by Bob Nailor
"Thank you," Marela said. She blinked, an eternity passed, then she turned and languidly moved back to the kitchen, allowing her hips to sway even more.
Chardo cocked an eye to Hvar. "Just a cook?" he asked.
"Yes," Hvar sighed with a sideward glance at Marela. A sheepish grin slowly worked its way across his face, curling the heavy mustache that edged his upper lip. "At least, for now. Enjoy your meal and good luck on your endeavors. Tell Vico I still love him as a father always will."
A baker's apprentice strolled the street beyond the window, hawking his wares, barely controlling the stack of goods. Chardo enjoyed his meal, watching the other activities beyond the walls where vendors noisily established their daily markets. He caught glimpses of Marela from time to time, and he was sure she was stealing quick looks at him.
"Hold yourself," Chardo chastised in a mumble. "You've already riled Hvar with Vico, there is no reason to add another notch to Hvar's anger stick with Marela."
Chardo enjoyed the sausages and a couple of hard-boiled eggs in silence, grabbed a small loaf of bread before easing himself out the door when nobody was looking. He smiled at the morning light as it hit has face. He tore the loaf of bread in half to begin eating. Chardo wandered his way toward the other side of town where The Dancing Dragon awaited him. There he would find Vico. Thoughts came unbidden, shoving and crowding Chardo's mind.
Could it be true Vico preferred men to women? I remember he asked me many questions, and… there had been that touch.
Chardo steamed with the memory of Vico touching his leg and the sensations that coursed through his body. He started to get aroused at the thought.
"You are vain to think one so young and appealing would be interested in the likes of you." Chardo looked about, he'd been wandering without really watching. The streets were seedier, there was an air of stealth and shadiness. He was definitely narrowing the distance to The Dancing Dragon.
"Hey, gorgeous!" A voice called from the window above him. "Interested in a bit of fun?" She lifted a hand into the air. "A lovely morning for it."
Chardo looked up at the woman who leaned precariously out the window. She had on too much makeup, her hair was disheveled, yet it attempted a certain semblance of style. The thin wrap of mint-green fabric barely covered her wiles.
"Oh, you are a darling," she cooed. "A pretty one, indeed. A silver deca will get you in the door, love. The name’s Barda. Come on up and see me."
"I'm sure your services would be a pleasant start to my day." Chardo smiled at the slightly robust woman. "Unfortunately, I have business I must attend to. Perhaps another day?"
The woman sighed. "That's what all the good ones say. I bet you'd be a great bout in a bed, or even a moment in the hay." She cackled then looked about for another prospect.
Chardo continued on his way. This part of town hadn't changed too much since his last visit. Behind him he could hear Barda shouting to another prospect.
He turned the corner and The Dancing Dragon stood blatantly out in the middle of the row of buildings. Its purple dragon with white wings on a faded black background beckoned to all patrons to enter the establishment. Chardo trudged forward, and ducked quickly through the doorway.
"Good morning." A voice filled with sugar and false vibrato caught Chardo's attention as he headed for the desk. "Can I help you?"
Chardo stopped and nonchalantly glanced at the man standing near the window.
"Lost your tongue, honey?" The man sashayed toward Chardo.
"I'm here to see Vico," Chardo stated.
"Now, just what does Vico have that I don't?" The man slowly traced his finger gently down Chardo's left arm. "My, my, how very nice."
Chardo curtly removed the finger and hand. "If you don't mind." He should have been excited somebody was interested in him, but wasn't.
The man sighed and pushed his lower lip out in a pout. "So you want to see Vico?"
"Yes," Chardo replied and turned to again move toward the desk and what appeared to be a sleeping attendant.
"Chardo?" the man called. "You don't even remember me?"
Chardo stopped and turned to face his admirer. Recognize him? Chardo stared at the man. About the same age, extremely handsome in a rugged way with a hint of femininity, long dark hair, amber eyes. The eyes looked familiar, too familiar. Amber eyes? Chardo raced through his memories. Who was this man before him? Klajany?
"You really don't remember me, do you?" The man pouted. "After all those fabulous nights together?"
"Klajany?" Chardo offered. "Is that you? You've changed."
The man smiled and his eyes beamed with excitement. He leaped forward and flung his arms around Chardo and nuzzled on his ear.
Startled, Chardo embraced him lightly then gently eased him back. "Good to see you, again."
"Like I said earlier," Klajany cooed. "Exactly what does Vico have to offer that I can't give you. I'm sure you remember my skills." He batted his eyes innocently. "Vico is a mere lad. He’s an amateur; clumsy, at best." Once more the man slowly dragged his index finger down Chardo’s chest. "You need somebody who knows what they are doing."
Chardo smiled at the memory of his nights with Klajany. "I only need to speak with Vico," Chardo said. "I'm not here for any type of affair with him."
Klajany stepped back, pulling his hand away. "Then you won’t be displeased. Vico isn't interested in any liaison with a man." Klajany placed a consoling hand on Chardo's shoulder. "I grant, he's a cute person, turns almost every man's head. He doesn't even try."
"Well then, what does Vico do here?" Chardo asked.
"He's a tease." Klajany rolled his eyes. "He's walks about the building, but with that youthful physique and skimpy apparel ... he excites the customers, but they must find another for their frustrated release."
"He does what?" Chardo asked. He couldn't believe his ears.
"He cleans," Klajany said. "Vico is nothing more than a studly janitor who struts his stuff in front of the clients. He can really excite some of them. Then when they find he is not available ... Well, being frustrated, there are others available to ease the strain."
Chardo glanced about the room. It was clean and although there was nobody other than the two of them, he could see where anywhere up to perhaps twenty patrons could sit and meet the merchandise available. The place was clean. Vico seemed to be doing a superb job.
"Is he here?" Chardo asked.
"I'm sure he is, somewhere." Klajany inhaled deeply. "Would you like to go upstairs for a short length of time?" He brushed his hand across Chardo's chest and let it slide downward. "I remember you." Klajany leered at Chardo with a downward glance to where his hand rested below the waist. He grinned. "Seems you might be remembering me?"
"Chardo!" Vico called. "What brings you here?"
"You!" Chardo stepped back from Klajany's hand. "Good to see you."
"I see my services are no longer needed here," Klajany snipped. He glared at Vico before placing a finger under Vico's chin. "You can be innocent only for so long, child. Enjoy it while you can."
Vico pulled his head back leaving Klajany's finger sticking in the air.
"Chardo, my friend." Vico placed his arm over Chardo's shoulder. "It is so good to see you, again. Come, let us go up to my room."
Chardo followed Vico up the stairs to a small cubicle. There was mixed emotions of concern and excitement stirring within his body. Chardo stared at Vico's muscular body.
"This is your room?" Chardo asked. He glanced about the sparse room. It appeared more like a priest's habitat than that of a young man.
"I like to keep it simple." Vico lounged back onto the bed. Vico wore no tunic, his vest opened to reveal a well-muscled chest with a small amount of hair.
Chardo stared at Vico's chest and arms before his eyes strayed to the way the cloth of his pants clung to the young man's legs. He breathed deeply. Was Vico offering, or teasing?
"Why are you here, Chardo?" Vico reached up and nonchalantly twiddled w
ith a necklace string hanging from the shelf.
"Uh," Chardo stumbled and collected his thoughts. "I came to find out why you left your father's place?"
"My father doesn't understand me," Vico replied. "I have certain needs."
"What doesn't he understand?" Chardo sat down on the chair. "What needs?"
Vico reached down, scratched his knee then slowly drew his hand up his leg and across his crotch. He hesitated, finally moving it rest on his chest momentarily before touching his chin with his fingers.
Chardo paused. Klajany might have been right. Vico was definitely teasing, or completely naïve of his actions.
Vico sighed, put a finger to his lips then let his hand slide to his chest. "I want to be on my own. I want to be able to say what I do is what I do because I want to do it."
Chardo shook his head and closed his eyes. "You've confused me."
"My father tells me everything to do, Chardo. He tells me when to get up, go to bed, feed the patrons, eat my meals, what I am to eat, if I can get a drink. He dictated my every move."
"Here you do what you want?"
Vico silently stared at Chardo. "No. They tell me what to do, but I do what I want. Let me explain. They tell me to clean the lounge area. I decide if I want to dust or sweep, polish or mop. It is my decision of what I will do to do what they ask."
Chardo quietly nodded his head, understanding. "What would it take to have you come home?"
"I enjoy my life here." Vico smiled and let his hand slide to his waist.
Chardo stood up and moved to the edge of the bed. Time to call his bluff. He leaned across Vico. "Is this what you want?"
Vico smiled and placed his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes. "Whatever you want, Chardo. I'm here."
Chardo placed a hand on Vico's chest. "Are you sure?" He pushed Vico's vest to the side and let his hand gently brush the bare skin, moving his hand to the nipple. His hand traced a path to the waist and played with the belt, loosening it. Vico's pants fell open revealing the youth's manhood.
"No!" Vico grabbed the top of his pants. "This isn't the way it should be." He pulled his pants together and hooked his belt.
"Have you ever been with a man?" Chardo asked, standing by the bed.
"Just as Klajany said," Vico whispered. "Innocent. I have had men offer, but have never allowed them to touch me. I was waiting for you. I've always been waiting for you, Chardo."
"I'm honored," Chardo whispered. "But, I could never share a bed with you. I need to honor your father's friendship."
"You want me?" Vico asked and massaged Chardo's thigh.
"That isn't the question." Chardo pulled away. He was being aroused and knew Vico would catch his body betraying his words.
"Then I've been the fool," Vico said. "Perhaps I should have taken Klajany's offer."
"Perhaps you don't really want a man." Chardo stared at the floor between his feet. "Have you slept with a woman?"
Vico shook his head. "No, I’m a virgin. My thoughts have only been of you."
"Come with me." Chardo grabbed Vico's hand. "You need to find your own identity, and I know just the place to go."
Vico stood up, flung his arms around Chardo in a deep embrace and pressed his lips to Chardo's in a passionate kiss. He finally stood back.
Vico stared at Chardo with a questioning expression. "It wasn't what I thought it would be." He touched his lips and slowly drew his fingers across them.
"Only you were involved in the action," Chardo said. "I didn't reciprocate."
Vico frowned. "Why? What is your plan?" Vico asked and tightened the buckle of the belt for his pants.
"Just follow me." Chardo led him out of the room.
"Where are we going?" Vico asked as they raced down the stairs.
Klajany watched the two of them come down the stairs and quickly arose from the divan to cross the room and join them. "The deed is done?"
"No, if you must know. Vico is still a virgin." Chardo pushed Klajany out of their path as he pulled Vico toward the door.
"Where are you taking me?" Vico asked again.
"You'll see." Chardo pushed the young man out the front door of The Dancing Dragon. "Now to your right, then around the corner. I know just the place."
Chardo saw her.
"Ah, darling," she called. "You're back." Then she frowned, recognizing Vico. "You were to The Dancing Dragon? I thought you wanted a little bit of fun with me."
"Fun you shall have." Chardo waved. "Not with me, but with my friend here. His first experience, darling. Treat him good and enjoy his manhood which I can truly say should make you more than happy."
The woman leered at Vico, taking in his muscular chest and arms, narrow waist and filled crotch. She slowly licked her lips. "A virgin? Come into Sleepy Arms and ask to see Barda," she replied. "I'll be waiting."
“Make it last, Barda.” Chardo smiled and winked. “Remember, his first time. Be sure he has the time to enjoy…” Chardo shrugged.
Chardo pushed Vico through the door and shoved four decas at the attendant. "This one is to see Barda. I'll take the room next to her."
"You want him to bed with Barda? And you want Honna?"
"Yes," Chardo said. "Let Barda take his innocence." He pushed Vico up the stairs and found Barda's door open and her sitting on the bed.
"Come in darling." Barda beckoned with her index finger. Vico stood at the doorway to her chamber, hesitant.
"Are you sure?" Vico gave a questioning look at Chardo.
"When you are done here, you will be able to better make a decision of what you want," Chardo said and smiled. "I think you will enjoy a woman more than a man. Beyond that, I think when Barda finishes with you, helping your father will no longer be an issue."
"But, I don't want—"
Chardo pushed Vico into the room, the conversation ended, shut the door, and hustled to the next door. "Honna, darling," he said barging into the room, removing his vest and loosening his belt. "Be quick about your duties for my friend next door won't last too long under Barda's expertise tutelage." The belt, pants and sword clanked to the floor.
# # #
"I never realized being with a woman could feel so wonderful," Vico gushed. "There is a strangeness growing within me."
"Today you are a man, Vico." Chardo slapped his companion on the back. "Do you still wish to sleep with me?"
"I'm not sure." Vico looked at Chardo with a sheepish grin. "The feelings are still there. Perhaps, a future day we can have a simple moment together."
"To a future day," Chardo said, smiled and hugged him. "Now, about your father."
"I will talk with him and possibly we can come to some terms about my life at The Red Horse Inn."
Chardo slapped him affectionately on the back. "A good step in the proper direction."
"Life wasn't all that wonderful at The Dancing Dragon," Vico muttered. "I tried to tell myself things were going well, but, it wasn't. Remember Klajany?"
"What of him?" Chardo was suddenly curious and defensive.
"He called me to his room several times when he had a client just to show me what he could. I found it offensive."
"Offensive?" Chardo asked. He stared quizzically at the young man.
"I know that is contradictory, Chardo." Vico waved his hands in frustration. "I know what we would do to be the same, yet it wouldn't be performed as a function, but with love and emotion. There is a difference. It wouldn't be so blatant."
"Yes, there would be a difference," Chardo agreed. "You are right. Now back to your father. I know he loves you dearly and misses you."
They turned the corner and The Red Horse Inn stood before them.
"I have missed him, too." Vico stared at the inn. "He waits for me, I know." Vico moved forward with a determination. "I hope he forgives me."
"Vico!" Britha shouted as he walked through the door. She placed her tray on a table and raced to embrace her brother. She kissed him. "You've changed," she said.
"More
than you'd think." Chardo winked.
Hvar came running and then stopped to stare at his two children. A tear welled in one eye.
"Father!" Vico paced across the room to embrace his father. "I have missed you, and hope you can forgive me "
"There is nothing to forgive," Hvar cried. "You have come home."
"We will need to talk, father," Vico said. "There are things I should make known."
"Father?" Britha's voice was strained as she called to get his attention.
Three guards stood at the doorway, their faces in shadow, but the dark herald very obvious designating Lord Azre.
"We are seeking the one called Jewyl," the head guard said. "She has been reported staying at this inn. She is to make herself known immediately, or action will be taken."
"There are none here by that name." Hvar approached the guard. "This is my inn and who claims the person you seek is here?"
"For twenty pieces of silver," the guard said. "One of your very own has told us the outlaw known as Jewyl is staying here."
CHAPTER SIX
The Chaos of Plans
Hvar turned to face those with him. "Who claims this?" He stared at the confused faces then searched the inn for a traitor. The room was empty.
"I do." Marela sauntered from the kitchen into the room. "She came in here yesterday with two men and joined you last night at the table." She glared at Hvar.
"What are you doing?" Hvar whispered.
She languidly ambled to the door, stepped up to the guard, placed a hand on his chest and slowly turned a gaze to Hvar. "Old man, you have nothing I want. Do you actually think I would want to be a cook? To work in an inn the rest of my life?" She paused. "Or to consider marriage to you?" She turned to the head guard. "The one you seek is here, top of the stairs, second door on the right. One of the men you want is standing there. He's in the red jerkin." She pointed at Chardo. "The priest is probably babbling vows up in his room." She pressed against the guard and, as Chardo remembered, offered a smile full of promises. She slipped out the door.