...continued from part one....

There were eight kids in the pool for a while swimming off pent up energy held in check for hours of travel. Jeremy had stories to tell of his school to which Ethan and Peter listened eagerly for news of their mates and old teachers. Eventually they dropped out by ones and twos until only the two oldest boys were left and then they toweled off and went to the playroom and the computer. The night was quiet and dark, a low cloud hid the moon most of the time; but in the virtual community of KidsNet all was bright and sunny. It was morning at the tree house and they arrived before Shivaji. Peter explained that he and Shivaji had been building a flet above the tree house to give them a better view. It could be used for a place to sleep under the stars or a place to catch rides with the friendly eagles. Shivaji had good news but he was not able to tell them straight out. In the code that they had between them he alluded to a friend who thought as they, who had a nice home where he could work after school. There was a computer and a pool and a real tree house.

:Painted Pony —Are you in good hands?

:Buddha —Oh yes, he is very good to me.

:Painted Pony —I have found a man friend too. He is a teacher and lives not far away. I hope my parents will let me see him more than just at school.

:Buddha —Namaste PP. Tread softly so you do not scare him off. I will go now and leave you to close up. A new joy awaits us both.

Ethan was excited at this news, he felt a kinship with Shivaji different from that with Oso or Peter. Peter sat by his side and looked puzzled.

—What was that all about?

—I think Shivaji just got a new joystick to play with and maybe I'm jealous. Come on, lets close this up and go to bed.

Snow swirled about them when Peter opened the door. It was a good hundred meters across to the big house and they were as usual in their skysuits. Ethan found an old jumper of his father's that they could get into together. It reminded him of the two-headed boy trick he'd done with Oso. The jumper covered them but made walking a trick and the two were laughing deliriously when they finally got to the big house. They fell together into a heap of quivering arms and legs in front of the fire and waited until the snow had melted from their feet before removing the jumper. That done, Peter's older sister served them hot chocolate with schnapps which they drank quietly.

In an hour Peter and Ethan were in his sleeping alcove. Peter was thinking about Ethan; Ethan was thinking about Mr.Kalaji. Trying to picture him without clothing. He was taller than Ethan's father, did that mean his penis would be longer? He had never seen his father erect, not fully anyhow, did a man's erection stick up like his, like Peter's? They were laying close together, fondling...

—Ethan, do you want to suck me again like you did before? I want to do it to you again.

—How about if we take turns, then do it together later. You go first.

—When will I start making cum like you do?

—I don't know, maybe next year?

—Will you suck me then too?

—If I don't then someone else will no doubt.

—Can I make you cum with my hand so I can see the cum come?

—Sure but you have to start with your mouth to get it wet.

In the morning the boys were up early and hungry after a good sleep. Little had come of their nocturnal romping, both were asleep before the first shot was fired.

At breakfast Ethan's mother announced the plan of the day. The festive dinner would be served in mid afternoon. Prior to that everyone would have tasks assigned or they could volunteer to help with the preparations. There was wood to bring in, veggies to prepare, table to set. The turkey needed stuffing before it could be roasted on the barbie.

—We are expecting only one guest; Mr.Kalaji, a student of mine at University and a teacher at Ethan's school will arrive around noon. If he is not held up by the weather.

—Will we dress for him? Ethan asked.

—He knows our ways, I believe he will undress for us.

Ethan had expressed surprise at this news so she knew Mr.Kalaji had not mentioned it to him. She took special attention of the boy's comment and spoke to him privately that she did not want this to become an issue at school.

—We have taught you by our example to believe in the beauty of your own body and your own mind Ethan. You are not embarrassed by your body, I know how much you love to run sans clothing and I hope that love will persist through your adolescence. Mr.Kalaji is not embarrassed either but I doubt it would go over well if Mr.Kalaji were known to be cavorting in the nude with students from his school.

When Ethan asked what she meant by cavorting she replied that it would be different if Mr.Kalaji were solely a friend of the family or even if he were only her student but for him to be a teacher in Ethan's school and to make merry at a party with his students would be considered as unseemly behaviour in their community.

After the children were busy with their tasks the two mothers discussed Mr.Kalaji - the nature of his studies - sex with children - rape vs. seduce. Peter's mother was not sure she wanted a strange man as close to her sons as they might be in the pool for instance when all were nude.

—What difference does nude make? What difference does strange make? Its not like he might rape your son, or mine. And we both know that most of that sort of problem occurs between relatives rather than with strangers or friends. If anything I suspect that Ethan will seduce this man before the man has anything to do with him. Anything the boy learns from him will make a greater impact than us telling him and be far better than him learning the same lessons on the street.

—So your not afraid of your son having sex with this man? What if he is hurt? What if it... changes him? Makes him not like girls.

—It would do him good to have a strong relationship with this man and so much the better if it evolves into a few sexual lessons. His father works very hard at being his father but a father does not provide for everything a young boy needs to grow. Ethan will not be hurt. He is strong. And hurt implies rape and Mr.Kalaji is not capable of that. He loves the boy. Nor will Ethan be changed. I believe he is already settled in his Way but needs to have some reinforcement to clear away his own doubt and guilt.

The weather was not improving. The snow that had started the night before continued with a light wind and was now at a depth of more than half a meter everywhere they could see except for the pool which was steaming into the cold air. But right at noon a man skied up to the front door and came in to shake snow from his jumper onto the gaggle of naked children come to greet him. Under his jumper he wore a bright green tight fitting snow suit and when he peeled it away he was as naked as they.

When Ethan and the others were formally introduced he went to stand close to this man and marvel at his hirsuteness. Great curls of reddish gold were piled upon the man's chest and shoulders and ran down his back and legs. His pudenda was such a mass of hair it rivaled Ethan's own head and his penis was nearly invisible in it. For an instant Ethan was conscious of his own nudity, his penis sticking out for all, especially this man, to see and he was wont to cover it but instead he turned his belly against the man's thigh and reached to touch his back with admiration.

Ethan's mother brought Mr.Kalaji a cup of hot tea and admonished the children to return to their chores. Ethan and Peter returned to carrying wood.

—Come and help us when you are through, he called over his shoulder as they passed into the woodshed behind the great stone fireplace.

Mr.Kalaji helped the two fathers get the turkey ready for the fire and then helped the older boys with the wood they were carrying to the fireplace and the wood stove. When the rest of the kids had finished with their chores he asked nobody in particular...

—Is there time for a swim before...

—Now? In the snow?

For it was still snowing.

—Now is the best time of all. You run through the snow and slide on your belly right into the warm pool. And then you get out and do it again.

—You're crazy! But it sounds like a great idea. Lets go! before somebody changes our mind.

And they were all out the door, yelling as if their voices would cut a path for them to the pool. The man was in first followed closely by Ethan and Peter and then the rest—and out as quickly on the other side and back again. The kids gathered round this boy-man to test him now. They forgot his credentials of adult and teacher; he was a naked animal as they were and they had to bring him into the pack or reject him so they climbed on him and pulled and pushed him to bring him down. One by one he picked them up, boys and girls alike and threw them into the water away from himself. And then while they swam to the attack he dived to swim under them. Ethan manoeuvred to brush close and feel their bodies touch but when the boy-man turned he was lost in the turbulence. They went round again, each child climbing on his back to dive from his shoulders or letting themselves get boosted from the water by his hand in their crotch. Again Ethan swam close, from behind, between his legs, touching them, wriggling, feeling his cock brush past that one that he had dreamed of and then feeling himself lifted high over head and thrown away like a caber at the games of Summerhill. This teacher reminded him of one he'd known there, one who would roll in the mud with the kids one minute and the next be teaching them Latin and music. All his teachers now were stuffy grown-ups; he was in love with this man in an instant. After a while the little ones tired of this rough play and went in leaving only Ethan and Peter and his older sister with Mr.Kalaji. And suddenly he was Mr.Kalaji again. He had been accepted into their pack but at the same time he was, to Ethan especially, still a teacher and an adult. But not a grown-up, there was hope for him yet. They swam laps and floated and stood out of the water so the snow fell on their skin. Peter watch'd his sisters pubescent nipples stiffen and Ethan watched the man watch him. Finally after one more lap around the pool Mr.Kalaji led them out to roll again in the snow and then run inside and towel dry by the fire.

Dinner was a dress-up affair. The girls all wore saris tied at the waist. The boys and adults had various robes and kimonos. Mr.Kalaji wore white silk with a black belt to tie it. They ate slowly and talked through one course after another and the snow continued into dessert and coffee by the fire.

It was dark when they started to drift back to the kitchen. The littlest kids were left by the fire, Natasha, Jeremy, Kevin, were asleep and would be carried to bed later. Peter his older sister and parents, Ethan his parents and Mr.Kalaji began to clean up the table and put away food. Peter and Ethan undressed so as not to get their kimonos wet whilst they washed dishes. When the kitchen was clean the boys sat by the fire and played dominos whilst the adults talked but soon they too grew tired and went off to bed. It was crowded in Ethan's sleeping alcove that night. Jeremy was there and two of Peter's little brothers were curled together. Ethan snuggled in between Peter on one side and his brother on the other. Almost immediately it seemed he awoke and was puzzled cos he could not remember going to sleep. He wanted to pee. When he returned to his warm spot under the down comforter he played with himself and thought again about Mr.Kalaji. Tadzio Kalaji. How could someone with such a dark name have such red-golden hair. No matter, lying here with all these boys around him reminded him of his Summerhill school and he liked that very much. Now he had found a teacher, an adult he could be friends with, and he was beginning to like it here. Then he reached for the boys to either side and could not remember at first which was Peter and which his brother. Peter was bigger, everywhere.

The morning was bright and cold. Like a crystal land of faerie as the sun refracted into a thousand rainbows in the snow. The steam rising from the pool had added to the hoarfrost of the nearby trees. Ethan slipped out of bed and went down to put wood on the fire. Mr.Kalaji was in the kitchen with fresh coffee. Over a steaming mug of it, sweetened with condensed milk, the boy announced he was going out to the shower,

—would you like to come?

—I would that. There is no shower at my cabin yet, so far the only time I get to indulge in that luxury is at school after all of you urchins have left.

Ethan smiled at the word urchin. When his coffee was gone he fetched some towels and grabbed Mr.Kalaji by the hand.

—Come then, before the others are up and about. They'll just be wanting to get in on all the fun.

The snow in the outside shower melted rapidly under the onslaught of hot water and a great cloud boiled up around and over them.

—Would you like me to wash your back? My dad and me wash each others back sometimes. As soon as he said that he knew this teacher would correct him —My dad and I. but he didn't. Perhaps he didn't want to be a teacher on his days off.

—That would be super Ethan. I don't have any boys of my own to wash my back, its been a long time since anyone has done that for me.

Ethan stood on the seat-shelf that ran round the inside of the shower. This man was taller than his father and he had to stand close and stretch to reach his shoulders. Soon the broad hairy back was lathered and scratched to the nates below. The boy stopped.

—How was that? Do you want me to go any further? I will if you like.

—Are you sure that's ok? Would you like me to wash your back first. Give you a little rest.

Ethan agreed and turned around quickly. This man's hands were stronger than his dad's and he massaged the boy shoulders to buttocks like his mother kneading bread. As he began to work his way down below his nates Ethan could feel the man's fingers brush under his testicles. When the man had finished with his legs he felt weak and rubbery but gamely turned round to continue the trade. Emboldened somewhat by all that had gone on so far he reached through under the man's bum and lathered his perineum, casually bumping the testicles in the process. But his hands were no match for those that had massaged his thighs. It was a few minutes before he was satisfied he'd done his best and stood up again. The man turned.

His penis was slightly tumid, not hard or erect, but sticking out of its curly nest and pointed nearly at the boy's chest. The hair around it was matted and that enhanced the size the boy saw but it was unquestionably the largest such organ Ethan had ever seen. He stood under the warm rain from the shower, bent slightly forward, one hand reaching for his own erection, the other wavering to the side of the man's. His mouth opened and closed several times as if he wanted to say Wow! over and over. Finally he looked up slowly.

—Do you want to touch it Ethan?

The boy nodded. His hand moved within inches of this thing he had dreamed of sucking on.

—Do you want to do more than touch it? What do you want to do with it Ethan?

Ethan opened and closed his mouth and nodded again. His hand moved closer. The man leaned a bit and his erection brushed the boy's chest. Ethan sat back, the spell broken.

—Man that's the biggest cock I've ever seen.

—It would make quite a mouthful for a young lad of your size.

—Maybe, but it don't really look any bigger than some of the turds I've laid. Is going in any different than coming out?

—Maybe someday you can find out first hand. Right now I think we are not ready for each other.

On the way back the house they both took a roll in the deep snow. The skiing would be great for a few days but it would all melt before the next week was over. After breky Peter and Ethan dressed in the same sort of close fitting ski suit Mr.Kalaji wore and got their skis out to go with him part way back to his cabin. They skied out along the trail to the spring but then went between the hills and came round above the cabin. As they passed below the spring hill the man asked Ethan if he went often to the top of that hill.

—Oh yes! It is one of my favourite places.

—I think perhaps I may have seen you there once.

Ethan was not sure he was annoyed or ecstatic. Of all the times he had almost been trying to be seen this man probly saw him when he was sucking on Oso at the top of that hill a few weeks ago. He wants me to suck him as much as I want to do it, thought the boy, and I had my chance.

When they came to parting Ethan asked Mr.Kalaji if he knew Karate. If that was what the black belt was for.

—No and yes, a little. I know some Tai chi and I know how to ski. But not enough of either for a black belt.

—I'm a pretty good skier. Perhaps we can trade, like with back washes; I'll show you some skiing if you'll show me some Tai chi.

A pact was made between them and they agreed to a meeting the following weekend.

Peter and Ethan pushed through the deep snow down from the height of land toward home. The track Tadzio, for that was how he was beginning to think of this boy-man, had made was completely filled. Tomorrow they would do this round again and it would be fast. It was late afternoon when the boys arrived at the house blushed and sweaty from their exertion; it was a race to see who could strip first and get to the pool. The cold snow against their skin was refreshing and the warm water soothing as they went in and out of the pool over and over.

That night they went to the tree house for a while but no one else was around and they were tired from the day so they logged off early and climbed the ladder to bed. Ethan had wanted to shower but Peter went on so he followed. They started off to have a suck of each other now that they had the alcove all their own again but both were interrupted by sleep. Ethan dreamt of Tadzio and Oso taking turns at each end of him. He saw himself floating, suspended, between the two, as if he were a boy-bead strung on a cock-string sliding to and fro on it. Somebody out of the picture was beating him off with their hand but they were brutal and hurt and they kept at him even after he was raw and bleeding, yet still it felt good.

This day was a bit warmer but still too cold for skysuits. They dressed again in the ski suits and were out to warm up before breky. Soon the rest of the kids and adults were on skis and all went off up the trail toward the height of land with Peter and Ethan taking turns at the lead. They skied quickly round the hill on the track of yesterday and then broke away to go up over the spring hill and down along the stream. At the top the two fathers broke out thermoses of hot turkey soup and hot chocolate and cookies.

Peter and his family went home after tea. Ethan didn't bother with the tree house. Vishnaji was no doubt with his new friend, Peter was not home yet, Oso... Who knows where Oso is just now, not here to be sure. What's a boy to do? Suddenly he was too big to curl up with his father and besides Jeremy had already taken that spot. He went and lay by the fire and played with the dominos. Natasha came and sat by him. She rubbed his back and he wrestled with her a little and then went to bed.

In the night he woke. For the first time in days, his bed seemed a vast empty plain, he was alone in it and could not even find himself. He wandered for what seemed a long while eventually coming across a sleeping boy. He laid beside this boy and recognised his brother and began to stroke the boy and feel him all over as if to see if he were real or dream. The boy woke.

—What are you doing Ethan?

—I don't know. Waking up? I was having a really strange dream in my bed; I was dreaming I found you in a big field and then I was trying to see if this, what I found, is really you and then I wake up here and it is you. I guess I have missed you a lot Jeremy.

—I've missed you too Ethan. How come we're going to different schools now?

—I don't know. At first I didn't like this one but its not as bad now. Still I wish I could go back to Summerhill, there's too many rules at this school and most of them are stupid rules and the teachers are all grown-ups, except for Mr.Kalaji but I didn't know that until just this weekend. Now he's ok but I still would rather be at Summerhill. How are you doing?

—Ok I guess. My grades are good and I play soccer and go on hikes with the Wolf Cubs. How are grown-up teachers different from the kind at my school?

—All your teachers are like Mr.Kalaji. They're fun to be with, they keep us going by example and they slow us down and make us behave by example. The grown-up teachers I have make rules. You can't just stand up and say excuse me when you want to go pee you have to raise your hand and wait until the teacher calls you and then you have to ask if you can go to the bathroom. There's no baths there but your not allowed to say toilet. Everyone has to go to recess together; you can't just go for a walk outside when you want to think about something and there's no pool and no mudhole, and all the kids wear clothes all the time cos they think being naked is weird or dirty. Cept me, I've managed to spend a few days there with naught on but a singlet. And my best friend Oso, he does it too sometimes now that I showed him but he's scared his dad will beat him. Remember that teacher who use to talk about the difference between People and Human? I think all these teachers are people, and most of the kids too.

—Uggg! That sounds like a awful place.

—It is... Say, have any of your friends showed you how to play with your self yet? Are you big enough for that yet?

—I don't know. What does that mean? Big enough for what?

—You know that little door in between the bedroom and the toilet, the short-cut that's cut out like a silhouette? Can you still fit through there without bumping your head?

—I can still wriggle through but don't much anymore. Why?

—That was mostly the way the older kids figured out if a boy was ready.

—Ready for what?

—To learn to play with him self. To masturbate and to masturbate each other.

—How?

The boys had been laying on their sides, noses and toes almost touching; now Ethan reached between his brother's legs and showed him a toy he hadn't known was there. He tickled the youngster softly, slowly, felt him rise. He put his brother's hand where he would feel himself harden and then after a bit more he petted the boy's thighs and belly. Then he stopped.

—I been hard before but not like this, I didn't know I could make it get hard. Is this what some kids do together when they're giggling under their blankets.

—And sometimes in the shower or in the grass. And there's more too.

—Show me what more.

So Ethan went down and sucked on his little brother and Jeremy learned the taste of cum and when they had that orgasm Ethan opened a way into his brother's bum and came there as well. Then he got on his knees and folded his body to help Jeremy find his way into him and taught him how to love a boy. Ethan finally went to sleep and Jeremy continued to practice his lessons, fascinated by the new-found power he had over his body and that of his brother.

The following week at school Ethan told Oso about the dinner and the swimming and the snow but not about the shower. He told Oso that soon they must come together to visit Mr.Kalaji but he did not tell him that Tadzio had agreed to tutor him nor that he knew in his heart where that would lead. Oso had only to say that his father had caught him masturbating in the shower and had beaten him. He'd demanded to be told who taught his son this filth and promised to watch his friends closely to find out when the boy refused to tell. Ethan leaned close to whisper something and Oso pushed him away.

—I cannot be seen like this with you or he will never let me come to your house again.

Mr.Kalaji was aloof no matter how Ethan tried to corner him. Finally one day after school he told Ethan that they could not have a double life. If he was to see the boy after school as a friend then he could not see him during school as a student.

It seemed ages before the weekend finally arrived. Saturday morning Ethan finished his chores in record time and dressed for the walk to Tadzio's cabin. His mother tried not to show her concern. She had been listening to Oso's mother talk about the bad habits her son had picked up somewhere recently but she was loath to talk about exactly what he had done. As much as she knew it was merely boyish playing and not anything of Mr.Kalaji's doing and as much as she did not want to destroy her son's trust or stifle his growth she still felt she had to remind him to keep his clothes on if he felt uncomfortable. Ethan listened to her rambling with patience. He understood most of what she said about the things boys do together, after all he was getting to be an old hand at being a boy, but was confused by some of what she didn't say about appropriate behaviour, time and place, the right people. Finally he came right out and asked.

—Is Mr.Kalaji a right people? Is there anything he might do that you would think to be wrong?

—Mr.Kalaji is the best person I know to teach you what he will, to show you what you will learn sooner or later. I trust him and I trust you my son. I only want to be sure that you appreciate that what ever you do together should cause you no pain. No force. That is why he cannot see you as a student and be your tutor in these matters as well. And do be careful with Oso. He is your best friend, I know you love him very much but his father has different beliefs than us and he will beat your friendship out of Oso. Ethan's only reply to all this was to say he wanted to return to Summerhill.

From just beyond the height of land he could look down through the leafless trees to the small cabin. The green MG was drawn up beside it. That it was good to know where he parked it suddenly flashed through his mind. Smoke curled from the brick chimney on the north end and also from a stove pipe on the near side. In the summer it would be hard to see the place, thought Ethan, I'll bet he was able to hike from here all the way to that hill he saw me from with nothing on. I wonder if he knew about me before he saw me. I'll bet he did since he knows my mom.

Ethan turned down toward the cabin. In between where the MG sat and the brick chimney was a mudroom. That looked to be the main entrance. There he was met by Tadzio Kalaji, dressed in a light jumper with shorts and warm sheepskin house-boots. Ethan followed the man inside and removed his windproof and boots in the mudroom. The cabin was one large space with internal partitions and curtains dividing it into smaller areas. A ladder opposite the fireplace went to a loft above what looked to be sleeping and toilet areas. To the right was a dining corner and kitchen, to the left a large window looked down the drive. Tadzio offered the boy a mug of tea and they sat by the fire.

Things were somehow different, Ethan felt, without all the other kids around. He was not sure just how to proceed. It was almost like finding the man clothed had set him off guard. Well, it added to the mystery and the challenge to be sure, but what next. He really came here to trade lessons, skiing for Tai chi. But there was not enough snow for any serious skiing and he did not know the first thing about Tai chi.

—I like your cabin. My mom said you can come and use our shower anytime. She said you sometimes bathe in the river but that will get hard when it freezes. What are we gonna do first? There's not enough snow to do much skiing. We could talk about it...

—There is certainly a lot to talk about. Tai chi is a good place to start then. Some of the exercises and stretches I have found to be helpful with skiing and it is a good discipline for the mind as well.

Tadzio went on for a while as they sipped at tea about how Tai chi and Zen helped the mind and body. He demonstrated a few stretches and positions and invited Ethan to try them. The boy proved to be an apt student and was quickly able to relax and sit quietly for long moments or to stretch and dance the first positions of Tai chi.

—I did some gymnastics at Summerhill, that was my old school.

—I have read a little of their ideas about the education of children. Tell me some about how it worked for you.

—Well compared to our school Summerhill is more like a family or a bunch of friends. All the people are more equal and at the same time each kid is recognised as an individual. You don't have to go to class if you would rather go for a walk or do something else like help in the kitchen or read... you just can't spend the day lying in bed, you have to at least go out. And when you're in class you don't have to ask permission to go pee and you call things what they are not some silly grown-up words. All the kids learn the right names for things.

—Like what things?

—Like penis for instance instead of having to say private parts. And like toilet instead of calling it a bathroom when there is no bath there. And everyone is responsible for what they do, you can never blame anything on somebody else.

—If you could walk in and out of class any time, how did they maintain discipline?

—They didn't have to maintain anything. We did it all together. The teachers made each kid feel important and special. The whole class, sometimes the whole school moves with a mind rather than by a teacher's order. And there weren't really classes, or grades, like we have now. The older kids helped teach the younger ones. It's not like a public school where everybody is dragged down to the lowest level. Everybody finds their own place. Even if it means not being there I guess.

—Is that why you're not there?

—No. My folks took me out at the primary school break cos they though I needed to see my community from a different perspective. But I don't like it here. I want to go back. This school is retarded, most of my teachers are stupid grown-ups and there's too many rules.

—How do you feel about me?

—I am trying not to think of you as a teacher; at least not the kind at our school. You are more like my teachers at Summerhill. You're an adult and a kid at the same time. You can be a teacher and a friend at the same time. Anybody who can play in the snow and swim naked with a bunch of kids can't be too bad.

Tadzio suggested they get started with a bit of Zen meditation. He first explained some breathing exercise and posture. Then he sat Ethan on a sheepskin, positioning the boy to see only the brick face of the fireplace, kneeling, and seated back on his own heels. He sat himself back to the boy, in lotus on a zafu. The room was quiet but for the crackle of the fire.

Suddenly Ethan woke, grabbed for balance, looked about. The shadows on the walls and floor had moved quite a bit. The light was different, later. Tadzio was in the kitchen, had just poured tea.

—Where have you been Ethan?

—I don't know. It was as if a balloon had popped and I was inside it.

—What do you remember?

—I... I... remember walking slowly toward a door, it was sort of dark and I had no clothes on, but I was warm, and I started to open the door and then POP! I was here again.

—You have been away for an hour. It is amazing that a boy with no training can do that. We will have to work on trying to learn where you were, what you saw. It is in your head somewhere.

Then Ethan realised that the man had undressed and he knew that what was behind the door would happen if he too undressed.

—Is it ok if take off my clothes too?

—You may do what ever gives you the most comfort Ethan. I was dressed when you arrived only cos I had just come in from a walk. I waited a while for you to lead and then decided while you were meditating to take the lead myself.

—I guess I was waiting for you to take the lead too when I got here but if it had been any warmer out I would have arrived sans ropa instead.

While the tea steeped Tadzio demonstrated a few positions and Tai chi movements. Ethan followed him as he undressed. The boy's eyes were fixed upon the man's crotch.

—Can ... Can... I touch...you w... while you're dry? I mean before, in the pool, in the shower, you were wet. I want to feel what your hair is like when it's dry. What does it feel like to you to have that much hair all over. Will I be hairy like that when I'm older? Were you always like that? When did you start getting hairy? What...

—Whoa! Slow down. One thing at a time. I thought it was you in the pool and I must say you were really getting me excited then, you and Peter are a pair of Ganymedes to be sure.

—What's a gany-meed?

— Ganymede is a Trojan youth who was taken by Zeus to Mount Olympus and made the cup bearer of the gods. And yes you may touch me. Perhaps you can touch with one hand and drink tea with the other?

Ethan set down the tea and walked around the man with both hands brushing pubes and nates. He ran his fingers deep through the curls across the man's groin and chest, pausing to explore for hidden nipples and to stand close enough to feel the hair against his prepubescent self. Tadzio told him that he had not been any more hairy than himself at the same age.

—It was all between about 16 and 18 and at later than some of the other kids in my school. It's almost as if my hairiness is trying to make up for its lateness. And who can tell if you will be like me? You will most likely follow your father but you could be more like your grandparents.

Ethan took a sip of his tea and set it down again. Both of them had become a little aroused during this time; the boy was awkward dealing with his curiosity.

—Can I ... touch... you..'re...some more?

—For a boy with such command of the language when you are talking about your peers and your schools you seem at a loss for words now.

—I know all the words I'm just not sure of what I want to say anymore.

—You know it's not a matter of can; you can if you will...

—May I then?

Tadzio shifted his tea to his other hand a pulled Ethan close with a hairy arm around his shoulder. The boy's head was just at his belly. Ethan looked up to meet Tadzio's eye. The boy-man nodded and the man-child reached to caress the cock that lay across his chest. He pulled back the foreskin and saw drops of precum welling in the slit. His finger touched and spread them over the glans. With one hand he lifted the weight of it and with the other he felt for the man's testicles. In his mind's eye he saw Peter and Jeremy and Oso, all together not as big round as this. Once again he looked up and the boy-man nodded once more and moved his hand onto Ethan's curly head. Without a word he guided the boy down. The acolyte's lips parted to take communion from the priest and drink deeply from the cup of knowledge.

When it was over he sat on his zafu and held Ethan's hand.

—In some initiations it is said the youth take knowledge and wisdom from their teacher and the teacher in his turn takes youth from the child. Come, stand here so you are at a good height. At first he licked around the penis standing up before him, his tongue tickling the boy like his boy friend's fingers only better. Ethan held Tadzio's head and tried to pump himself but Tadzio held him back and played him slowly. When the boy finally came he was drained and collapsed slowly into the man's lap.

It was mid afternoon now and Tadzio suggested Ethan be on his way. Perhaps we will have some snow for next week and it will be your turn to show me some things.

—There is one more thing I would like to do before I leave. Do you have it in you now to cum in my bum? I want to feel what that is like too.

—Well, now you are showing some spunk but I think we should hold that off til next time. I would be not so easy or fast as your little friends and I would want to prepare you slowly so you are not hurt.

Ethan dressed as the boy-man sat and watched. When he was ready he walked to the mudroom door and put on his boots and windproof. Tadzio followed him out.

—See you in school Ethan; remember, here you are a friend, there you are a student.

Ethan bounded into his mother's kitchen stripping off his snowsuit and smacking his lips. It smelt good there and he was happy to be home, he wanted her to know that and that he'd had a good day.

At school Oso was at first sad and angry but by the middle of the week when the snow started again he warmed to Ethan and talked to him. His father had beaten him again, for the same reason as before, but this time the boy had run naked from the house, into the back yard where his sister and her girlfriend helped him stand his ground and argue back.

—I doubt he will beat me again now that we have put it to him but he is like an angry cat in the corner and will lash out at who ever gets in his way first. Even my teacher knows something is wrong from the belt marks but so far she has not said anything.

—I am sorry your dad feels that way. How can it be that the same thing can be so right and so wrong at the same time to different people.

—That is not an easy question to answer. How can anything be wrong if it is only to yourself that you do it. And only just playing with yourself too. It's not like I was doing something dangerous.

—Perhaps instead of playing with yourself you can play with me. This snow is going to make for great skiing on the weekend. Can you come home with me on Friday and stay to Monday like we did before? Jeremy is home now you know, we can all ski for two whole days and maybe even get Mr.Kalaji out with us.

—I would love that. I think my mom would like me to be away too; it would give my dad time to cool off.

By Friday morning there was a meter of new snow and the school in the valley was closed. Jeremy reminded everyone, especially for Ethan's benefit, that Summerhill never closed cos of bad weather.

Oso's mother's van could not make it up the hill out of town. Finally they were able to arrange to have him dropped at the end of the drive by the big winged plow and he skied from there. Despite having the day off from school it took him most of it to get to Ethan's anyhow. And true to form in this tale of faerie the snow stopped that evening whilst the boys frolicked in the pool, the clouds, like a curtain, pulled back from a stage. The splendor of the sky, replete with aurora, took their breath away more than any boyish orgasm and the morrow promised to be a clear, and cold, delightful day for skiing.

—Do you suppose he'll be naked when we get there? Or what if he undresses after we go skiing? What will we do? What about Jeremy?

—If he's naked I will be too you can bet on that. If he's not then I might be, it'll depend on if it's warm enough, and on how long we might stay. Probly we will ski to there then pick him up and go onward for the day and end up here. Maybe he will stay over. Probly he'll at least take a shower and go home alone. Remember, Jeremy goes to the same school I did, he knows how to take off his own clothes, and when.

—I never been naked with a teacher before.

—Well it's no different than being with my parents. 'Cept that he's wicked hairy. He looks like my head almost all over.

—Even down here?

—Especially.

—What if he tells my dad I took my clothes off at his house?

—Don't worry, he won't. Your dad wouldn't stop with just beating you; he'd kill Mr.Kalaji. And me. I wish I could go back to my old school where none of this is a problem. It would be neat if you could come with me. We could run with no clothes on for ever.

In the shadow of morning the three boys set out. They were up in the dark for breky and packed a lunch of soup and biscuits and chocolate. The three dressed in emerald green skin-fitted ski suits with jumpers and tuques. Outside the vapour of their breath hung in the still air as they pushed a track through virgin snow toward the height of land. The sun refracted in the crystals into a million dazzling rainbows and they talked in whispers as if their voices might dispel the magic.

From over the pass and down to Mr.Kalaji's cabin they came with a great noise and he met them at the door with steaming mugs of sweet coffee. Soon they were on the way again, up to the trail and onward round the hill. In the dell between the two hilltops Mr.Kalaji led them away from Ethan's trail, upwards, around the other hill so they eventually came out to a clear summit at a large table like rock across which they could see Ethan's spring hill as if it were within an arm's length. Ethan could well imagine what he looked like on his knees in front of Oso that Autumn day to someone who might be sunbathing on this rock. The view was breathtaking. Mr.Kalaji opened his pack and brought out several foam pads to sit on and they arranged themselves on the rock to have a second breakfast. Then down this hill the way they'd come and up and over the next and the next to a higher vantage where they could see all round.

After another snack they headed back but stayed to the dells between the hills until they came to the turn that went up to the spring hill and went that way. On the top Ethan and Oso stood together and looked back at the table rock. They laughed and wondered if they'd have done what they did knowing of the audience. Mr.Kalaji, arm around Jeremy, was pointing out the features of the land and the hills where they had skied.

It was late afternoon when they came out of the woods at the pool. Ethan suggested a good long soak in the hot tub, everyone thought that was a better idea than the pool and so they trooped in to the mudroom to undress and toss their clothes into the main hall of the house to be collected later. Jeremy showed Mr.Kalaji to the tub whilst Oso and Ethan went to fetch cold drinks and snacks.

After an early tea Mr.Kalaji elected to return to his cabin. The boys went with him to the height of land and watched from there until his headlamp told them he was safe and then they turned back to race for the spot in the middle in front of the fireplace.

The next day the boys skied again but returned early so they would have plenty of time to look for Buddha at the tree house. Jeremy had never been there so he would need to be introduced.

Ethan stood behind Oso with his chin resting on his friend's head and his hands trying to steer through Oso's shoulders. Sometimes he would reach to touch his brother with a bit of guidance as the neophyte followed instructions to pick his way through the commands and paths to the KidsNet Virtual Village. To the Keeper of the Gate Ethan introduced Jeremy as his brother. Jeremy chose for his icon a gnarly carrot and for his alias: Thanksa Bunch.

Beyond the gate Painted Pony introduced Gnarly Carrot to everyone they saw as they worked their way downtown looking for news of Buddha. It had been several days since anyone saw him last so Painted Pony went to the Post Office to look for email. The letter he found there unfolded with a story of Buddha's new school and friendship and his journey to escape the persecution of his caste but in the code between Shivaji and Ethan the boy read that his friend had been caught up in a brothel that would turn him into a hijra when he was fourteen.

—NO! he screamed out loud. —He mustn't let them do that to him.

—Do what? Jeremy and Oso asked at the same time.

—He's got himself into a school but the school is a front for a brothel of boys for hire. It's not the same as what we do for fun or for love. These kids are sold by the hour or the day and they have no choice but to perform for whoever pays the school. Then when your fourteen they do this horrible mutilation to turn you into what India recognises as a third gender by cutting off your penis and testicles.

—What can you do about it?

—Mostly nothing I suppose. If he really knows what path he has chosen the only thing I can do is be his friend. But I have to write him and find out.

Ethan moved into place at the terminal and quickly wrote a reply to Shivaji. By the time he signed it he was nearly crying after describing what he knew of the way of the hijra. Oso tried to comfort him.

—What a commitment that must be to choose a way of life at fourteen that has no way out. I can't even think about making a choice like that.

—It is different for them. Even today children are sold by their parents to raise money to feed their other kids. It's their way. At least they get fed. Some of them even get educated if they survive their teens. Come on; we need to get to the tree house.

But Buddha was not there. Ethan found another note from Shivaji in a secret knothole that led him to believe his virtual friend did know what he was doing. Perhaps they would meet again but tonight Ethan and Oso would play together with a special fervor knowing Shivaji would be giving it up for something they could not comprehend. Ethan left a note in the secret place and made sure Jeremy understood how to leave and read notes between them then they left the tree house and walked back through the forest and round the edge of the town to the gate.

In bed with Oso Ethan pushed his penis between his legs and held them tight together and tried to think what Shivaji would look like, what he himself would look like, without this favourite toy. It would not be like a girl cos they didn't do a nice operation; they just cut it off and left a ragged scar. Oso was clearly agitated by all this talk. His father had threatened to cut off his cock if he caught him playing with it again but the boy could not fathom the threat, thinking it was an idle boast like what is meant when one says —I'll kill you if you don't stop that. How could a boy live without his special parts? Obviously he could although there would be some question as to whether he would any longer be a boy. He held onto him self and tried to talk it out with Ethan.

Events of the following week at school can only be related through a cloud of emotion. Oso was there on Monday and Tuesday and as Ethan said later seemed to be as much himself as he ever was. On Tuesday at last bell Oso took Ethan aside and whispered that he was running away. His father had threatened him with a knife that morning. He made his son choose between emasculation right then or a whipping with the belt when he snuck into the shower and found the boy with an erection. As Oso explained, he wasn't even playing with himself, just thinking about them being together. Now he was truly afraid and did not want to go home. That night Oso's mother called but Ethan did not know where her son was.

On Wednesday Oso was not in school. Mr.Kalaji was worried. A boy would not survive long outside in this weather. On top of that he had been questioned about his relationship with the boy and that made him uneasy. During the day Oso called his mother to say he was warm and dry, that he loved her, that he would see her again someday when he was old enough to protect himself against his mad father.

Thursday and Friday the school was watchful but quiet. Things began to return somewhat to normal, after all, boys ran away all the time; this one at least called home to say he was ok. Mr.Kalaji seemed still agitated but not so worried. Ethan was torn up inside wondering about his friends. Why were grown-ups so? Why did they try to deny a boy's sexuality? Why were they so embarrassed about their own sexuality? He had no answers. Was it a matter of right and wrong? as Oso's parents and his teachers said. Or, as his parents had taught him, a matter of belief. Why did nobody believe Oso that his father had threatened him? The attitude was that the boy made up the story to cover for his running away and every other reason from bad grades to bullies and girlfriends was invented and theorized. But Ethan knew Oso was near the top of his class. He had no girlfriends, and only one boyfriend.

On Saturday Ethan skied off alone to Tadzio's for his next lesson. Nothing had been heard from Oso for a whole day now and the youth was apprehensive that he mightn't be able to concentrate on his lessons. But the snow was still great for skiing and so he looked forward to being out and busy for part of the day at least fulfilling his part of the deal. When he arrived at the height of land and could see down into the clearing around the cabin there was the sheriff's car behind the little green MG. Ethan stopped in the shadow of the firs and waited. At first he didn't know how long he could stand there but after a few minutes it didn't matter. A snowball hit the ground between his feet. But there was no one behind him.

When the second one hit the same place excitement rose within him for he knew only one person who could throw anything that well, one boy who would be there, then. He turned back up the trail leaving the question of the sheriff for now to see where Oso had to be hiding. He did not have far to go before a disturbance in the snow caught his eye and Oso stepped from a thicket of spruce with his hands held in a sign of peace and silence.

The boys embraced and talked excitedly in subdued voices. Ethan opened his pack and brought out his lunch and they sat in the thicket and exchanged stories over chocolate and biscuits.

—I spent my first night out just walking. I walked out of town south for a while that afternoon and then hitched a ride for a while just so someone might see me going that way but then I hitched with a big truck back through town early in the morning. That driver was nice. He could just tell I was running away, said he'd run away as a boy and had been rescued the same way. I guess now I owe it to some kid in my turn. Anyhow, I walked up here to Tadzio's that day and called your Mum. She didn't want to know where I was but I think she figured it out cos she said she'd bring round my skis. And she said I should call my mom so I did but only told her I was ok.

—I was gonna ask that. But she never said she knew where you were.

—You never asked her tho...

—You're right.

—When Tadzio came home that afternoon I told him I was Little Frog, my secret infant name, so he would not have to lie when they asked if he'd seen Little Bear. He was very shaken from some of the interrogation and told me my dad was an outrageous fool the way he was ranting about. But so far everyone wants to blame me.

At this point Oso broke down and sobbed in Ethan's arms. It didn't take much to get Ethan crying too but he soothed Oso and talked further.

—What are you going to do next Oso? Where can you go?

—I don't know yet Ethan. I'm hoping your folks will have some good idea. I can't stay with Mr.Kalaji. You probly don't know it yet but he will go away tomorrow and not come back. That will draw some suspicion and in order to protect him I will have to turn up pretty soon but I can't go home now or my crazy old man will kill me for sure.

—Why is Tadzio... Mr.Kalaji, leaving? Where will he go?

—He is just fed up with the hypocrisy here. He says this town is not a good place to raise children and even tho he has none of his own he considers us his kids and he cannot teach us values the school and community wants when he does not believe those values himself. He says you will be ok. But he feels very sorry about leaving me. If I continue to run maybe some day I will find him in another state; I know where he will go.

—Are you here cos the sheriff is at the cabin?

—Ya. Was he still there?

—Ya, that's why I was waiting at the top. I'm gonna go look and see if he is still there.

—Wait. Tadzio said he would make two smoky fires when it is safe to come in. I'll wait here.

Ethan went and found both chimneys belching thick grey smoke and returned for Oso. But even then Oso waited at the top whilst Ethan went to the cabin to be sure the way was clear. Tadzio explained he was not really under any suspicion and felt he was not being watched so Ethan went out and signed to Oso to come down. They had a little early lunch and then went out to ski. This would be the last time the three would ski together. Ethan tried hard to make the best of it by showing his friends what he knew about gliding and turning in the short time they had.

Back at the cabin in the early afternoon they undressed and had a snack. Tadzio was uneasy during the time they skied together, Oso was concerned about where he would hide next. Now that Ethan knew from Oso that Mr.Kalaji was going away —he'd not been told that by Tadzio as yet— he could only think about what lay hidden in the curly hair between the man's legs and whether he would ever see it again. Finally Ethan could stand the suspense no longer. The three were sitting at the breky counter, the two boys on one side, the man on the other, when he spoke up.

—Oso said you were going away.

—Yes I am. I have been struggling with how to tell you. I am glad he did.

—Where? Will I ever see you again? What...

—What about Oso? I would take him with me but his running away would quickly become my kidnapping him and despite anything he could say I would still be wrong and his father would be right. It will be less risky for him to stay here.

—Maybe he could stay at my house! I already know my mom knows what is going on so what difference would it make if he stayed there?

—Probly no difference if the matter has a favourable outcome but she will have to be careful. She could easily fall into the same sort of trap but at least your family will not be charged with kidnapping.

—So where will you go?

—Away. It is better that you do not know. If this matter turns ugly your loyalty will not be tested. I love you Ethan and I do not want to hurt you nor to put you in any position that might compromise your innocence.

—What about my lessons? What about... what we talked about... before?

—You have already learnt enough to keep you busy with practice until you find another master. I have shown Oso some other things, different movements, so you can trade what you know. And the last item... I guess that is why we are all here now.

Tadzio explained there was a ritual involved in this next act, partly just to relax the boy so he would not be hurt, and partly cos the coupling must not be taken lightly. It was one thing for young boys to have intercourse of this sort without ceremony, that was an essential part of being a young boy and having a boy friend whom you could love. But in the relationship between man and boy, between master and acolyte, there had to be a preparation. Even though in reality what the man left behind was inconsequential in the physical growth of the boy there was a spiritual aspect that must needs be addressed.

—Oso and me are blood brothers and have made a bond between us. Will it be ok that you and me are going to do the same thing? Can he stay and help me now?

—What we are going to do is not quite the same. We are giving each other a memory, an experience. For you some education, a satisfaction for your curiosity; for me a fleeting pleasure, and the knowledge I have left a bit of my Self and my self for you to grow with. Your bond with Oso is mostly in the blood. The sex you have between your selves is a game young boys play to help develop their minds and bodies like any other game.

Tadzio moved around the table and took Ethan by one hand. Oso took the boy's other hand and led him into the middle of the floor. They lifted his singlet off over his head and left the young Apollo standing in his glory. While Oso began to caress the youth Tadzio went to prepare for the next step. A few moments later he called and Oso led his friend to the toilet room where they stood the boy at the commode. Every movement was directed with their caresses, there were no words spoken as Oso directed Ethan to bend over and grasp his own ankles. Tadzio washed the youth's nates and anus and then slowly inserted the enema and filled his colon with warm water. They did this twice, letting Ethan drain into the commode and then filling him up again, all the while caressing him and holding him. Then Oso led him to the rug in front of the fire and Tadzio brought a large basin of warm scented water; they washed him from head to toe and brushed his hair.

Oso sucked on his friend for a bit while Tadzio applied a lubricant to both their bums then he got onto his hands and knees. Tadzio positioned Ethan behind Oso, kneeling and helped him couple with Oso. He continued to caress boy and encouraged him to relax and caress Oso's back and nates. Then he stood astride Oso's back and held Ethan's head and let the boy suck him until he was very hard. Now for the sandwich. Ethan drew a sharp breath when he felt Tadzio's entry. It was not pain, but ecstasy, a dream come true. With each thrust of the man into him he thrust into his friend and they came together. When the man withdrew, Oso stood and let Ethan suck him to fulfillment while Tadzio watched.

—Now it is done and only just begun. Ethan said as he hugged them together; I will go and talk to my mum about hiding Oso for a while longer.

—We will not see each other again Ethan, not at least for a long while. Maybe if we are both good we will meet again at your old school someday.