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 34:

There were still ten days to go before the scheduled break. A start well before dawn, and Valencio was yawning. He was to go swimming at a deserted beach. Ronny said, "Just ordinary waves today. But Schuster's having it checked every day. He says he needs a flat calm, and he needs a very heavy surf."

Valencio nodded. He knew. The poor cardinal was to have even the elements against him. He'd enter a calm sea, but it would turn on him and try and drown him.

He complained, "Why Schuster had to make it sunrise, I'm not quite sure."

Ronny suggested, "Just general sadism?"

Valencio grinned at his friend, "Maybe so!"

From now on, until Schuster had the needed footage, he wouldn't know when he'd be woken early, to take advantage of the conditions. Probably at least twenty times, Schuster said, so he could show first a calm sea and then its progression to angry and dangerous. The deserted beach was the same one that was often used for filming. The ship he'd used in Aegean Romance was moored close.

He wasn't the only one, of course. There was a camera crew also yawning and complaining, as well as Bill Collins, the stunt man, who would do some of the swimming, especially when it was rough, rather than exhaust Vince.

There was something new at the beach, a temporary pier, with a camera station right at the end, as well protected from the elements as possible. Vince would have to swim past it, and on and on straight out to sea, before turning back.

Schuster checked Valencio's body when he appeared in swimmers. "A few lights on him," he ordered, and studied him thoughtfully.

He said, "Sometimes, priests and nuns whip themselves, to try and teach themselves humility or obedience or something."

Valencio remarked, "Seems a bit cracked to me!"

Schuster said, "Could you do that?"

"Whip myself?"

Schuster said, "As I remember, I think they have a small flail in each hand, and whip over each shoulder in turn. After a while, their back is covered with blood, and they're supposed to be in a religious ecstasy."

Valencio laughed and shook his head. "I cannot imagine pain producing any sort of ecstasy."

"Could you do that?"

"Just myself, whipping my own back, not too hard. I can do that."

Schuster grunted, "Good. We'll do the scenes later today, then, probably, and when we show close-ups of your back, as you go for a swim, there will be marks across it."

Valencio shook his head, "Religion has to be crackers!"

Schuster frowned, "It helps a lot of people. Not some of the things shown in this movie, maybe, but a belief in God."

Valencio said dryly, "I daresay." He didn't think anyone in the enclosures had ever been helped by a belief in God.

Businesslike, Schuster said to his assistant, "How long until sunrise?"

"Thirty-five minutes."

"Enough time," and he turned and instructed Dani what he wanted. "Not too severe, just a few raw red marks."

Dani hesitated, "How would they go?"

Schuster slipped off his belt, and said, "Over the shoulder, just to demonstrate."

Valencio curled the belt over his shoulder, and Dani drew in a line.

"Now the other one."

Dani said, "That's enough. I have the idea."

Valencio handed the belt back to Schuster, who stayed watching a moment, before checking on the camera crew. "A good close-up, as he goes into the water, showing the traces of the self flagellation.

Dani asked, as she worked, "This one won't upset you, will it, Vince?"

"Under my own control and not tied up? This won't upset me."

When instructed, he walked into the water without fanfare, swam past the camera, and on out to sea, before returning to shore. It was mid summer in California. The water was not cold, and he began to think it was a good way to start the day.

Later that day, as instructed by Schuster, who'd done a little research, he held a small flail in each hand, and hit his own back, alternating hands. The blood was painted on by Dani. Schuster took take after take. The expression wasn't right, and finally Valencio, rarely, exploded. "No-one enjoys being whipped. It hurts! The best you can do is pretend you're not there!"

Schuster was silent as Valencio stared at the floor, realizing he'd betrayed himself. Finally, he took a deep breath, and said, "Sorry, Schuster. I'll try again."

"No, take a break. I want to give it some consideration."

Dani spoke sharply to Valencio as he went to sit down, "No! Stay standing. You'll smudge it."

Valencio put his hands in the pockets of his trousers, and stood. He'd used pain to make himself calm sometimes. But he'd been hurt too much. And even when the pain was under his control, he could not conceive of it giving him any sort of a religious experience.

Schuster frowned thoughtfully, and then said abruptly, "Get the makeup off his back, Dani. It was just an idea, but it's not working."

Dani said, "Come here, Vince. I'll wash your back."

She frowned though, when she wiped away the reddened marks, and said, "Schuster. Have a look."

Schuster ran a finger across Valencio's back, feeling the raised welts, and said, "You were hitting far too hard, Vince. You were not supposed to really mark yourself!"

Valencio said wearily, "Does it matter?"

"Probably not."

Schuster still frowned, and Valencio waited. Schuster made his decision, "Just go back and sit where you were whipping yourself." He turned to the head of the camera-crew, and said, "Norm, close-ups, very clear, of his back. Just as it is. Scan around shoulders, and finally come to face. Vince, you're to look tired and sad. Nothing else."

Valencio smiled, "That's easy."

Afterwards, Schuster said, "That's done. But I want dawn swims for the next three days, regardless of conditions. We'll take advantage of the bruised back. But Friday, you can have the rest of the day off, and Saturday. Sunday, depends on conditions. A dawn swim again, if we get the conditions we need. No filming otherwise. We'll be doing some re-writing, I expect."

The report to Narzu-Han was routine. 'Well, and apparently happy. Acting superbly. Is to have a fortnight off, as the last few months are expected to be demanding.' Neil had his instructions to put in anything funny. Feena and Galina still liked to amuse the boss. 'He leaned against a wall that was only scenery, and ended up with cardinal's robes around his ears. Not hurt, and only laughed at himself. Even the director smiled, and Schuster seldom smiles.'

The next few days, Schuster went on to other things, and again, it was demanding. Valencio was engrossed in his part, finding himself refreshed and alert after the dawn swims, as the bruising on his back became more obvious and then resolved. Friday, as promised, he was sent home straight after the swim, found Tasha still in bed, and joined her, to their mutual pleasure.

Afterwards, Tasha stroked his face as he sank into a deep sleep. She was pleased. He needed the rest, and it was to be a very big night that night.

A Hollywood premiere. Desert Highway, starring Jean-Pierre Dequienne, and Vivienne Lancaster. Director Richard Neuhaus. Valencio and Tasha were guests of Jean-Pierre, whose official date was Inge. Bobby was going separately, and also had a date, who knew she was only there for camouflage. She'd done the job before. There were crowds of people waiting to see the stars as they alighted from their chauffeured limousines.

Tasha was glowing. Amreeta had designed the gown especially for her, and she knew she looked lovely, over forty or not. For only the second time, she was escorted to a big function by her now famous husband, and just next week, there would be another, the London Premiere of The Marriage Mart. Tasha was very happy.

Valencio was uncomfortable. His suit was right. He could thank Dean for that, but he didn't like it when people pointed, and called to him to smile for the cameras. Jean-Pierre smiled around, and looked approachable, though the security men would be quick to intervene if anyone actually did presume to approach.

Valencio was stiff, especially when a woman called, "Are you really little Valencio?" He ignored her, and wanted to hurry inside. He noticed that Peter Vojkovic was not far ahead of them. He'd be there, of course. He'd had an important supporting role in Desert Highway. Vojkovic was idle now that the filming was finished for Justinian. There was an attractive woman on his arm. Renee, who'd helped Valencio learn to dance.

Valencio congratulated Jean-Pierre afterwards, sincerely impressed. Vivienne, too. Her role in Desert Highway had not been an easy one, and he thought her acting very good indeed. And Vojkovic. He was a very competent actor, always in work, though seldom with the lead role.

There were about eighty people at the party afterwards, circulating, gossiping, pairing off. And sometimes helping along their enjoyment with cocaine, or various party drugs, as well as alcohol. Peter Vojkovic stayed away from Valencio, to his relief. He was surrounded instead mostly by younger actors, Dave Lonergan, Tod Morgan and later in the evening, Kerry Vane joined their group.

Valencio was drinking only very moderately, wishing that Tasha showed signs of wanting to leave. But instead she was part of the group that surrounded Vivienne, who was drinking immoderately, and being witty and charming. Inge left early. She didn't think she liked big parties much.

Kerry nodded to Peter, and went to get the car. A starlet went to Dave, whispered in his ear, and he smiled in pleasure and left with her. Tod said, shakily, "I need some fresh air, Vince. Come with me outside a moment?"

Valencio looked at him, surprised, but then shook his own head, a little dizzy. He needed some fresh air as well.

He stumbled a touch as Tod steered him towards the door, and the moment they were outside the house, the Cossack was beside him, squeezing, and saying to him that he was to get in the car that waited. He was obviously tired, and needed to go to bed now. Valencio's sight was blurring, and he peered at the Cossack dizzily.

Vojkovic, now that he was out of sight of the other guests, pulled him close, holding him very tightly, and letting his hands roam. Valencio's excitement was swift and sudden. Of course he wanted the Cossack. He'd wanted the Cossack since he'd been held in his arms that time.

Kerry held the car door open, and Vojkovik said, very firmly, "Get in the car now, Vince."

Valencio staggered, but Kerry grabbed him, and Vojkovik held him. Valencio's sight seemed to be coming and going, and he didn't notice the sneer on the face of Kerry, or the pity on the face of Tod, who was feeling pangs of real conscience.

The chauffeur merely waited. It was not the first time that his employer had brought home a young man from a party, looking a little drunk.

The dose that Valencio had taken with his drink was more than the Cossack had ever used. He wouldn't be able to get him up the stairs without carrying him, but there was a large bedroom on the ground floor, and Valencio had not made the slightest move to resist, just doing what he was told, and pressing close to the man who held him. Kerry and Tod opened doors, and made sure there was no chance of Vince having time to stop and think. The Cossack was thinking that the dose had been too much, as Vince was finding real difficulty in walking, his knees buckling.

He said, in a caressing tone, "We take off your clothes now, and then you can go to bed."

Tod took himself off, but Kerry was excited himself. Maybe Peter would let him have a go, as well.

Peter murmured soothingly as Kerry unbuttoned shirt, and then his hands went to belt buckle. Valencio shook his head. He didn't want this. What were they doing? He struggled suddenly, without warning. Peter pulled him to him, and his strong arms muffled his struggles. Valencio's desire returned, and his struggles subsided.

Once he was naked, he was put to bed, and told to go to sleep.

Sleep? Valencio curled on his side. He needed to sleep. He felt so very sleepy, confused.

Peter swiftly took his own clothes off, and Kerry put them to the side, and stayed, watching, occupying himself folding the clothes first of Pete, and then of Vince, finding a sheathed knife in a pocket, and taking it cautiously to another room before returning, watching, stroking himself.

Peter took no notice of him, but curled up behind Vince, cuddling, and putting an arm over him. Valencio felt his warmth, liking it. Peter's hand caressed over his side and flanks.

Kerry grinned, and helped by passing a tube of lubricant to Vojkovic. This was a tricky moment, but the lubricant was needed. A novice would be hurt without it, even with the ample dose of muscle relaxant. But he was likely to resist at this point, when he was alerted to what was happening.

Valencio didn't struggle. The lotion was only a reassurance to him that he wasn't about to be hurt.

Peter massaged in the lubricant, his deep voice speaking lovingly, reassuringly. Valencio lay relaxed. Peter was undecided. Entering in this position was less likely to hurt the recipient. On the other hand, he could too easily escape. It wasn't rape, of course. Vince was not saying no, but he always preferred a new one prone. Gently, he urged Valencio onto his front, legs together, and moved himself over the prone body.

He wasn't entering yet. This was Valencio Durano, who'd undoubtedly had it before, many times. An experienced man relaxed muscles after a few minutes. The Cossack started the moves of sex, just pushing erect penis against the man beneath him, in a gentle, rhythmical action.

Valencio's head cleared a little, and he tried to push himself up, and away. He didn't want a man in him. He hated having a man in him.

Vojkovik wondered if he'd have the self-control to stop if this man said no. He wanted him so much, had wanted him for a long time. But Valencio didn't say no. It was not in his experience that saying no might stop it happening. He just heaved and struggled, silently, desperately. The Cossack smothered his struggles with his weight and with his strength.

Valencio was helpless, and that response that Abensur had used to tame the slave, now worked against him. He relaxed his body, accepting, and then, almost instantly, wanting. Peter Vojkovic entered, and gently, gently, began to thrust. Valencio moaned, not in pain. So good, so exciting, taken when he was unable to resist.

When the Cossack climaxed, so did Valencio. And when the Cossack withdrew and pushed him onto his side again, he only curled up, relaxed, enjoying the feel of the big body curled around his back. Valencio Durano slept, and didn't even hear when Kerry Vane asked if he could also have a go. Kerry was refused, and Peter wrapped an arm over his newest victim, lovingly, and he, too, slept very contentedly.

It was three hours later that the Cossack stirred again. He started stroking, gently, lovingly. But it was only when he started to push inside the body that he thought he loved, did Valencio come to himself, jerking himself away, then pulling himself urgently out of the bed, looking at the Cossack in confusion and growing anger. What was he doing here? What was Vojkovik doing here? He didn't know where here was.

The Cossack stood as well, going to the man who had given him pleasure, and who had taken pleasure from him, he knew.

Valencio's flash of comprehension was instantly followed by a red fury. He shrieked his fury and started to hit. The Cossack stumbled back and tried to shield his face. Valencio gave him no mercy. After the first few blows hurt him, Vojkovic started to fight back, but Valencio was berserk with his fury, and his attempted retaliation left barely a mark. Even when Kerry heard the noise and tried to intervene, Valencio only laid him out with one blow, and returned to the Cossack, hammering into face and body long after the man lay still.

Finally, he stepped back, and only looked. Peter Vojkovik's face was a mask of raw flesh. His breath bubbled through blood filling his mouth. With a bit of sense returning, Valencio pushed him over into a coma position. It was all he needed, if the man died. Kerry was stirring, pulled himself up, and looked at Valencio in fear.

Valencio said to him, very coldly, "A drug in my drink?"

Kerry said nothing.

Valencio asked, "Where are we?"

"At the home of Peter. You got into his car, perfectly voluntarily."

Valencio narrowed his eyes, and asked, "Address?"

Kerry supplied the address.

Valencio glanced at the figure of Vojkovic, and said, "You'd best call an ambulance." He was thinking furiously. He didn't want to go to gaol, so should keep away from police, at least until he had a chance to prepare some sort of a defence. Maybe Dean could help him, but Jean-Pierre was closer.

He was holding onto rigorous self-control. The last time there had been a man was when he'd tried to strangle Narzu-Han, and now there had been Peter Vojkovic, and there was a shamed knowledge within him that he'd enjoyed it. But the most urgent priority was to stay out of gaol, which would destroy him in no time, he was sure. He dressed and walked out the door, only stumbling a touch, as he turned the corner into the road.

Jean-Pierre was in bed with Bobby, when the loud knocking started at his door. Probably just some stupid fan who'd somehow got past security. There were no guests left. Tasha, very worried, was in their own apartment, still sitting up, wondering whether to call the police. But Valencio was a grown man. What could she say? They would laugh at her.

Valencio's face was calm when he explained to Jean-Pierre that he needed a drug test, straightaway. The results would have to hold up in court, as he'd severely hurt a man. Jean-Pierre looked at his friend, whom he'd taken under his wing, and made the phone call.

Once done, he said calmly, "Come and sit down. Dr. Blucher will be here shortly."

Valencio nodded, and said, "Maybe you'd best stay while he takes the blood. It has to be rock solid."

"Did you kill someone?"

"He was alive when I left."

"And you were raped, I take it."

Valencio was silent. Was it rape when it was so gentle? When he'd enjoyed it? But he definitely remembered being dizzy and confused. Peter Vojkovic would not have been permitted even to come close if he'd been normally alert.

Dr. Blucher arrived quickly. Jean-Pierre explained. "Vince thinks that he was the victim of a date-rape drug. He needs evidence for a possible defence, in case he's charged with assault."

The doctor looked at the man, and said, in a matter-of-fact tone, "In that case, I should examine for signs of rape. You could have him charged first."

Valencio said, "No, just the drug test."

Jean-Pierre said, "Rape's a criminal offense. He should be punished."

Valencio was looking at the floor, and said, "I think I punished him."

The doctor was already taking out a syringe. He said calmly, "Sometimes a side effect of some date-rape type drugs can be uncontrolled rage. If drugs are found in your system, it is a defence."

"I don't think it was a very strong dose. I could still walk, just not very well."

"Dizzy, confused?"

Valencio nodded, and decided maybe he shouldn't feel so terribly guilty.

Jean-Pierre said, "Who was it, Vince? Someone at the party?"

Valencio said nothing. Jean-Pierre tried again. "How badly did you hurt him?"

"He's probably in hospital by now."

The doctor shot a look at his bleak face, and said, "Fists, knife or something else?"

"I forgot I had a knife." He felt in his pockets, and said, "Anyway, they must have taken it."

"Do you remember them taking it?"

"No."

The doctor said, "Another witness won't go astray, maybe the man on the gate."

When blood was drawn, an ample amount, there were the doctor, Jean-Pierre and the security man as witnesses, who signed a note of what they'd witnessed.

Jean-Pierre said again, "Call the police?"

"I don't want to go to gaol."

"I was thinking of a trial for the one who did it, actually."

Valencio shook his head, and said, "If he survives, and I expect he will, he probably won't press charges, as long as he knows we have evidence of drugs."

Jean-Pierre asked, "How long, Tim?"

Blucher replied, "I'll have it done straightaway. Less than an hour for preliminary results."

Jean-Pierre said, "Will you wait here, Vince? And Tim will phone us as soon as he can."

Valencio nodded. He was beginning to be very sleepy again. Jean-Pierre walked with the doctor to the door. Valencio didn't even hear as he said that the man still appeared drug affected, that he should treat him with care. Instead he rose shakily, went to the couch, and curled up, closing his eyes.

He was still under the eyes of the security man, who was wondering if he'd been the one in the car of the Cossack. But Jean-Pierre only regarded the sleeping man, and covered him with a blanket. He didn't even ring Tasha. It was best if the police were not told where he was. It sounded like the rapist could have been very badly hurt.

Bobby roused when Jean-Pierre quietly slid back into bed, and asked how Vince was. "Sleeping. He seems alright, just worried about going to gaol."

"No wonder! Imagine what they'd do to him there."

"He has a very good idea, I think."

They were next roused by a morning phone call from Tasha. Any idea where Vince is?

Jean-Pierre said, trying to be reassuring, "He's here. He's in a little bit of trouble, but I don't think serious."

Tasha said quietly, so that Jean-Pierre had to strain to hear, "Did he kill someone?"

"He hurt someone, but he didn't think he'd die."

"Who?"

"He hasn't told me."

Tasha said, "May I come over?"

"Of course. He could be still asleep. It seems his drink was spiked."

Tasha was shown to the lounge-room where Valencio still slept, though the blanket had slipped to the floor. A frown crossed Valencio's face, and he opened his eyes. He looked confused at Tasha, and then sat up.

She went to him, but he looked away, and said, "I'm sorry."

Tasha said gently, "It's not your fault. Jean-Pierre said there were drugs."

Jean-Pierre said, "You did the right thing coming to me. A quick drug test was essential."

Valencio asked, "Have you heard if he's alright?"

"Who's alright?"

"Vojkovic."

Jean-Pierre frowned, "It couldn't have been Peter. He doesn't rape."

Valencio muttered, "I didn't say it was rape."

Tasha said in a steady voice, "There were drugs. Jean-Pierre says it was confirmed. Someone under the influence of drugs is not capable of giving knowing consent."

Jean-Pierre was beginning to feel hostile. "Peter always says that all a man has to do is say no, and he sends him home. Did you say no?"

Valencio stood, a little unsteadily, "I'd best go home."

Bobby had also come to the door of the room, and now said, "I've heard quiet rumours that the Cossack uses a little chemical help the first time. He might send a boy home if he says no, but maybe it's a little difficult to be thinking that clearly."

Jean-Pierre asked, "Was it like that, Vince?"

Valencio said defensively, "I never said I was charging him with rape. Just that I needed a defence in case he charges me with assault."

Jean-Pierre sighed, "You'd best stay here. I'll make some phone calls, find out where he is."

Bobby observed, "The police could be waiting if he goes back to his own place."

Valencio looked at Tasha, who said, "I'll ask Dean. If needed, he'd know who to get to defend you."

"I'm not going to gaol. Maybe John would help."

Jean-Pierre said, "Was there anyone else there, Vince?"

"Kerry Vane, and I think Tod might have been in the car."

"Did they do it too?"

Valencio shook his head, "I don't think so. Kerry was in another room, but came in when I was beating up Peter."

"Did you hurt him, too?"

"Not much. Just hit him when he tried to interfere. But he woke up after a while, and I said he was to call an ambulance for Peter."

"How badly was Peter hurt?"

Valencio looked at the carpet, "He looked awful."

Tasha said, "Are you sure you don't want evidence taken that you were raped? If you haven't showered yet, there would still be evidence."

Valencio said, "Can I use your shower, Jean-Pierre?"

"Bobby, show him where the shower is."

A little later, wearing some borrowed clothes of Bobby's, Valencio was eating toast.

Jean-Pierre came back, and said, "He's at St. Briony's Private Hospital. Kerry says he has several fractures of the face, and will probably need plastic surgery. Also a few broken ribs. His life is not in danger."

Tasha put down her coffee, and said to Valencio, "At least he's still alive."

Valencio nodded, and said, "I can't run away. I'm in the middle of a film!"

"He hasn't told the police anything, and neither has Kerry. I'll go and see him a little later, and see what he says. I'll put it to him - no charge of assault, in return for no charge of rape."

"Can he talk?"

"His jaw is broken, but he can communicate. No brain damage, or any life-threatening injury. Kerry says he looks appalling."

"I was worried when I saw him at the party, but he kept right away from me. Only when Tod took me outside, he was there." He looked at Tasha, and said again, "I'm very sorry."

Tasha smiled at him forgivingly. "You warned him once that you were not entirely rational about certain things. He only has himself to blame."

Valencio said, "John told us a long time ago about drinks being spiked sometimes. I should have been more careful."

Tasha said, "Thank you, Jean-Pierre, for your help."

"It was at my house that you were drugged. It's the least I can do."

"It's going to be difficult to work with Kerry from now on. I didn't even know he was with Vojkovik."

Jean-Pierre nodded, "For a year or so now. He gives his young men a help up with their careers. They don't suffer from knowing him."

Bobby remarked dryly, "Depends how much it upsets them, that first time."

Jean-Pierre shrugged. "More toast, anyone?"

They decided it was prudent that Valencio stay until after Jean-Pierre saw the Cossack.

On his return, Jean-Pierre said, "We agreed. No charges. He said it was not rape, but I said that we had rock solid proof that Vince had drugs typically used for date-rape."

Valencio rose tiredly, "Thank you, Jean-Pierre. You've been a good friend."

Jean-Pierre said with humour, "I've been a bit tempted myself from time to time. Oddly, after seeing poor Pete, I don't feel tempted at all."

"Should I offer to pay his hospital bills or something?"

Tasha said, "Don't be silly."

Valencio was still not himself. Thoroughly upset, feeling guilty about hurting Vojkovik so badly, feeling more guilty that he'd wanted it, enjoyed it. Tasha was patient. Rumours were flying. Kerry Vane had not kept quiet. That the Cossack had had Vince McDonald, and in return, Vince had beaten him to a pulp. No charges were being laid. Schuster heard, and made a decision that whatever the surf conditions were, Vince would have a dawn swim on Monday. Get him straight back into acting, and no chance to dwell too much on the unfortunate incident.

Valencio seemed perfectly normal to Schuster Monday morning, as he assessed him. "A few slight bruises," he said. "Unimportant. No problem."

Valencio held out his hands, showing swollen and raw knuckles.

Schuster said, "No problem. They won't be shown, or not close enough to matter."

Valencio nodded, and when instructed, began his swim, making sure that the pier camera had a good view of face. He went further than normal, with a sudden desire to just keep swimming forever. But he told himself not to be silly. There was no point getting upset merely because another man had had him. What difference did it make? Maybe sixty or so when he was a boy, so now it was sixty-one. Unimportant.

He turned and started his swim back, not realizing how anxiously Schuster had been watching and waiting.

Schuster had him do some demanding scenes that day, even when he had to bring some forward. Get him involved, he thought. Make him forget himself.

It worked well, and even when there was a scene to do with Kerry, who played a junior priest, he only did the scene, as instructed, and waited for further direction.

Aside from work, Kerry kept well away from him, vividly remembering his berserk fury. He had a very nasty bruise on his own face, that Dani had had to conceal. Peter was a very large and strong man, but Vince had only a few slight bruises, and some of those were on his thighs, from where he'd tried to struggle away. If Kerry ever had the chance at him, he'd make sure to only have him when he was totally unconscious, and would never know who it had been. It would be nice that, he thought, as he caressed his bruised jaw. Look at him afterwards, knowing he'd been in him, and Vince himself, would not know.

Neil's report to Narzu-Han. 'Strong rumours that he may have been raped, and then nearly killed the one who did it. Yet he shows no signs of disturbance, and his work is as brilliant as ever. I think the rumours have no foundation. There were no physical signs that he'd been in a fight. His break from acting was previously planned, and there have been no changes.'

Andrea's report to Narzu-Han. The repeated mention of various former medj slaves kept him interested, and he took pleasure in hearing their activities, even when Vince was absent. 'Ingrid and Adolfina have finished their first year of Veterinary Science. Eleven others have qualified for an Arts Degree. There are two new horses, called Jean-Pierre and Bobby.'

Narzu-Han laughed when he read this. He knew where those names had come from. 'They had Picnic Races, and Bobby beat Sirius for a change, probably because I'm a better rider than the guest who had Sirius. There's an old ruined church, and apparently it's still consecrated ground, as an area close has been levelled and fenced, as a cemetery. I think one might be ill, and maybe wants to be buried there.'

Narzu-Han asked Feena, "Can we get someone in place for July?"

"There's Betty, who's booked in for the second fortnight."

"Ask her if she can find out who's ill, if anyone."

"I still maintain it's an extravagance."

"Merely an indulgence. And we can afford it."

"What would Bellamy say?"

"He didn't say I couldn't watch, just that I should not interfere."

Narzu-Han turned back to the report, and remarked, "She says they cater for weddings routinely, even though the catering is not exceptional. One called Kaede does the ceremony often, and also helps at Bogridge school."

They'd had 'school' in the enclosures, and Narzu-Han remembered Kaede. She must be getting old now, no older than himself, he supposed, but Narzu-Han was ageing more slowly than normal. Maybe it was Kaede who was dying.

Feena, like Galina, knew that the medj of Loch Lomand were ones whom the great wizard had rescued from the Khatabis of Morocco. She still didn't know how Narzu-Han was involved, and thought it best not to ask.

Narzu-Han had no intention of telling her. Turkey had not been a very civilized country, but their standards had been higher than that of Morocco. He'd done some terrible things, he thought now, and so had his family. It had taken him a very long time to acknowledge that fact.

Thursday, July 11th. Another demanding day. Schuster told Vince, "You're done now. Be back on the 27th, and be aware we might call you very early. We still don't have either a dead calm sea, or a very rough sea."

Valencio nodded, and smiled. "Tasha's looking forward to going to the premiere of Marriage Mart, but agrees to go home the morning afterward. And the party's to be very small."

"I hear Vojkovik's out of hospital."

Valencio nodded, and wondered just how much was common knowledge. He hadn't spoken of it himself, except to Dean, in case his help was needed. And he knew Tasha hadn't. Both Jean-Pierre and Bobby were still friendly, to his relief. He very much valued the friendship of both of them.

xchapter endsx