort to hurry."

Thierry nodded, nervous.

Carol found Valencio tending to Janda, and said, "Gloria will be jumping on Madigan, at almost the same time you need to have him in the Grand Parade. You have to be ready in good time. Jimmy and Didi have been assigned to organise you."

Valencio nodded, and turned back to Janda, who was enjoying the attention.

When it was time, Valencio again attired himself in the billowing pantaloons, neither himself nor the women worrying about the shared changing facilities. They still had to remind themselves that casual nudity was not generally accepted. The other fancy dress competitors were matched to their horses, and mounted, but Valencio was escorted by Didi and Jimmy to the collecting ring, where he waited for Gloria, and drew all eyes, beginning to feel uncomfortable.

It was better when Madigan was brought over, efficiently unsaddled and rubbed down, his bridle replaced by one gorgeously decorated, and Jimmy said quickly, "I'll give you a boost."

Obediently, Valencio went to the side of the big horse, and Jimmy boosted him into the saddle, and took his left shoe, while Didi pulled off the other.

Madigan snorted and pawed the ground. So many people were looking, and he was beginning to get back into the spirit of the thing. The scimitar was handed up, and Valencio adjusted it to his comfort. "I thought that was a fake, earlier," said the steward. And he added, "Better watch yourself. A weapon like that is illegal."

Valencio paused, and then assured him, "It's pretend. It'd break if I tried to use it." It had never occurred to any of them that a very long, very sharp knife might be illegal.

Jimmy said, "This way, quickly. They're already gathered." Madigan looked towards the ring, where he wanted to show off, but Jimmy pulled at his bridle, and he consented to do as he was told.

The show champions were already entering the ring by the time Valencio took his place with the 'Arabs.'

Tasha pointed to some beautifully groomed horses with attendants standing next to them. "They're Pickering Andalusians, like Reya and Nigretta. Paul Pickering's the one who looks after John's stud, as well."

They were not the only ones parading, Thierry on Kennedy were among several other show-jumpers, all those left in the competition. All three girls were parading, as each of them had done well, and the bridles of their horses were colourfully decorated with rosettes. There were a few show prizes, and a few in other events.

All the others watched from ringside, proud and pleased. Their 'graduation,' and it was time to go onto other things. Gary McGregor, still keen on Mary, and Cam McGonnigal were left to guard the horse box area, and talk about beautiful women with a mysterious past.

Madigan didn't know about any 'graduation,' he just knew that he adored cheering crowds. His neck arched, and he stepped very high, prancing again. The grandstand was best, and he was sure the cheers were just for him. He was almost doing a dressage trot, although at walking pace. They were only supposed to be walking.

Valencio was relieved that he appeared to be accepting instructions, staying in place with the dozen or so Arabs. Tasha watched Valencio in amusement, knowing just who was in control in that particular partnership of horse and rider. It was proven as the parade started to file out of the ring, where Jimmy waited to grab the horse for re-saddling and return to Gloria for the final jumpoff. Each time, Madigan swung away, and then pranced back, elevating himself higher than ever, back past the main grandstand.

The crowds cheered the horse again, as Valencio pulled at a rein. Madigan allowed his head to be pulled around, but otherwise took not the slightest notice. "Madigan," Valencio pleaded, "We're supposed to go out, now."

A nearby steward laughed, and himself tried to take the rein, but Madigan turned his back, reared, but only a little, and then whinnied loudly. An imperative whistle was heard, and Madigan stopped dead, stamping his hoof, but then cantered gently out of the ring, still taking care not to dislodge his passenger.

Laughter and more cheering followed him out. Madigan had ensured maximum exposure for both himself, and his hapless rider. Bellamy told the horse, "You can show off again if you're among the places in the show jumping. Behave!"

Madigan snorted, as Valencio slipped off, landing in some horse dung in his bare feet, and swearing.

The loudspeaker was already announcing that the next rider was Gloria McKay on Madigan when she cantered into the collecting ring, and was waved to begin. The steward reminded her again which jumps she had to take in what order. "Against the clock."

She nodded, took a deep breath, and cantered Madigan into the arena. The intelligent horse pricked his ears. It was his other job now, and when Gloria headed him towards a high brush fence, he placed himself carefully, and soared over. He was going quite fast, although Gloria wasn't urging him.

A friend of Oliver's had gone clear, Steve, who owned Storm, and was on another of Bellamy's horses. He waited for Gloria's time. A second faster than his own. Three more horses, two of them clear, but with slower times, then Thierry, on Kennedy. Thierry intended to do as instructed, not to worry about time, only concentrate on not hitting any jumps. Maybe someone should have told Kennedy. He knew about these events. When there were only a few left, you had to go fast. Thierry managed to guide him, but nothing else.

He was still slower than both Madigan, and Steve's horse. They had a greater scope, gaining seconds on each jump. But at the finish, it was Gloria first, and to her amazed surprise, Thierry, third on No. 23, the horse who once thought everyone was his enemy.

Most of the Loch Lomand women watched, though some were still involved with other events. Valencio watched with great interest. Thierry, who was always frightened, ever since Chung Quoc, and now she'd ridden third in the show jumping, at quite a large horse show, and on the horse that Bellamy had said was still too risky to ride at a show.

Gloria, as winner, led the lap of honour, the ones who'd achieved second, third and fourth, followed. It was supposed to be a single lap of honour, but Madigan ignored instructions to leave the ring, and continued his happy rollicking canter, long mane flowing.

The other riders looked after his rider, questioningly, but did as the laughing steward directed, tamely leaving the ring, as the triumphant horse collected more cheers for himself. Even the commentator on the loudspeaker was laughing. "The same horse who liked being in the Fancy Dress. Madigan, who likes to be cheered." There were more cheers then, and again, the horse was perfectly obviously ignoring his rider, even starting on a third lap of the ring before Bellamy whistled. He propped abruptly to a halt, nearly throwing Gloria, and making her drop the silver cup, before walking sedately to leave the ring.

The show jumpers were surrounded with congratulations and admiration, and their horses fussed over. Valencio was called to order, and had to help ready Russki, Honey and Bandit for the Tessa Lee Class, best horse and rider team, young horse. Tasha and Margaret were already preparing, but Adolfina had forgotten she wasn't finished, and was enjoying a leisurely coffee. Valencio asked Carol if he was needed for a few minutes, as he wanted to watch Tasha.

Carol replied, "Go ahead. There's plenty of helpers now, and less of a rush."

These were three of the young, unbroken horses bought in February, each of them ridden by their owner. There were only seven horses in the class. Margaret was the one most naturally athletic, and Russki was the most obedient. Margaret wound up with first, and beamed, as the rosette was handed to her. Tasha was third, and she, too, beamed. Honey had gone so well!

Adolfina patted Bandit, and suggested, "Next time, don't shy away from the judge."

Valencio walked back with them, walking next to Bandit, who was nervous and jumpy. Adolfina was grateful. One of the other competitors in that class was being swiftly trotted away in a direction he obviously didn't want to go.

"Madigan was funny," she commented.

Valencio said, "At least your horse pretends to take notice of you."

Adolfina smiled at him, and said, "I'll be doing the bridging course next year, and then I'm going to study to be a vet. I used to want to be a doctor, but knowing what a healer can do... It would seem just so inefficient!"

"So how many are down for the bridging course?"

"Twenty plus, I'm not quite sure, but someone will need to drive the bus in each day, or we'll be hogging the cars."

"Well, I'm allowed to drive the small bus, but not the big bus yet. Not even the twenty-seater."

"Are you going to do the course?"

"I don't think so. There's too much to do at home without full-time education."

"I'm finished now," said Tasha, as they re-entered what had become their territory. Valencio kissed her, and suggested the competitors help themselves to something to eat, and he'd look after the horses.

"They're finished for the day," Adolfina confirmed, and Valencio nodded, and turned to unsaddling, and replacing bridles with halters.

The auror that Gloria fancied, was standing with a man hung with cameras. He called, "Vince!" and Valencio looked up curiously, then strolled over.

"Photographs," the short man said enthusiastically. "For magazines, newspapers, maybe even posters. You, the Spanish Senorita, all of you."

Valencio glanced at the women. No-one would want that. He certainly didn't. He casually shook his head, and went to move away. The man said quickly that they'd be paid, of course. It was no secret that money was limited, and Valencio hesitated, and called Carol. There was an urgent conference, Carol with a few of the Committee.

The result was that a figure was agreed upon, after some bargaining, and the Fancy Dress riders went again to change. Jimmy glanced at Damien Wright, the photographer, and decided to stay close to Valencio. But Valencio wasn't accustomed to those obviously homosexual, and as Damien took no interest in him except as a subject, he only thought the fussy habits of Wright, a normal variation among men.

It took two hours, as Damien took picture after picture, waxing enthusiastic. Madigan seemed to know exactly what was happening, and was happy to pose. Again and again, Damien called, "Now, Vince. Big smile." And then he said, "Off the horse, try and look dangerous, and hold your cutlass."

He was delighted when Valencio did exactly as he said, suddenly looking very dangerous indeed, holding the scimitar, that had not only been polished, but sharpened. Valencio could not conceive of having a blunt knife if he had the choice, and almost automatically, he held the scimitar at a very businesslike angle.

It wasn't only Valencio, but each one of them, brought enthusiasm from Damien Wright. Horses were rubbed down, and luggage packed away around them. Damien was too much engrossed to notice when an impossible number of chairs and tables vanished into a horse box. Bellamy was careful. It was not prudent for him to be photographed.

Damien finally seemed to have nearly all the pictures he wanted, but was still reluctant to let them go. He kept coming back to Hilde, raving over her. He had her on Madigan, and then just standing, fretting that the background wasn't right. "You're so lovely," he kept saying. "Such a depth of wisdom, such sadness, and so lovely."

Hilde glanced at Carol, and Carol shrugged. It was money, and she was very reluctant to ask Dot for any more money than they were already being given. But expenses were so high these days.

The show-ground was almost empty, and most of the horses were loaded, when Damien asked Carol for an address. "I want Hilde again, but I have to think very carefully. And maybe the young man as well, but not the horses."

Carol accepted his cheque, and provided their postal address. Damien beamed at them, thanked them profusely, and hurried away. The deadline for a particular horse magazine was in just three days. That would be first. And Hilde... Damien Wright was a freelance, who supplied photographs for magazines and newspapers, but also he was an artist. He thought his pictures of Hilde could be the basis of an exhibition. Smiling eyes that showed such a sadness. But what should be the setting?

All the work seemed to be done, except that the last six horses were still standing around patiently, and six were still dressed up.

"The dressing room's gone," said Carol.

Amreeta suggested they simply change behind a group of people, and it was quickly accomplished. Valencio glanced in the direction of the toilet, and decided to wait. Jimmy said, "Can we wait long enough for me to go to the toilet?"

Valencio sighed with relief, and accompanied him. Life as a free man had unexpected hazards.

He looked in surprise when the bodyguard that Gloria had taken a cake to, boarded the small bus with Gloria, but laughed. If Gloria really wanted a wizard, it didn't look as if she planned to waste much time! He looked around, and started up the bus, taking up his place in the convoy.

Inge was giggling, and remarked to Evita, "Did you see Ivor? Caught a glimpse of Tasha when she was changing, and nearly fell over."

"Ivor?"

"The other bodyguard. His name's Ivor."

Tasha remarked, "I should have been more careful. We could be targets, after all."

The conversation turned to speculation about the tendency of men to make nuisances of themselves. "Poor Valencio," giggled Inge. "Scuttling out of the toilets like the devil was on his heels."

Valencio protested, "I did not scuttle!"

Jeremy spoke casually. "You men know to take care if you go into Gay Bars, don't you?"

Valencio asked, "What's a Gay Bar?" And Jeremy had to explain, first, that 'gay' didn't mean happy or merry, but something else entirely, and secondly, that it had become a culture. "Not amongst wizards, of course," he added. "Very, very rare amongst wizards, almost unknown."

Bellamy spoke as casually as Jeremy had. "I was in a Gay Bar, once. I was a bit upset about something, and was drinking heavily. It was about the third pub I went to. Anyway, I was just sitting at a table, knocked back a proposition, and then the next drink I bought was drugged. Luckily, even drunk, I could tell, so I poured it over the head of the man who arranged it, and offered to fight him for it instead. He declined so I gave him an acute belly ache."

They laughed, but he added, casually, "It's something to be aware of, men and women both. Drinks can be drugged, and sometimes it's the bar tender that does it."

The following conversation was of self-defence measures.

They were in convoy, quite a large convoy, but finally arrived. They were nearly all tired. Not only the work, but the nerves and the excitement. The triumphs, whether there was any award involved, or not.

Carol raised her voice. "Anyone totally exhausted can go inside, also Bernice and the ones on kitchen duty, everyone else settle the horses, but don't worry about unpacking. We'll do that in the morning."

They were all tired, but only a few of them thought themselves 'totally exhausted.' Valencio had energy to spare, and sent most of the older ones away. Mary had almost been stumbling in her fatigue, and Kaede and Kwai-Jeeha were both over sixty. He was unloading horses in the dark, and put out some extra feed for them. They'd done so well.

Bellamy fussed over horses as well, and Valencio gradually became aware of his tension. He kept looking at the castle, and he had a trembling attack, and another not long later. Valencio looked questioningly at the castle, as well, but then went to some of the ponies, patiently waiting to be unloaded. The saddles, too, should preferably be put on the saddle racks, rather than lie around until morning, casually stacked. There would be a lot of cleaning needed the following day.

He gave Honey a special hug. She'd been so good. He glanced again at Bellamy, who was now fussing over Revenge and Jack, the foal. He wasn't in a hurry, it seemed, except that he was still looking almost apprehensively at the castle from time to time.

Tasha came back, "Surely you're finished now, love."

Valencio nodded. "Just a couple more saddles to put away. There's an absolute tangle of bridles, but they can wait until morning."

Tasha whispered, "Zhor Khatabi is here, and I think she might be in love with John."

Valencio stared at the castle. Zhor Khatabi! He asked, "How were the cats, and Shona?"

"Pleased to see us, but Craig says they were alright."

Craig had been pet-sitting, not only for Tasha and Valencio's pets, but all of them.

"Is he still here?"

"His father took him home."

Valencio carried one last saddle, checked the name of the horse marked on the pommel, and put it in its marked place. Ruby, who'd carried Mary beautifully, but the prize had gone to a better looking pony.

Tasha crowed, "You had a second, and I had two seconds and a third. I feel over the moon."

Zhor Khatabi was in the castle. Valencio said, "We could just eat in our own little kitchen, if we wanted."

"Don't be silly. About all we've got is bread and jam!" But they had a shower and changed before they went to the dining room.

Bernice looked very weary, but there was a dinner set out, cafeteria style, as she mostly did, practical for large numbers.

Inge said, giggling, the moment they entered, "He calls her Zoe, and they vanished into her bedroom and haven't come out."

Carol said, "There's a function in Denmark, and she told me she wanted him to go with her, but it was to be a surprise."

"He was trembling all the time!"

Clarence commented, "I'd tremble too if Madam Zhor wanted me!"

Valencio said quietly to Tasha, "Did you ever see Riza? She looks just like Riza."

"I'm surprised you never attacked Riza."

"I never had the chance."

Bellamy and Zhor made their appearance just as Valencio and Tiffany left, looked around, and went into the kitchen. The dinner was already put away, Bernice only wanting to go to bed. Valencio hesitated, but Tasha said, "I have no doubt that Bernice will feed them."

He nodded, and followed her lead. Belinda was at the piano in the ballroom, looking as if she was not quite there, as she often did, but playing as well as she ever had.

"I thought she would have been too tired," remarked Tasha.

"Belinda lets things flow over her. She knows how to handle life."

"Will she leave here, do you think?"

"Maybe not. She's happy right where she is."

Gloria came in, holding up a large silver cup. "Me and that mad horse of John's! Fancy that, eh!"

Maharni had a cup, as well, 'Best Ridden Horse.' "Nigretta, and she'll have to go back in the spring, to be mated. Such a wonderful horse."

"I wonder if John will let her come back here to have her foal."

"She belongs to Paul Pickering, remember. I doubt if he'll risk that."

Bellamy and Zoe entered, and sat together on a couch. They had a glow together, which made some smile, and some resentful. Was Zhor Khatabi going to take away their John? They'd already lost too much to the Khatabi family.

Valencio murmured to Tasha, who was scowling, "She was the first to want to free us, remember, even if she couldn't manage it without him."

Tasha nodded, "I guess," and turned to Tiffany who had forgotten the horse show, and only wanted to talk about her wedding next Saturday.

"I can't give him children," she mentioned, "And his first wife couldn't either, but he says he never wanted children."

"Are you having a honeymoon?"

"He wants to meet my parents, so we go to America, just a beach resort first, and we'll organise maybe a dinner out or something."

"How is it with them now?"

"Fine when I only write. But if it wasn't for me, my sister would still be alive."

"They can't blame you."

"John told me just to accept that emotions are not always logical. I have lost my parents, but I have Cam, and I have my life back. I'm a lucky woman."

Jeremy phoned the auror department, advised that he was off duty, but close to Bellamy if needed, and then joined Gloria in her bedroom. He was looking a bit dazed in the morning, and Gloria achieved her invitation to a large party, where she could cast her eye over an assortment of wizards, preferably rich. She should not settle for the first one interested. On the other hand, Jeremy was tall and lean and muscular, and walked like a panther.

xchapter endx