The Pauper's Prize

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The Pauper’s Prize

ISBN: 978-1-55487-365-4

Cover art by Martine Jardin

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The Pauper

’s Prize

Mark Alders

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Aunty.

Chapter One

doacro’s vision became obscured by the ever

darkening clouds below him. He knew a storm

would break at any moment, but that wasn’t his

main concern.

With a vigorous beat of his wings, Odoacro

flew faster toward the forest below, a sense of

urgency overwhelming him. He knew his dear

friend would soon join him in his nest, he could

sense he was close. But he could also sense others

in the forest, too. Men that weren’t interested in

friendship.

* * * *

The dark clouds above the gallows eddied,

directing attention to the already stark monument.

To reinforce the misery the structure represented,

a crow cawed in the distance.

Pavel shuddered. He clutched the loaf of bread

he acquired close to his chest, covering it as best

he could with his tattered clothes. He hadn’t eaten

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since yesterday, but the prize he held would

satisfy his hunger for the moment. At least he

would be able to sleep tonight without the

incessant growling of his stomach.

He had procured it from the local baker, a stout,

bald man that sweated profusely and had a liking

for young boys. Which presented a problem for

Pavel. Being eighteen now, he was getting too old

for the likes of the baker and he didn’t know how

much longer he would be in favour with the man.

Fortunately for Pavel, the baker still found reason

to give him bread, for one last time at least. He

could still taste the man’s salt upon his lips.

Pavel passed the gallows and made his way off

the cobbled path toward his friend’s home. He

didn’t care about what he had to do get food in his

stomach, he would now live for another day.

Whether that meant he had to endure a man’s

rough, heavy hands upon his naked body, or an

eternity of puffing and panting behind him, then

so be it. He knew plenty of other men in the

village that would gain him favour even if the

baker no longer wanted to.

* * * *

Wilhelm watched intently as a young man in

tattered, moth-eaten clothes with dirt that looked

as if it had permanently stained his skin, sidled

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quickly out of the town gate. Moments later, the

young man melded into the shadows cast by the

trees that lined the main road to the township. The

man’s name eluded Wilhelm for the moment, but

that wasn’t important right now. At the forefront

of his mind was where the man was going in such

a hurry. What also crammed his thoughts was the

simple notion that if he didn’t get a move on, the

young man would give him the slip yet again. He

was tired of waiting in the shadows of windows

and doorways.

Wilhelm breathed in deep and let out the air

slowly as he began to make his way toward the

imposing iron and wood gate. His thoughts went

from wanting to know where the young man was

going to what would happen when he caught him

up.

“Pavel,” he said, remembering the young man’s

name. The word passed sweetly from his lips and

elated him when he heard it. His heart skipped a

beat. Wilhelm stopped. “Would he even be

interested in me?”

His stomach knotted and his mouth went dry.

There was definitely something about Pavel that

lured him. Something on a level he hadn’t felt

with anyone else before.

Again Wilhelm crowded out his doubts and

kept on with his pursuit. Down the cobbled road

he went, keeping his distance yet making sure he

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never lost sight of the young man who caught his

attention and all his thoughts, both in dream and

while awake.

He noticed how Pavel’s gaze darted about as he

cradled whatever it was he had acquired. He

wondered what he had done to gain an object that

obviously held such value to him. Wilhelm bet it

was food. He hoped he didn’t have to do anything

too horrific to get it. If there was one thing

Wilhelm knew, the poorer folk of the town had to

rely on any means necessary to survive. When he

ruled, he’d make many changes.

On cue to his thoughts and feelings Wilhelm’s

heart beat erratically once more. He licked his lips.

Today had to be the day. There was no more time.

As he came to the edge of the shadows that

bordered the main road, he felt a heavy hand slap

on his shoulder. He didn’t even have to turn

around to know who it was.

“Where you going in such a hurry, my Lord

Wilhelm? There are matters you must attend

without delay,” his father’s viceroy said with his

usual stern voice.

Wilhelm’s heart no longer danced. Instead, it

sunk right down to the pit of his stomach until he

could feel the weight of it press against his bowel.

He knew what business he had to attend to.

Catherine had arrived and arrangements for his

wedding to her had begun in earnest.

The Pauper’s Prize

* * * *

The wind begun to bite and Pavel clutched himself

tighter as he made his way through the forest. His

mind wandered to other matters. He recalled how

the Viscount’s son had been following him a lot

lately.

Actually, when he thought about it, he knew

the Viscount’s son—Wilhelm was his name—had

taken a shine to him. Many a time there were

knowing glances and gentle smiles across the

village square, especially recently.

Pavel’s lips creased to form a nervous grin. He

bet Wilhelm would give handsomely to have him,

too. If the truth be known, he did find the

Viscount’s son attractive and would probably

offer himself without thought of reward. To be

with someone for nothing other than to share an

experience was indeed an attractive thought.

Nevertheless, such luxury didn’t provide food.

Thinking of his own pleasure wasn’t a good way

to stay alive.

As he felt the bread against his skin and smelt

its unmistakable odour permeate through his dirty

clothes, his thoughts came crashing back to reality

and his hunger overtook his reason. He had to

stop himself from devouring the bread all in one

go. Someone else needed the bread as much as he

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did. Besides, his friend that lived in the cave deep

in the forest was all he had in the here and now.

To live one more day with his friend by his side

eased his mind somewhat about being used as a

pervert’s play thing or having handsome men

stalk him. Pavel had to keep his thoughts and

feelings in the present.

As he passed deeper into the forest of pine and

sycamore, rain pelted down, reinforced by an

unnatural wind that blew in from the east. Pavel

took off his shirt and covered the bread as best he

could. Preserving his hard earned meal was far

more important than a little water over his back.

The cave was now in sight.

The Pauper’s Prize

Chapter Two

ilhelm’s back was to the door. Not that he

needed to see what was going on. He could

hear the commotion between his father and his

advisor as plain as day. Catherine was obviously

approaching.

He chuckled to himself. If ever he wanted to

know what was going on in the house, the library

was the place to be. The room had always been

like that, something to do with acoustics, which

probably explained why his father spent so much

time in here.

Wilhelm heard the door handle click. He

turned, and there before him was indeed

Catherine. She held a gentle smile as she walked

with smooth fluidity toward him. The cream-

coloured casual summer frock she wore had a

simple design of flowers as well as a subtle weave

of lace that edged the material. She looked

stunning in it. Actually, when he recalled all the

times he had seen her, which had been many over

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the years, he realised that no matter what she

wore she always looked beautiful.

Before Wilhelm could utter a greeting, she said,

“What am I going to do with you, Wilhelm?” She

sauntered across the room, stopping at the reading

table that dominated the décor in the library.

“I-I don’t know what you mean,” he stuttered.

Of course he knew what she meant. It was

something everyone in this town happened to be

gossiping and speculating on. She was talking

about the wedding. Or to be exact, whether or not

there would be a wedding. He decided to keep

quiet. He knew she appreciated that as a smile

curled her plump red lips.

Wilhelm had to admit he liked Catherine a lot.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t bring himself to love

her. Not in a way she deserved anyway. Did she

know that already? Is that why she demanded to

see him so soon after her arrival?

“Your father’s all concerned, you know,”

Catherine said.

“The only thing he’s concerned with is the

family name and the money that’s attached to it.”

Catherine came up to Wilhelm and embraced

him. Immediately the smell of camomile and

honey filled his nostrils. As she looked up, her lips

quivered and her brow creased, and even the

filtered light streaming through the window

couldn’t soften her concern. “You love another,

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don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”

Wilhelm gently pried her away. She deserved

to know how he really felt. Her eyes told him as

much. “It’s not you.” Wilhelm paused and cleared

his throat. “Sorry. That sounded terrible. What I

mean to say is that…” Again he paused, fiddling

with his hands in front of him in an effort to try

and get the words out. “That no matter how much

we come to like each other, I-I can never love you

in the way that you need.”

“I don’t understand.” Catherine took Wilhelm’s

hand. “Why not? What have I done?”

He swallowed hard. This would be the first

time anyone would hear how he really felt, and

more importantly, the first time he would admit it

to anyone willingly. “I cannot love you in the way

that you need because I love…I’m in love with a

man.”

She looked as if the weight of the world had

been lifted off her shoulders. “So the rumours

have been true?”

Wilhelm felt himself blush. “Is it that obvious

I’m not attracted to women?”

Catherine giggled. “Our supposed courtship

has been going on for well over a year now. You

haven’t exactly been beating down my door to

take my hand in marriage, now have you?”

He found that he, too, was giggling with her.

“So what do we do now?” He grabbed her other

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hand.

“Nothing.”

Wilhelm was taken aback. “I beg your pardon?”

When she was about to answer him, the library

door burst open. Wilhelm’s father and countless

others flooded into the room.

“Marvellous!” his father said with glee and a

clap of his hands. Wilhelm realised what his father

and the entire household staff saw. He was

holding Catherine’s hands, and in their eyes was

the positive sign they had been looking for before

the wedding. Wilhelm’s spirit sank. This was not

how he imagined it would happen.

Catherine leant forward and whispered into

Wilhelm’s ear, “That’s why we mustn’t do

anything. We have a duty to our town, after all.

Let’s just keep the truth between us for now.”

“You’d do that for me?”

Ever so softly, she added, “Oh, there’ll be a

price for this.” She pecked Wilhelm on his cheek

and turned toward the crowd. “I think it’s time I

retired for the day. It’s been a long journey and I

need to rest before we start the planning of our

wedding in earnest. Would you like to show me to

my room, Viscount?”

Wilhelm was left alone in the library, the only

sounds those of the excited voices of the

household permeating through the library walls.

He felt sick.

The Pauper’s Prize

* * * *

The cave mouth loomed and Pavel noticed that the

rain had eased and the storm had blown itself out.

Perhaps that was a sign his luck may take a turn

for the better. The bread was still dry. That was

good.

He breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the

darkness. Large droplets of water dripped

rhythmically down onto his face from his fringe,

but he didn’t care. He didn’t wipe away the water

either. He only cared about what lay beyond the

still, dusty silence ahead of him. He was home and

his friend Odoacro would be waiting. He couldn’t

help but smile. “I’ve bought us some food, Odo,”

Pavel called, the excitement in his tone clear.

The still air was filled with a rumble, a noise

not unlike the purr of a cat, only deeper and with

more resonance. The sound, no matter how many

times Pavel heard it, always bought him comfort.

Many times he would fall asleep on Odoacro’s

luxuriant fur, the heat of the creature all he needed

to keep warm through the cold nights that were as

common as the crows around these parts. Pavel

saw movement within the gloom.

“You don’t have to bring me food, Pavel. Look

at you. You’re soaked to the bone…and what did

you have to do to procure that morsel, hmm?”

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“Nothing I’m not used to,” was Pavel’s short,

sharp reply.

“You’ve offered yourself to that fat baker in the

town, haven’t you? I can smell his seed upon your

skin.”

Pavel blushed. “I do what I have to.” He pulled

out the bread from underneath his clothes. “Do

you want some of this or not?”

“No. You need it more. You’re all sinew and

skin. And besides, I have a feeling I will get plenty

to eat soon enough.”

Pavel had broken off a chunk of the bread.

Among mouthfuls, he said, “I want you to eat, too.

I need you. You’re my only true friend.”

“I’m sorry, my dear friend, but I would need

something more substantial than the morsel you

have bought back. I know how difficult it has been

for you to get it, so please forgive my

impertinence.” Odoacro flicked his serpent tail

and headed deeper into the cave. “Just forget I

said anything. What you have earned will be more

than enough.”

Pavel looked at the bread. The baker had given

him a small loaf. He felt anger rise up as he

swallowed what was left in his mouth. “You’re

right, Odo. I should’ve got more for what I did.”

Pavel had a thought. Wilhelm would give him

whatever he wanted for his services, even meat

he’d wager. He couldn’t remember the last time he

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had meat. “Hang on, I won’t be long.”

“Where are you going? It’s cold and miserable

outside. Come, sit with me. I’ll keep us both

warm.”

“I’m already wet and I can wait a little longer

before I’m dry. Besides, I think I know someone

who’ll help me get a lot more food than a measly

portion of bread.”

“Anyone I know?” Odoacro rumbled as if his

voice held the power of the oceans.

“Just wait here.” Pavel looked at the cave

entrance. At least the rain had settled into a

drizzle. “I’ll come back with meat. I promise.”

* * * *

Wilhelm needed to get out of the house, if only for

a short while. He needed to contemplate the

meaning of Catherine’s words.

“What did she mean by the price that had to be

paid?” he muttered as he set foot out his front

door. The intense sunlight of midday drenched the

street in warmth and reflected off the pools of

water in the cobblestones. The storm had passed.

He shielded his eyes. He’d gone to her door many

times over the last hour or so, but couldn’t pluck

up the courage to knock. He didn’t want to hear

the words that the family name and the family

fortune was more important than his own feelings

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pass from her lips. He didn’t want to hear that

Catherine was like his father. Had he got to her?

Or had he bought her obedience? “Surely not

Catherine. She understands me, doesn’t she?” He

stepped out into the bustle of the town’s streets.

Before Wilhelm knew it, he was at the town

square. Many people milled about and he could

tell the good word from the house had already

infested the streets like rabbits in the farmer’s

fields. The townsfolk all nodded and smiled at

him as he passed. Wilhelm felt hot and began to

sweat. They had never acknowledged him with

anything more than a curious glare up until this

moment. He remembered how they used to scoff

at him behind their hands. He was known as the

empty heir because he didn’t bed women and his

reputation of not wanting a lady had been fodder

for all sorts of jokes.

It seemed the town of Corrus would get their

wedding, after all. Wilhelm felt depressed and he

could look at nothing other than his feet as he

stepped across the square.

A man knocked his shoulder and as Wilhelm

looked up to apologise, he saw Pavel beyond the

statue of his father that dominated the centre of

the square. He gasped.

The Pauper’s Prize

Chapter Three

doacro’s ears pricked up. He could no longer

sense Pavel close to the cave. In fact, he’d

probably be well into town by now. He missed his

friend already, but understood his desire to want

to provide for him. Pavel had always been like

that and he had always let him. That’s how it had

been between them.

He sniffed the air. Amongst the dust of the cave

and the clear sweet smell of the air outside after

the rain, he caught the odours of the men that

paraded through the forest like a pack of drunken

baboons earlier.

Odoacro laughed nervously to himself and

plumes of smoke wisped out of his nostrils. He

was somewhat stunned by the hunters’ audacity

and amused by their amateurish behaviour at the

same time. Actually, what concerned him the most

was the fact they were so close to the nest. Close

enough to make him feel uncomfortable. He

turned and headed deeper into the cave.

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“Surely, if they want to succeed in hunting me,

the great chimera of Corrus and all its Shires and

lands beyond the Great Ocean, then they ought to

be a damn sight better than what they are proving

at the moment.” He found his bed and began to

circle, pawing at the blankets as he did so. “I

mean, it’s just ridiculous the amount of people

that think they can hunt me without any

knowledge of what they’re up against.”

He laughed again, but this time his nervous

chuckle echoed doubt. The smoke from his nostrils

surrounded him and as he settled into his bed, he

took comfort in the fact that Pavel wouldn’t be

here when the men came. He found it hard to

fathom that anyone would hunt him without

thought of the wind or conditions of the

environment as an expert should. He shook his

head. The undisguised smell of them alone

coming downwind was more potent than if they

walked up and slapped him on his rump to

announce themselves.

“But even fools can be dangerous.” He buried

himself into his bedding, his muscles taut and his

senses focused on the entrance to the cave. He

wouldn’t find sleep until the hunters were

dispensed with. Odoacro knew from experience

that his preparation and patience would be their

undoing.

The Pauper’s Prize

* * * *

Wilhelm had never known Pavel to come into the

town twice on one day. Had something

happened? Rumour had it that he had a beast as a

friend, a creature that lived in the forest in a cave

that vented the roots of the Corinthian mountains.

Some even said that it was the great chimera of

Corrus that protected him. But he didn’t take

much heed of rumours. Lord knows there have

been plenty about him over the years, and most of

them were malicious, spreading through the town

like the disgusting smell of the hides being cured

at the tannery on a still morning.

Pavel headed straight for Wilhelm.

Wilhelm was actually taken aback and took a

step backward. He hadn’t expected that sort of

behaviour so soon from the man of his dreams. He

would have imagined the first encounter to be

quite awkward and difficult. As Pavel drew near,

his stomach churned. He found the delivery door

of the Market Street Bazaar, a shop that was

famous for selling everything from pickled

rabbit’s feet to galangal roots.

As he pressed his back against the door, it

clicked open. He lost his footing and fell onto the

storeroom floor, the dust soon finding his eyes.

Wilhelm coughed as he tried to get up.

“Are you all right, my Lord?” a man said as he

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came over Wilhelm.

“Um, yeah, sure.” He felt himself blush as he

wiped his face with trembling hands.

The man, obviously the store owner, offered his

hand out to Wilhelm. He was short, fat and had a

large Roman nose that sat uneasily on his face, as

if it were made for a bigger man. Wilhelm

accepted his offer of help and was pulled to his

feet, an action that took him by surprise.

“Can I offer you anything from my wares? You

know, as compensation for your accident.”

Wilhelm would have sworn the last word was

spoken with sarcasm. He focused on the task at

hand, which was to get rid of the shop owner so

he could talk to Pavel in private. “I don’t think

so…um, what’s your name, shopkeeper?”

“Persious.”

“Leave me for a moment, please.”

Persious bowed immediately, yet his gaze

remained fixed on Wilhelm. “Are you sure there is

nothing else I can do for you, my Lord?”

Wilhelm shook his head, but didn’t verbally

answer the shopkeeper. As his gaze wandered to

the world outside the storeroom, he could see

Pavel approach the shop. “Go quickly. I need to

conduct business, Persious.”

The shopkeeper disappeared into the darkness

behind shelving crammed with boxes and wares.

Seconds later, a door slammed. He smiled. This

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place would be perfect. He could talk to Pavel

without the prying eyes and sticky ears of those

that searched out gossip in the town’s streets.

Which, he hated to admit, was everyone.

Wilhelm gestured for Pavel to enter the

storeroom. “I take it you’re looking for me?” he

said as soon as Pavel was within ear shot.

“I want to barter with you.” Pavel stepped into

the storeroom, passing deliciously close to

Wilhelm. So close he could feel the young man’s

breath against his cheek.

“What did you want to barter for…and with

what may I ask?” Wilhelm shifted his weight. He

couldn’t help but be affected by his closeness.

“I need bread and fresh meat. In exchange, I

offer you myself. You can have me anyway you

see fit.” Pavel’s gaze lowered until Wilhelm swore

he was looking at his feet. “My body is for your

pleasure,” he added softly.

“I see.”

Pavel began disrobing. “Name what you want

me to do.”

Although this would be a dream come true, the

man of his desires offering himself so freely,

Wilhelm didn’t feel it was appropriate for him to

take advantage of Pavel in such a way. His status

meant he could have anyone, and plenty had

offered themselves to him over the years since his

adulthood. He didn’t want to cheapen this

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moment with Pavel by accepting his offer so

easily. There had to be another way.

He also knew Pavel couldn’t afford to buy the

food he required. The young man was resorting to

the only means he knew how to survive. Wilhelm

felt cornered.

He had to make a deal with Pavel, otherwise

he’d go to someone else, someone like the baker.

But what sort of deal could he make with a man

that had nothing? He certainly didn’t have any

silver or belongings to speak of.

As Wilhelm thought about it, he decided he

would only want him because the feeling between

them was mutual. He wanted Pavel to be his

lover. He wanted him to share his feelings, his

thoughts and his desires, like real lovers did.

Clearly Pavel didn’t see things that way, for he

was beginning to untie the cord to his trousers.

His gaze still fixed on the floor. This was

obviously business to him and Wilhelm felt

terrible their first meeting had to be like this.

He swallowed hard and placed his hand gently

upon Pavel’s shoulder. “Please. Put your shirt

back on, Pavel.”

The young man looked up, the pain clear in his

eyes. “But I have to pay for the food you’re going

to give me.”

“And what if I pay for it for you?” Wilhelm

stepped closer to him.

The Pauper’s Prize

Pavel snorted. “No one has offered to buy me

anything without wanting something in return.”

Wilhelm moved even closer. His lips ever so

close to Pavel’s cheek. “Then I only ask for a kiss,

my friend.”

“A kiss? Is that all?”

Wilhelm could feel Pavel’s chest moving with

his, and as erratically, too. Pavel’s eyes were wide,

and as Wilhelm felt the tickle of his breath against

him, the young man placed his arms around

Wilhelm’s waist. Clearly, Pavel liked his

suggestion.

“Yes. That is all I want.”

“No one has ever kissed me bef—”

More out of desire than anything, Wilhelm

pressed his lips against Pavel’s. He pulled his

body closer to him and immediately began to feel

giddy. The next thing he knew, Pavel parted his

lips with his tongue and was ever so gently

moving it deeper into Wilhelm’s mouth.

He groaned as their tongues connected. The

sensation was exhilarating and over and over both

he and the young man moaned with delight as

they explored their kiss to its deepest level. The

taste of him was exotic, a spice with a sweet after

taste. So manly. So exhilarating.

Wilhelm didn’t want this to end.

Pavel moved his head at an angle Wilhelm

didn’t anticipate. Before he could react, his teeth

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knocked against the young man’s. Immediately

they parted. Pavel placed his hand over his

mouth, a pained look flashed across his face.

“I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t quite,” Wilhelm

stuttered, feeling his cheeks flush. He let go of

Pavel. “That wasn’t how I expected it to happen.

Again, I’m so sorry, Pavel.”

Pavel let out a giggle. “Never mind. I think we

need some more practice, that’s all.”

Wilhelm smiled. “I’d like that very much. If

you’re willing, of course.”

Pavel smiled back. He took a step away from

Wilhelm. The remnants of their saliva on his lips

caught the light and he looked angelic all of a

sudden. “I don’t think—I thought you were

getting married soon? What place would I have in

that?”

“I don’t know just yet.”

Pavel leant over and pecked Wilhelm on his

cheek. “Then it’s been nice, but I’ll have to ask you

for that food. I have made my payment by doing

as you desired. When you’ve given it to me, I’ll

then be on my way and out of your sight, my

Lord.”

“Take whatever you want from the storeroom,”

Wilhelm added with a deep sigh. “I’ll pay for it.”

But his thoughts weren’t in the moment. The

young man was right. He was getting married

soon. He couldn’t help but feel dirty as he

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Chapter Four

fter Pavel had left, Wilhelm stood silent in the

storeroom for what seemed ages. The room,

packed to the ceiling with foodstuff and boxes

containing the wares of the shop seemed so

empty. This dark, lonely place was perfect for

Wilhelm at the moment. He had failed, both

himself and Pavel.

The sound of the storeroom door creaking open

disturbed Wilhelm from his reverie and he gasped

as Persious came out from behind the shelving. In

the commotion with Pavel, he had forgotten all

about the shop owner.

“Sorry to disturb you, my Lord. But have you

finished your business? I need the use of my

storeroom. I have customers waiting.”

“Um…yes. Yes, of course.” Wilhelm grabbed

the handle to the door. It seemed warm. That

sensation made him think of Pavel, for he knew

he’d touched it only seconds before. Wilhelm

needed to be alone for a moment. “Do you have a

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privy nearby I can use, Persious?”

“Yes, my Lord.” The shopkeeper gestured to a

door partially hidden behind storage boxes on the

far wall.

Before Persious could add any more

pleasantries to their already stilted conversation,

Wilhelm made his way into the room, slamming

the door behind him. He pressed his back against

the door once he closed it, sliding down to the

chipped and worn tiles underneath his feet. No

one could get in.

“How could I have been so stupid?” Wilhelm

cursed himself. The scene with Pavel played over

and over in his mind, but no matter how hard he

tried, he couldn’t find a way how he could have

done things to change the situation to a more

positive outcome.

Wilhelm closed his eyes. The image of Pavel,

his short blond hair, his plump lipped smile, the

sparkle in his vibrant green eyes that showed

determination and caring and the rosiness in his

cheeks filled his thoughts until he could think of

nothing else but being immersed in the young

man’s love.

His hand wandered down to his groin. He

would give all he had, all his inheritance and all of

his name to have Pavel for one night. Such a night

would be worth any price.

Wilhelm ran his fingers under the cloth of his

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pants, caressing his skin so he shuddered with the

thought of what he would do when he had Pavel

in his arms once more. Every breath he took, every

movement of his fingers, all had Pavel as their

driving force. He smiled when he ran his

fingertips through his thick pubic hair, ever closer

to his goal.

“How can I get you to be mine?” Wilhelm

groaned as he hastily fumbled with his pants.

When satisfied he had freed his now-erect cock

from its cloth prison, he grabbed it firmly in his

hand. The warmth and touch of himself was

comforting. He moaned as he pulled down on the

root of it. His foreskin retracted to reveal his fully

engorged glans. His urethra wept a single tear of

pre-ejaculate and Wilhelm rubbed it over himself

to use as lubricant for what he had to do next.

He so wanted Pavel to be doing this, for even

the memory of Pavel’s passionate kiss was

powerful enough to make him yearn for more

than what he could give himself. For the here and

now, he couldn’t have Pavel. Relieving himself

would have to suffice, like he had to do every day

since manhood sprang up on his body.

Women had never satisfied him and the house

boys only performed out of fear of losing their

jobs. He had been a victim since he had become a

man. A victim of himself.

Time for that to change.

The Pauper’s Prize

Seconds later, the small restroom was filled

with the gentle sound of Wilhelm pleasuring

himself. A few moments after that, Wilhelm’s

stomach shuddered, his muscles became taut and

he released all he had all over himself.

As the final burst of semen found his stomach,

his bottom lip quivered and his muscles relaxed,

spent. His ecstasy was cleansing, but short-lived.

The guilt crept in again. Wilhelm couldn’t even

look at himself, let alone enjoy the smell or touch

of his freshly spilled sperm over his skin as he

usually did.

Quickly, he grabbed a cloth and rubbed the

reminder of his guilt off his stomach. He felt like

throwing up. Why did everything have to be so

complicated? Why did he have to marry

Catherine? Why couldn’t two people that loved

each other marry regardless of their sex or status?

He pulled his pants up.

Wilhelm left the privy.

As his eyes adjusted to the din that was the

storeroom, the door to the outside opened.

Wilhelm could have sworn he saw a girl leave, but

couldn’t be sure. The light from outside was too

intense and he had to turn away.

He was certain the girl was wearing a

handmaiden’s uniform. One of Catherine’s staff

perhaps? Wilhelm sighed, but in that moment

made up his mind as to the course of action he

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would take. He was going to follow Pavel and tell

him how he really felt, no matter the

consequences.

* * * *

The world outside the cave turned darker.

Evening would soon be upon this part of the

Earth. Odoacro got up off his bed to stretch his

ancient legs. A click of a twig alerted him, and

immediately he sprang to his feet, claws at the

ready.

A familiar scent soon filled his nostrils. A smell

he’d known since the boy had come to him some

ten years ago, abandoned, frightened and needing

someone or something to look after him. That boy

was now a man and his odour was punctuated

with the hormones that raged through his body.

“Why have you come back so soon, Pavel?”

“I got the food quicker than I thought. Good

food this time. Here, take a look.” Pavel thrust out

the bag that carried his reward.

Odoacro could sense immediately the moment

Pavel stepped into the cave proper that the young

man was happy, more so than he had been in a

long while. The tone in his voice was more than

enough to give that away. “You’ve met someone,

haven’t you?”

“Oh, come on, Odo. You may be good at

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smelling, but surely you can’t smell someone on

me that only touched my lips.”

“You’ve been kissed? How delicious for you.”

Pavel’s mouth fell open. “I didn’t say that.”

“Yes, you did. And yes, my sense of smell is far

superior to yours. I can even tell you what your

last meal was.”

“That wouldn’t be hard. I’ve only eaten stale

bread from the baker this past year and whatever

vegetables I can steal from the fields at night. You

know that.”

The chimera sniffed. “True. But I can sense the

one who left his mark on you approach right now.

You’ve been followed, my friend, and I think this

person is definitely interested in more than just a

kiss this time.”

Pavel swallowed as his eyes narrowed. He

clutched the bag of food tighter. “He’s come back

to take away what he gave me, I bet. I didn’t

exactly give him what he wanted, you know?

Well, I don’t think I did.”

“He? How lovely for you. And yes, Pavel, he

has been near the cave since you arrived with your

bag of rewards. He has been waiting for you and

now he comes closer. If he wanted to take back

what he has given you, as you say, I think he

would have done it by now. And you’re wrong,

my friend. I think you have given him everything

he needs.”

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Pavel turned to look behind him. “Wilhelm

wants me? But he’s going to get married soon and

the last time I checked it wasn’t to me.”

“Go to him,” Odoacro purred.

“But I don’t know why he’d want to see

me…I’m a nobody. Why would he want a nobody

that has nothing to offer?”

Outside, heavy winds swayed the trees and

undergrowth and angry clouds seemed to touch

the canopy while the path that led into the cave

reflected the darkened evening sky perfectly.

“Well make your decision quickly, my friend.

I’ll need to start warming the nest earlier tonight if

the weather doesn’t improve.”

* * * *

Pavel also noticed the weather. He’d much rather

stay inside the cave, mainly because there’d be no

doubt it’d rain again at any moment. He was

lucky he got back to the cave without getting wet

this time and he certainly didn’t fancy getting

soaked twice in one day. Why couldn’t Wilhelm

come to him? What did he have to fear?

“I think he wants you to meet him halfway.

Then he’ll know if you’re as interested in him as

he is in you. Ahh, courtship. It never changes, no

matter how many times over the eons I see it.”

Pavel looked down at the bag of food. Odoacro

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was right. He never received such treasures in his

life, even when he gave himself willingly to

another. Even when he was the baker’s favourite,

a year or two back now, he wouldn’t receive more

than a few loaves of day old bread. Never once

did he get fresh fruit, meat and bread all in the one

go. Wilhelm even promised more. And for what?

A kiss? He shook his head. “Then what does

Wilhelm want with me, Odo?”

“Go see, I said, before I push you out there

myself,” was Odoacro’s stern reply.

Pavel sighed. “I’ll go and see then, shall I?”

Finally, after placing down the bag, he stepped

forward. It did rain, the moment he set foot

outside. He cursed under his breath. Again he

sighed, much louder and deeper this time.

The rain pelted him and immediately he

shielded his face from the water that cascaded into

his eyes. But somehow he didn’t mind. He’d never

had anyone wanting him before…ever. His

curiosity was enough to keep him interested, for

now.

Mark Alders

Chapter Five

here was a gentle rap on Catherine’s chamber

door.

“Enter,” she chimed without looking up from

her study.

The one knocking on the door obviously

entered, for the flame of her candle flickered.

“I have news, my lady,” a woman’s voice said.

Without turning to address the visitor, rather

preferring to keep reading, Catherine said sternly,

“Tell me everything, Harriet. Absolutely

everything.”

“It’s about Wilhelm. Your suspicions were

correct.”

Catherine looked up. “I see.” She turned to see

her handmaiden kneeling on the floor, her head

low. “Stand up, my loyal friend. Come. Sit here

and tell me what you saw.”

The young woman came to the chair Catherine

offered. “I was buying the flowers as you

instructed, the ones you wanted samples of for

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your wedding—”

“Yes. Yes. Get to what you saw, not what I sent

you to do. I know that already.”

Harriet cleared her throat behind her hand.

“The shopkeeper came out from the storeroom

complaining that Wilhelm was conducting

business and he wouldn’t be able to get me the

samples I needed just yet.”

Catherine smiled. “And you asked permission

to go into the storeroom?”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“You have done well.” Catherine closed her

book slowly. “What did you see when you got in

there?”

“More than I should have.”

“Of that, I’m sure,” Catherine said, her

impatience growing. She wanted to hear the

reason for Wilhelm leaving the house in such a

hurry, but at the same time, she didn’t for fear of

the consequences.

If Wilhelm went to see someone else, the

wedding could be jeopardised. She would lose

everything, the money, the power and all the

privileges that went with her new status. That

option wasn’t even a consideration in her mind.

She wouldn’t give up so much so easily after a

lifetime of waiting.

“Your Wilhelm was…kissing…another man.”

Harriet turned her head, as if uttering the words

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she spoke would bring about the wrath of her

mistress.

Those five words cut through Catherine with

more impact and precision than a sword wielded

by a master, even though Wilhelm had told her to

her face he wanted men. To actually hear of it

happening, struck her harder than she would have

liked to admit. The shock of such a realisation

rippled over her and she clutched at her chest.

“Lord have mercy. Who was this…man? I must

know.”

“A beggar, my Lady,” Harriet muttered.

Catherine caught her breath. She began to feel

warm, both from the anger that seethed inside and

of the realisation her efforts in securing her future

were now quickly eroding away.

“A beggar?” she asked through gritted teeth.

“Yes, my Lady.”

Catherine felt giddy. How could Wilhelm

throw away all he had and all he could have with

her to be with someone who didn’t even hold rank

or social status? What was he thinking? “Have the

Viscount summoned for me. I think it’s high time

this childish behaviour of Wilhelm’s came to a

stop once and for all.”

Harriet got up off the chair and bowed

immediately. “Yes, my Lady.”

She watched as her handmaiden made her way

to the chamber door. “Oh, and, Harriet, not a

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word to anyone about this, you understand?”

The handmaiden bowed once more before

backing out the door, careful not to show her back

to her mistress.

Once the young woman left, Catherine got up

and began pacing the room, muttering to herself.

“All you had to do was say I do in a week’s time,

Wilhelm, and all would have been well for

everyone. But no, you couldn’t wait, you selfish

fool.” She had to stop herself from shouting. She

was furious. “Why must everything be left to me

to sort out? If I had my way, this would have

never happened.”

About fifteen minutes later, there was a knock

on the door. This time the hand that created it

sounded a lot heavier than Catherine’s

handmaiden.

“Please come in, Viscount.”

“Whatever is the matter, Catherine? To call me

at such an hour is most unorthodox, especially

seeing as there is so much to do before the

wedding.” The Viscount’s voice sounded flustered

and sweat trickled down from his temples. He also

rubbed his neck continuously with his

handkerchief.

“I’ve asked you here to talk about that very

thing. It seems the wedding may be in doubt.”

The Viscount stopped dead. His gaze, glaring

and intent, bored into Catherine. “Where’s

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Wilhelm?”

“I think you need to sit down, Viscount.”

“I shall do no such thing,” he snorted. “If you

know where he is, tell me, Catherine. I’ll send my

best men to go fetch him and drag his sorry hide

back here, so help me.”

“He’s with another man.”

The Viscount’s mouth dropped open and

Catherine could have sworn the man’s face

contorted for a split second. “He’s what?”

“He’s been seen being intimate with a beggar in

one of the town shops.”

“A beggar?”

“Yes. A man who lives on the street,” she told

him, as if he were a simpleton.

The Viscount waved his hand angrily. “I know

what a beggar is. But why? Why would Wilhelm

do such a thing when he has you? He’s a stupid

foolish boy, that’s what he is.”

Catherine began to chuckle, she couldn’t help

herself. “Seems I don’t have what Wilhelm

desires.”

“Rubbish! You have everything and more. And

you can give us an heir. This…this beggar man

most certainly cannot!” The Viscount did sit, but

his demeanour didn’t change. Even the veins in

his neck could clearly be seen. “Do you know the

beggar’s name? Tell me, and I’ll make sure my

stupid son never sees him again.”

The Pauper’s Prize

“I’ll call Harriet back in. She may know.”

“You do that!” he snapped back without

looking at her.

Catherine rang a bell on her desk. A few

moments later, Harriet entered the chambers.

“Yes, my Lady.”

“Harriet, close the door.” Catherine waited for

her handmaiden to obey. When she was satisfied,

she added, “Do you know the name of the man

Wilhelm was with?”

“The shopkeeper only said that he was the one

who was protected by the…what did he call it?

The…chimera, I think he said. He didn’t know the

man’s name. Sorry, my Lady.”

“The chimera?!” The Viscount jumped to his

feet. “That’s perfect!”

“How so, Viscount?” Catherine asked.

“I have men hunting the beast as we speak.” A

smirk crawled across the Viscount’s lips. “I think

I’ll go join them. That way I can sort out all my

troubles in the one fell swoop.”

“And what if you don’t return, Viscount?”

Catherine tried to put a concerned tone into her

voice. “What then?”

The Viscount reached the door, obviously eager

to get on with his new purpose. “You will take

charge, my dear, in my absence. Should anything

happen to me, as you so eloquently put it, you will

not be disadvantaged. Never fear, your place in

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our house and the benefits that go with it, are

yours to enjoy. Of course, you must keep your end

of our arrangement.”

“So long as I marry Wilhelm and produce a

child, you mean?”

“I’m glad we understand each other.” The

Viscount left the chambers. From the hall, he

added, “And I will do everything in my power to

make sure this wedding goes ahead as planned.”

When Catherine was certain the Viscount was

out of earshot, she nodded for Harriet to close the

door once more. “I have a favour to ask of you,

Harriet.”

“Anything you wish, my Lady.”

Catherine smiled. “You will be rewarded well

for your loyalty and service. I want you to know

that. But I have one more thing to ask of you this

day. I want you to summon Reinholt for me. I

need him here as quick as possible.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“I think it’s time I played my hand in this

matter. I don’t like my fate being determined by

others. I’ve waited too long for it to go wrong

now.”

Harriet bowed and left the chambers as quietly

as she always did.

Catherine went to the window. The streets

below were awash with bright lit lamps. The sun

had set. “Soon, if all I have planned works out, all

Mark Alders

Chapter Six

doacro moved forward, stepping carefully

over Pavel’s bag. He could smell the hunters

presence outside, even stronger than before.

There was also another scent coming to his

attention and he believed it to be the odour of the

young man who met Pavel in the town. He had

recently been made aware of this new smell,

thanks to Pavel having it all over him. But the

scent this Wilhelm exuded right now was complex

and somewhat unfamiliar. Odoacro didn’t like

unfamiliar things.

He could smell the young man’s pheromones

and other numerous body odours, but there was

something else there, too. Perhaps there was

someone else with the young man who hid in the

bushes. Perhaps he was frightened. No, the scent

wasn’t of fright. Fright had an acidic quality to it.

This was…he took in more of the air…this was

spicy, musty and sweet all at once. Yes, the odour

was like there was someone else with him it was

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that distinct.

Then again, possibly not.

The chimera extended his claws, just in case. He

didn’t like uncertainties. Uncertainties led to

foolish actions and foolish actions should always

be the last resort.

Survival didn’t favour the foolish.

The chimera snorted. He found it funny another

human could approach without detection,

especially given his keen sense of smell. Odoacro

shook his head. No, there wasn’t another human

out there. There was only this Wilhelm and the

hunting party. And Odoacro was certain the

hunting party were still a fair distance away to be

of any bother. It seemed they were even more

stupid than Odoacro had first thought, stumbling

blindly through the forest they were now moving

away from the nest. Yes, he would have known

instantly when there were people around.

But what of this new smell?

The only other time he smelt such an odour was

when Pavel touched himself at night, unaware his

dreams aroused him. Many times the result of

those dreams soaked him in his own seed. To

waste precious body fluid in such a way didn’t

seem to serve any purpose, especially for survival.

Humans were curious creatures. Then again, the

centuries that had been populated with people

had never been dull, that was certain.

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Odoacro found himself smiling. That was it.

The young man who waited for Pavel was

aroused, drenched in his own ejaculate. The scent

was that of sexual excitement. Wilhelm did indeed

want Pavel, and on an extremely intimate level,

too. How very curious. It seemed Pavel gave this

Wilhelm enough to want more.

“Finally, there may be another for my dear

friend,” Odoacro whispered to himself as he

watched Pavel stand in the rain. “And not a

moment too soon either.”

He noticed Pavel’s shoulders were slumped

and he looked forlorn, waiting for Wilhelm to

make his move. This was obviously wearing thin

for Pavel. His mood exuded a darkness deeper

than the sky above and the chimera could tell that

the offering of food would only be a start. Pavel

needed a lot more than that to survive. Every

human needed much more than that to survive.

Over the years, Pavel had been used, and even

he knew that now. Hopefully, Wilhelm would

turn events so they would favour Pavel, but

Odoacro had a feeling things were going to be

difficult before they got any better.

How he wanted to comfort Pavel, let the young

man sink into the warmth of his fur so he could

lick him as if he were a pup. He knew Pavel liked

that.

The young man hiding behind the bushes

The Pauper’s Prize

added a complication. His intentions were good,

but what would happen when he caught sight of

the great chimera? Sure, he was interested in

Pavel, that was obvious, but Odoacro’s experience

with humans meant that arousal and good

intentions were not necessarily an indication of

any future actions. A hunter could be aroused by

the thought of a kill, after all. He was well aware

what happened to the prey of humans.

“Where is he, Odo?” Pavel called out, obviously

anxious and a touch impatient.

“He’s there. By the bushes. He really wants

you, too, from what I can tell.”

“I don’t need anyone. I have you. That’s

enough,” Pavel snapped as he stepped forward.

“You know I can’t give you everything you

desire…Pavel, you need another who can look

after you. You can’t go offering yourself for stale

bread anymore. And you need more than

friendship. You know this.”

“What could be greater than our friendship?

I’ve survived all right up to this point, haven’t I?

What else do I need? I told you, Wilhelm will

marry soon…then what? Where does that leave

me?”

“You need love from another human,” Odoacro

said with a good dose of sadness in his voice. All

his friends eventually moved on. That was the

way of things being an eternal creation.

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Pavel turned to look at the chimera, his eyes

intent. “Are you saying that Wilhelm loves me so

much that he’ll sacrifice everything to be with me?

Don’t be silly. He wants my body for his own

pleasure until he grows bored. That’s the way it’s

always been with his kind.”

“Possibly. It’s hard to tell completely. He is

certainly giving off enough to indicate extreme

interest at the very least.”

Pavel snorted. “That’s impossible. I don’t know

of any reason why he would risk his family’s

reputation and wealth to be with me, let alone

love me. I am a homeless pauper, remember? I

don’t have anything to offer other than the

warmth of my mouth around his cock. I bet

Wilhelm wants to make me an offer for my body.

He only lusts for me so I can beg him for a morsel

of food to keep me alive long enough so I can go

back to him again and again. I’d be his bit on the

side. That’s what I bet.”

“Then why don’t you ask him?” Odoacro had

seen Wilhelm come out from the bushes. He was a

somewhat attractive lad for a human, tall, well

built and with hair as dark as the feathers of the

crows. But the sight of the young man didn’t give

Odoacro as much joy as what the young man felt

for Pavel.

He recognised him as the Viscount’s son, for the

family resemblance was striking. A fact Pavel

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hadn’t mentioned before. This knowledge

certainly changed things.

The chimera sighed. He knew the Viscount had

been hunting him for years. Was this a trick to

gain knowledge of Odoacro’s whereabouts? More

than likely. The pelt of a chimera’s hide would

make a Viscount an even wealthier man. So much

so he could even rise to the rank of Duke. A prize

worth almost any risk, including the prostitution

of his only son.

Was Pavel right in being suspicious? Had the

Viscount sent his only son and heir to the cave to

court Pavel in the hope of getting to the chimera?

“Wilhelm?” Pavel said with an audible gasp,

knocking Odoacro from his reverie.

Odoacro noticed how Pavel’s voice broke when

he uttered that name. Perhaps Pavel’s doubt was

all a façade.

Mark Alders

Chapter Seven

atherine was still at the window of her

chambers when once more a knock at the door

broke the silence she so cherished. “Enter,” she

snapped.

“You summoned me, Catherina?” a man’s voice

said in a thick Germanic accent, as smooth as the

handmade silk eiderdown on Catherine’s bed and

as alluring.

Her skin crawled when she realised who the

one at her door was, but turned so as not to show

disrespect to the man who held no loyalties.

Before her was the tall, athletic frame of the man

who would turn events to her favour, if she could

pay the price he required. Reinholt wasn’t cheap.

Then again, professional assassins never were.

“Yes, I did.” She smiled. “Reinholt, you will

play a big part in my plan to rule the town of

Corrus. I want you to make sure the Viscount

never returns from his little venture.”

“And where has the Viscount gone at this late

The Pauper’s Prize

hour, may I ask?”

“In search of his son.”

Reinholt nodded slowly and his scarred face

wrinkled.

Catherine assumed he was smiling.

“From certain sources, I hear that Wilhelm went

off with a man into the Drakmere forest. You

know what lives in there, Catherina?”

“I do.”

“And I suppose you would also know that the

Drakmere is a dangerous place, especially at night,

no?”

“So I believe.”

Reinholt stepped closer.

Catherine immediately felt uncomfortable. She

had to stop herself from taking a step back. “You

know what to do then?”

“My fee has doubled since the last time.”

Catherine drew in the air and whispered, “I

understand. Just make sure Wilhelm is alive. I

need him.”

“Apparently he doesn’t need you from what I

hear.”

Catherine swallowed. “That is all, Reinholt.”

She went to her bedside drawer and pulled out

her purse. “Here is half of the fee in advance. You

will receive the other half when the Viscount is

dead and Wilhelm is returned to me. Is that

clear?”

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Reinholt offered a slight nod as he snatched the

silver from Catherine’s hand. “Pleasure doing

business with you,” he said, stuffing the coins

hastily into his leather pouch that hung around his

waist. “I can tell you that the Viscount will have a

rather unfortunate accident out there in the forest.

And his son, desperate to try and save him, will

fail. He will have no choice but to come home.

Rest assured, my Catherina, you will have your

wish. Let’s just hope it’s what you really want,

no?”

“Make sure you dispose of the beggar, as well.”

“Consider it done,” Reinholt said with a sneer.

He left the chamber, closing the door behind him.

The silence greeted Catherine once more. She

realised she was holding her breath and her hands

were trembling. “I need a drink,” she said as she

rang the bell.

* * * *

“Before you tell me to leave, there’s something

you should know, Pavel,” Wilhelm said as his lips

quivered. He felt his stomach churn as he took in

the sight of the creature who stood next to the

young man.

The chimera was as magnificent as he’d heard.

Even through the rain, the beast’s features were

unmistakable. It had the body and head of a noble

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lion, a dragon’s tail full of shimmering green

scales and the horns of a mighty ram. He could

plainly see why his father had talked about

hunting the creature many times.

“Tell me quick,” Pavel said, his hands firmly

planted on his hips. “I have little patience, and my

friend’s claws can shred you to pieces in seconds.”

Wilhelm licked his lips, before he added, “Can

we go inside? It’s rather wet out here.”

“Why have you been following me? You have

given me my reward for what I have offered. Isn’t

that enough? Why bother me again so soon?”

Clearly Pavel and the chimera would need

more than an excuse to convince them. Finally, he

plucked up the courage to summon the words he

needed to speak to be believed. “I ran away from

home so I could…so I could be with you, Pavel.”

“Come inside,” the chimera rumbled in a

guttural tone. “Getting wet won’t do any of us

good. And my fur takes hours to dry.”

Wilhelm noticed Pavel shoot a glance at the

beast. Did he need more convincing? Surely not.

His kiss back in the storeroom was not only filled

with passion, it was consumed by wanting, too.

Perhaps Pavel was protecting the chimera. He had

an idea.

Inside the cave the air was warm and inviting.

Not like Wilhelm had expected a cave to be. Sure,

it was dark and dusty and only lit by a couple of

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torches, but not to the extent it would be

uncomfortable.

“Now what’s all this about?” Pavel asked

defiantly.

Before he could add any more venom to his

words, Wilhelm grabbed him by his shoulders and

pulled him close. As Pavel’s mouth fell open,

probably from surprise more than anything, he

leaned forward and kissed him.

Wilhelm’s mind spun as his lips came in contact

with Pavel’s. The taste of the young man was hard

to pinpoint, but delicious. He tasted like bread and

saliva and something unexplainable. It was

wonderful. The water that dripped off his hair

added to the experience. The kiss was wet and

warm and exhilarating, just as he had

remembered even though it went horribly wrong

back in the storeroom.

This time, Wilhelm was determined he

wouldn’t make the same mistake again. He

wanted this kiss to be perfect. He knew Pavel

would be worth the risks he had taken. That stolen

kiss and the promise of more meant everything to

him right now.

Pavel groaned, and as Wilhelm sent in his

tongue to explore all the sensations on offer, he

felt arms wrap around him, squeezing him tight.

He obviously liked being kissed.

He heard a chuckle coming from the chimera.

The Pauper’s Prize

“Excellent. My friend, you have found another

that needs you. See? Surprises and unexpected

love can happen, Pavel.”

Pavel broke away and uttered, “I-I…I didn’t

expect that again so soon. I’ve…I’ve never been

kissed so many times before. Not by anyone,

especially not by the likes of you. Why are you

doing this?” Pavel’s arousal was clear, the tattered

trousers he wore didn’t hide much.

“I told you, I wanted you. I always have.

Surely, you must have noticed how I have looked

at you? I’ve even followed you through the village

on many occasions before I offered you those

groceries. Don’t you remember?”

The young man offered a shaky smile.

“Yes…but I…I feel like our relationship should be

more than…” Pavel looked up directly into his

eyes. “My, Lord, you can have me. I’m yours to do

with however you like.”

That took Wilhelm aback. “Are you offering

yourself because I ask of it or because you think

you may gain reward from such an act? Sure, I can

provide for you, much more than you can even

imagine. But I don’t want you because you think

I’ll pay you for your body. I did what I did

because of love. Nothing more.”

“But I need to eat, don’t you get it?”

The chimera politely coughed. “Now, now,

Pavel. Let the Viscount’s son show you the true

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intentions of his heart. When he is done, you will

not need to question him. You will know.”

“If he wants me, he’ll have to offer something

in return. I have greater needs to worry about. I

have Odo to provide for as well, you know?”

“I can provide for myself. No need to worry

about that, my dear friend,” Odoacro said with a

purr-like rumble. “And your cunning will see that

you’ll survive, of that I am certain. You know,

come to think of it, I’d enjoy warming you both. I

can make sure you don’t catch a death of cold.

Now enjoy your newfound friendship and worry

about other things later, you hear me?”

Wilhelm noticed that Pavel’s stare stayed fixed

on him, even as the chimera spoke. The time was

ripe to tell him what he really wanted. He suffered

from a different kind of hunger, one that haunted

his dreams and stabbed his every waking thought

since he could remember. A hunger and a need

that could only be satisfied by being with another

man. Sure, he could have Catherine within a

heartbeat, or any other for that matter. But a

woman couldn’t give him what Pavel could. His

desires had been with him since he felt the first

signs of manhood change his body and was

something he couldn’t ignore. “I don’t want you,

Pavel,” Wilhelm uttered. “I want you to have me.”

Pavel’s glare became filled with surprise. His

eyes widened. “What did you say?”

The Pauper’s Prize

“You heard me.” Wilhelm came close again.

He could feel Pavel’s hot breath against his skin

as he moved closer to take in everything about the

attractive young man before him—his scent, his

taste and more importantly, his gratification.

Their cheeks touched. Pavel opened his mouth

to gasp and their stubble rasped together, a noise

that became amplified by the cave. Wilhelm, too,

let out a moan of approval. This was even better

than he dreamed. To have Pavel’s touch against

his skin again was perfect. Just perfect.

They both embraced each other once more.

He brushed his lips against Pavel’s, gently at

first, so as to tease. With another moan, he placed

his lips firmly onto the succulence that was the

young man. The invitation to do so clear. Pavel

tightened his embrace to pull Wilhelm in closer,

and he responded by running his hands under

Pavel’s shirt. Never once did they let go of their

sensual contact.

Immediately, he noticed how soft and velvety

Pavel’s back was. No wonder he was a prize to the

perverts of the village. He was a beauty to both

behold and to touch. But no more. He would make

sure Pavel didn’t have to offer himself to anyone

to survive. Not ever.

Seconds later, Wilhelm’s mind filled with

images and thoughts of dreamy giggles, knowing

glances and ultimately of the need to be with

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another that wanted exactly as he did. Catherine

could never understand this need. How could a

woman understand the needs of a man that loves

another man?

Wilhelm felt the chimera nuzzle them gently

toward the back of the cave, but he was so

completely and utterly lost in the world of Pavel,

relishing every nuance of the young man’s touch,

that thunder and lightning wouldn’t spoil this

moment. For someone who had never been kissed

too often, Pavel sure knew how to perform such

an action. Wilhelm’s heart beat faster.

He glanced beyond Pavel for a brief moment

and noticed the chimera had led them to a

glorious bed of straw, cloth and cushion. They

were pushed onto the bed.

Wilhelm parted, his lips tingling from all the

attention. “I want you to take me now,” he gasped

as he began clawing at his shirt and disrobing.

The Pauper’s Prize

Chapter Eight

avel looked intently as Wilhelm took off the

finery he was adorned with, becoming

conscious of the tatters that clung to his own thin

frame like wet brown paper. To wear clothes such

as Wilhelm’s would be a dream, the material

looked exotic, full of colour and vibrancy.

In the dim light, he also noticed how Wilhelm’s

body, now without the cover of any status, was

beautifully sculptured. His features had a striking

softness to them. His body, almost hairless, looked

ever so alluring. He could also tell he ate well, a

far cry from the skin and bone of his own

existence. The young man was indeed worthy of

attention.

He traced his gaze down Wilhelm’s frame to

eventually rest on the sight of his genitals. The tuft

of pubic hair was a lovely introduction to the

spectacle of his cock underneath.

Wilhelm certainly wasn’t shy, and he knelt so

he had a leg on either side of Pavel, straddling

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him. He could tell the Viscount’s son enjoyed

showing off what the Lord gave him, and from

what he saw, there was good reason for that

attitude. Wilhelm’s foreskin hung amply from a

magnificent organ, and his testicles, ripe with

manhood, were a virile red.

Normally Pavel didn’t get a chance to examine

those who lay him down to bed. But this time he

took it all in, enjoying every detail of what

Wilhelm had to offer.

“You like what you see, don’t you?” Wilhelm

said as he came down over him. “And it’s all

yours, you know?”

Wilhelm had clawed Pavel’s clothes off before

he could answer. Soon it was his turn to have his

body exposed to the cool air of the cave. The

Viscount’s son gasped as soon as he pulled down

Pavel’s trousers. The sight of his cock, erect and

ready, must have pleased him. It certainly pleased

Pavel. Normally, those who used him weren’t

concerned with showing interest like Wilhelm did.

He felt special, wanted and needed all at the same

time. A warm sensation enveloped him and made

him numb with joy.

Odoacro moved so he was above Pavel’s head,

the creature curling around his friend.

Immediately, he felt warmth as the chimera began

to breathe out his magical fire. He would now be

comfortable to enjoy what Wilhelm offered.

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Everything was perfect.

But Pavel felt nervous. What if I can’t do this? He

said with a stutter, “I do like what I see.” His

anxiousness surprised him and he felt as though

this were his first time with another man.

“May I pleasure you before you lay me down?”

Wilhelm asked as he leaned down and gently

kissed Pavel’s navel.

“I can’t believe I’m being asked such a thing by

the likes of you. I’m…I’m honoured.” But as Pavel

spoke those words, Wilhelm continued to kiss his

stomach, taking hold of his cock and feeling the

weight of it in his hand. “Oh, my Lord,” he added

with a nervous giggle.

Wilhelm kissed lower and lower, using his

tongue, too. A trail of wetness led down, only to

disappear within the silky depths of Pavel’s pubic

hair. He couldn’t help but watch intently as the

Viscount’s son adorned him with his affection.

He’d never been treated this way and his stomach

quivered beneath his lover’s touch. Filled with a

sense of joy, he couldn’t help but smile.

Pavel let out a gasp of surprised delight as

Wilhelm’s mouth engulfed his cock, all of it. Pavel

felt his foreskin retract and his sensitive head was

now exposed and ready for the attention of his

lover’s tongue. Wilhelm didn’t waste any time as

he clasped his hand around the base of Pavel,

pulling down on the skin even more so he could

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roll his tongue over his most sensitive parts,

including his frenulum. Pavel let you a pleased

yelp. Somewhat delightfully, Wilhelm made

delicious slurping noises as he worked the length

of his swollen cock, too.

Pavel giggled again, but covered his mouth. He

didn’t want to seem rude. Not at all. He could

even feel his cheeks grow warm as Wilhelm

feasted on his cock, the groans and growls that

resulted a sure sign of his delight.

His stomach had gone beyond mere quivering.

Pavel could see it move in rhythm as Wilhelm

worked his lips over the entire length of him. The

skin of his cock was so wet it glistened, even in the

dim light created by the chimera.

Wilhelm came away and his erection slapped

against his stomach. “Now you are ready. I lay

down for you, my beautiful Pavel.”

Sure enough, Wilhelm sidled next to him so he

became crowned by Odoacro’s mane. The smile he

offered drove Pavel wild, and what’s more, he

played with himself as Pavel got up to come over

his newfound and unexpected lover.

He had never seen anyone touch themselves

because of anything he had done. This whole

experience was new to him, and his fingers and

toes tingled, reflecting his anticipation and

delight. He had never felt such warm sensations

during sex before.

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“You offer yourself willingly for me?” Pavel

asked. His voice broke as he spoke those words,

and the last word was said with an elated squeak

as he surprised himself.

Wilhelm emanated confidence with every move

he made as he opened his legs. No reply was

needed. The Viscount’s son’s actions were more

than enough to convince him of what to do next.

Pavel had never taken another before. He had

always been the one underneath. The one with his

head buried in the pillow or hay or whatever so he

would be silent and couldn’t breathe. The one who

had his buttocks in the air, receptive without

question to the abuse that would follow.

The sight of Wilhelm’s readiness aroused him

even more. His testicles began to ache. In one fluid

motion, Pavel pushed his cock into Wilhelm’s

rectum, careful not to hurt him too much by going

in too quickly. Being covered in saliva made the

motion easy, a courtesy most others didn’t bother

about.

Wilhelm let out a delighted yelp as he pushed

in deeper. The warmth of the Viscount’s son

around him was pure ecstasy, and he groaned so

loud his echo answered many times. He thought

he’d release his sperm there and then, but grabbed

at the base of himself and concentrated so he

didn’t.

Pavel lost some of his erection as his thoughts

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wandered too far away. He panicked, and his

stomach knotted. He didn’t want this encounter to

be over too soon, yet he didn’t want to lose his

hardness. Wilhelm wasn’t helping. He was

magnificent. He was perfect.

This was a strange experience for Pavel. To be

the one in command never happened, so to savour

it would be wise. The opportunity may never arise

again. He wrestled with his thoughts, and trying

to maintain the balance between what his mind

wanted and what his body craved wasn’t as easy

as he’d imagined.

He closed his eyes to try and block out the

visual feast that accelerated his desire. The sight of

the Viscount’s son attached to his cock was

enough to send him over the edge anyway. But

what made everything about this whole

experience even more sensual was the fact

Wilhelm continued to touch himself even as Pavel

pleasured him.

Closing his eyes didn’t help, he discovered. The

cave was filled with the sounds of their pleasure.

Not only was there the gentle noise of Pavel’s

testicles slapping against Wilhelm’s buttocks, but

there was also the hum of the chimera purring as

he gave them warmth. On top of that there was

the delicious sound of Wilhelm pleasuring

himself. It all became too much and he knew he

was going to release everything he had and at any

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moment, too. Pavel groaned. “Oh, my Lord.”

“You’re so good,” Wilhelm said with a gasp.

He opened his eyes. Wilhelm was writhing on

the bed, arching his back and licking his lips

furiously as he moved deep and hard inside him.

He closed his eyes again quickly, now conscious

once more of how soon this could be over.

Everything was heightened, especially his senses.

Even his mind couldn’t concentrate on anything

other than that of the pleasure of his flesh, no

matter how hard he tried.

He felt a tingle rise up to consume him.

Wilhelm had clenched himself tighter around

Pavel’s cock. He’d even folded his legs behind his

back to try and pull him in closer, to make him go

in deeper. Ecstasy now prickled at Pavel’s skin,

even more intense than the pins and needles he

felt before. “I’m going to explode soon, Wilhelm.”

His voice sounded harsh, even to himself.

Pavel opened his eyes again. After much

thought, he knew he wanted to feast on what lay

before him. Why not? Why fight it anymore? As

he did so, he saw Wilhelm release his seed all over

himself, a great ribbon of glistening white fluid

went from his stomach to his neck, and a pool had

gathered in his navel.

That was the signal Pavel wanted—no, needed,

and he let go of all he had, too.

As Pavel pumped more and more of his sperm

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inside his lover, he collapsed onto him to embrace

him. The warmth, sweat and manly smell off

Wilhelm’s body was so welcome. He didn’t care

that the stickiness of his ejaculate came with the

embrace. In fact, it made it better. Pavel felt

liberated, thankful and relieved all at once. His

first time had been fantastic.

Pavel kissed his lover, a kiss that conveyed his

deepest gratitude and emotion, and one like he

had never done before, full of intent and purpose.

After an eternity of deep kisses, sensual touches

and dizzy spells, he finally pulled his lips off

Wilhelm. “Why me?” he asked softly. “I’m

nobody.”

Odoacro rumbled. “You should never question

the actions of the heart, Pavel. They don’t come

around too often in my experience.”

Pavel slipped himself out of his lover’s warmth.

Within a few moments, he missed the feeling of

him around his cock. He wanted to make love to

him again and again. Was his first time going to be

his last? He hoped not.

“I told you, I want to be with you, Pavel. What

we just shared confirmed that for me.”

“I don’t mean that…I mean… You’re the

Viscount’s son. You could have anyone. But you

and me? How can we make this work? Your father

isn’t exactly renowned for his charity.”

The chimera growled. “I can smell others

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approach.”

Wilhelm’s eyes widened. He looked agitated.

“They must have followed me…I’m so sorry. I just

want to be with you, my beautiful Pavel.”

“Get dressed, both of you,” Odoacro ordered as

he sprung to his feet.

Pavel felt a chill and his skin tightened with

gooseflesh as the warmth from the chimera

dissipated. Odoacro had left the bed.

“How can we stay together?” Wilhelm asked,

his tone filled with dismay as he sat up. “It’s just

impossible, Pavel. Impossible, I say.”

“Nothing’s impossible.” A newfound

determination swept through Pavel, and he

couldn’t help but verbalise his awakened feelings.

“We’ve just got to figure it out, that’s all.” Pavel

got up. He could smell his lover all over himself.

He could see it all over him, too. He liked this

reward for what he did most of all.

“You don’t know my father. He’ll hang me,

that’s for sure. You as well. Especially if he finds

out about…this…and what’s here in the cave.”

“Yes, I’m quite a find,” Odoacro purred. “Rest

assured, I will protect you both as best I can. And

also know, what you both have, what you have

both shared and experienced, is indeed love. Take

it from me. I’ve seen eons pass and rarely have I

seen someone risk everything. His life, the love of

his father and his status, to be with the one he has

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chosen as his mate. I admire you, Wilhelm. And I

admire you, Pavel, for accepting him and

embracing what he offered.”

Pavel hugged his lover again. “I do accept you,

Wilhelm. You have shown me something I never

thought possible.”

The Pauper’s Prize

Chapter Nine

doacro moved away from his bed, leaving the

two lovers to dress. The smell of them both as

their passion mingled pleased him. It would

certainly be a scent Odoacro could come to love.

“Stay here. If there is trouble, you know what to

do, Pavel.”

Pavel nodded. “I know.”

The chimera didn’t know whether or not Pavel

would take the escape tunnel, but was comforted

by the knowledge his friend knew such a place

existed.

Odoacro had more important matters on his

mind. Having four approaching humans to

contend with was his priority. One of the hunters

was Wilhelm’s father. The family scent was

unmistakable. “Show yourselves!” he roared. His

voice vibrated the walls of the cave and disturbed

the dust. “I know you’re all there waiting to claim

me.”

Movement could be seen through the gloom

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outside. Within moments, four figures crowded

the mouth of the cave, dripping wet and looking

miserable. Odoacro knew at least two of the men

didn’t want to be here. They had been forced. He

could smell the acidity of fear oozing from them.

“You know why we’ve come here, beast,”

Wilhelm’s father said.

“Father?” Wilhelm gasped. “You…you

followed me?”

“You come here to offer me thanks for not

devouring your son,” Odoacro added.

The Viscount snorted. “When Catherine told

me of what happened, I didn’t believe it

completely until now. Why couldn’t you do as

you were told, Wilhelm? Now everything is

ruined.” His face darkened, reflecting the sky

outside. “As far as I’m concerned, you are no son

of mine. And from what I can see, it is a good

thing, too. When you ran away to be with that

worthless beggar, you dishonoured my name and

forfeited your inheritance. You, Wilhelm, are now

as worthless as the man you want to be with. I

hope you’re happy.”

“Catherine told you where I am?” Wilhelm

stuttered, his voice filled with surprise. He added

with a gasp, “She betrayed me?”

“You shouldn’t underestimate or question

love.” Odoacro stepped closer to the mouth of the

cave. “That will be your undoing, Viscount.”

The Pauper’s Prize

“Love? Love? Don’t make me laugh.” The

Viscount did laugh, glaring at his friends to

encourage them to join in. “How can two men not

related love one another? That’s against nature’s

law, that’s what it is. It’s disgusting.”

Odoacro could see the other men step gingerly

forward, the weapons they grasped in plain view.

“Is that why you hunt me? Because I’m against

nature’s law, too. Tell me when it all ends?” As

Odoacro spoke, wisps of smoke curled around his

head. “Come back here when all those who are

different are wiped out and you are a very lonely

man on a very lonely planet.”

“Now!” the Viscount screamed.

Odoacro could see exactly what the hunters

were doing, their tactics were infantile. The man

with the crossbow fell to his knees so that he could

aim true. The one with the sword came to flank

the left, the man with the mace, the right. The

Viscount naturally took the middle. Odoacro had

seen this so many times before, and from men

worth far more than this rabble.

Instead of wiping them out with a mere flick of

his tail or a blow of his breath, Odoacro had an

idea. Obliterating the enemy in this case would

not help their cause. More from the village would

soon follow. And besides, Wilhelm needed to

restore his name as much as Pavel needed to eat.

He let them attack first. A bolt from the

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crossbow struck his shoulder, and as he let out a

roar, one that moved the ground beneath his

paws, the swordsman and the mace-man charged.

He heard Pavel scream.

The Viscount drew a knife from his tunic. “You

will make me rich beyond my wildest dreams,

chimera.”

Before the swordsman struck, Pavel and

Wilhelm crossed his path, coming to Odoacro’s

side.

“You can’t hurt him!” Pavel screamed. “He’s

done nothing to you.”

“Get out of the way, boy!” the Viscount yelled.

“Olaf, attack the beast now! Finish him! I order it!”

The swordsman and the other man couldn’t

attack. Pavel and Wilhelm had thrown themselves

onto the chimera, to become the beast’s human

shields.

“No, Father,” Wilhelm cried out, his voice

weighted with his emotions. “Pavel’s right. You

can’t hurt him. Just because you own land and

have money, doesn’t mean you own another’s

life.”

“I can do as I please. A life is like anything, a

commodity. Now get out the way, or you’ll no

longer be considered my son.”

“I thought you had already disowned me? I

heard you say it with my very own ears only a few

moments ago.”

The Pauper’s Prize

The Viscount paused for a moment in thought.

“Bah! Just get out of the way. I’ll deal with you

later.”

“No!” Wilhelm’s face was bright red, a perfect

reflection of his anger.

“Don’t say no to me. Move, Wilhelm. I’ll tan

your sorry hide later for your disobedience.”

Odoacro could see the agitation on the

Viscount’s face. He obviously wasn’t used to being

defied. Odoacro felt the sting of the crossbow bolt

that had been lodged into his flesh and his leg

numbed. He hoped this would be over soon. He

didn’t like being uncomfortable.

“I won’t move.” Wilhelm held out his hand.

Pavel took it and together they both stood up, tall

and defiant. “You’ll have to kill us both to get to

the chimera.”

“Then if that is what I have to do, then so be it.”

The other men glanced at the Viscount. The one

who had been referred to as Olaf stepped back.

“I’m not a murderer, my Lord. Kill the beast, yes.

That’s what you said. But I’m not killing an

unarmed man for no reason. Not for what you pay

me.”

Odoacro could feel the Viscount’s anger

building. It radiated from him like the clouds that

generated a storm.

“What? It’s only a pathetic pauper and his lover

that stand between us. Are you going to let these

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two worthless imps come between us and a

fortune?” Spittle flew from his mouth as he spoke

and his eyes bulged in their sockets.

The swordsman lowered his weapon. “You said

this would be easy, my Lord. I’m not here to

butcher those who cannot defend themselves. I’m

a man of honour. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Then give my son your mace, Erin. But if you

do, you have lost your share of the spoils. And the

same goes for you, Olaf. Your reputations, along

with your meagre possessions, will still be intact, I

can assure you.”

Both men stepped away, leaving their weapons

behind.

Odoacro chuckled to himself as he saw them

retreat. They were smart men. But smart men or

not, they would be opportunists. He made a

mental note to keep an eye on them.

Wilhelm picked up the mace thrown at his feet.

“Do you want to fight me, son? Is that it?” the

Viscount spat.

Wilhelm didn’t reply. Instead, he let out a cry

and charged at his father, swinging the weapon

wildly.

There was a clash of metal, one that rang out to

strike concern in Odoacro’s heart, especially with

what happened next. Wilhelm obviously wasn’t

used to wielding a weapon and the weight of the

mace knocked him off balance as he swung to hit

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his father.

The Viscount merely stepped aside once their

weapons parted contact.

Wilhelm found the dirt.

Pavel rushed to his lover.

Odoacro smiled in the only way a chimera

could, from the inside. Both of these young men

had shown their worth. They had more honour in

their smallest fingers than the Viscount could ever

have.

As Pavel helped Wilhelm to his feet, his father

charged. The blade caught the torchlight as he

raised it high. With a fluid motion, and before

Wilhelm could get fully upright, he swung the

blade down onto his son.

Before the blade came down onto Wilhelm,

Pavel came up between his lover’s legs and picked

up the discarded sword. In one frantic motion, he

thrust it up at the man.

The Viscount, with his stomach exposed, let out

a stilted cough as the sword ran him through. The

knife he held fell to the dirt by Pavel’s side.

“My, son!” the Viscount said with a blood-

chilling splutter and a moan. He slumped to the

ground, letting out one final gasp of air.

“I’m not your son, remember,” Wilhelm spat.

“But I’ll take back my inheritance and honour.”

Pavel came up to embrace his lover. Both took

each other into their arms and a heated kiss sealed

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their joy and their relief.

Odoacro felt the time was ripe for action, before

anyone else decided to get greedy. “So what of

you three, hmm? Do you feel the same as the

Viscount? Is what you see here worth

destroying?”

The crossbow man raised his weapon, aiming it

straight at the chimera. “More money for us, is all

that means, beast,” he said with a sneer.

Before the man could fire a bolt, Odoacro leapt

over to him as effortlessly as if he were made of

the air itself. He bought down his dragon-scaled

tail onto the man’s head, cleaving him neatly into

two before gracefully landing near the mouth of

his lair. It was still raining. “Anyone else want to

question their loyalties?” Odoacro shook a paw

that had landed in a puddle.

The other two men got onto their knees and

bowed low until their foreheads touched the soil.

The swordsman said, “We pledge our

allegiance to Viscount Wilhelm, the man with the

power of the chimera.”

Wilhelm craned his neck to look at the men, but

didn’t let go of Pavel. “You do?” he asked,

surprise mixed in with his words.

“Yes, my Lord,” Olaf said.

“In that case, I want to be with Pavel. I want

him to have everything I have. Oh, and I want the

chimera protected so long as he is on my land.

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Chapter Ten

ilhelm held onto Pavel for his dear life. His

lover had saved his life, in more ways than

one. First he had accepted him, then he’d given

him back his freedom and honour. As he took in

Pavel’s delicious scent, a spicy odour mixed with

his own ejaculate, he realised this was the man he

wanted to spend eternity with.

“Are you two all right?” Odoacro asked,

coming over to them and nudging them gently.

He purred.

Pavel smiled. “I think the town has a new

Viscount, and one that will be loved by all the

people, I’m sure. Especially by me.”

Wilhelm finally felt the courage to let go of his

lover. “Do I want to follow in my father’s

footsteps?”

“It’s a family title, is it not?” Odoacro

questioned. “And besides, the title doesn’t make

the man, the man himself does. You will be just

fine, Wilhelm. Your first decree was an indication

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of that.”

“Yes, I suppose it was. But I just want to look

after Pavel. I want to provide for him. He has

given me so much already.”

Pavel kissed Wilhelm on his cheek. “You have

given me so much, too.”

“You have already provided for him, in more

ways than you can realise,” the chimera said.

“You have provided companionship that can most

certainly blossom into true love. Certainly, money

buys food and clothes and shelter, but what a

human needs to be really happy is what you both

have right now.”

“You’re right, Odo,” Wilhelm whispered. “I do

have someone special. And for the first time in my

life, too.”

The chimera directed them to his bed once

more. Again Wilhelm didn’t notice being moved

across the cave until he was there and the gesture

was indeed a welcome one. He wanted to be with

Pavel again. He was ready.

Before Wilhelm could add another word, the

chimera was warming the air around them. He

looked around the cave. The place was

magnificent. He wouldn’t mind at all if this were

to be his home. So long as Pavel was happy, he

would be, too. “Where is the body of

my…father…and the other man?”

The chimera purred louder as he snuggled

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himself into his bed. “They have been put to good

use, Wilhelm. No need to worry.”

Pavel laughed. “They’re now fuel for the fire,

hey, Odo?”

Wilhelm hadn’t seen the chimera eat the bodies.

Then again, he had been wrapped in Pavel’s arms.

It was a wonderful feeling being so immersed in

another that even time had no meaning.

“I want you, Wilhelm,” Pavel said, knocking

Wilhelm from his thoughts. “You can take me this

time, I’m yours.”

Now it was Wilhelm’s turn to smile. “Are you

offering yourself to me?”

“Yes,” Pavel whispered.

“And what do you want in return, may I ask?”

Wilhelm said with a giggle.

Pavel bought Wilhelm closer. “My prize is

you…forever and ever.”

Wilhelm realised something wasn’t quite right.

He sat up. “But there is one concern I haven’t

addressed yet. One more important than my

father.”

“What is it, Will? Um, may I call you Will, my

Lord?”

“Of course you can, my beautiful Pavel.” He

smoothed his hand across his lover’s cheek. “My

main concern is Catherine.”

“Your future bride, you mean?” Pavel said with

a frown emphasised by the disgusted tone tainted

The Pauper’s Prize

in his voice. “Why should she be of concern? From

what I’ve heard she’s nothing but trouble.”

Odoacro interjected, “You must go to her, both

of you. I have a feeling there is more happening

here than you know.”

“What gives you that idea, Odo?”

“Don’t worry, Pavel. She won’t be my future

bride, not after what has happened, that’s for

sure.” Wilhelm stood, offering his hand to Pavel.

“Then again, I want you to know I never even

entertained the idea of marrying her.”

Odoacro stood, his nose in the air. “In answer

to your question, Pavel my friend, someone else

approaches the cave. That is how I know there is

more going on.”

Pavel pushed Wilhelm behind him. “Stay here,

Will. I’ll go see who it is.”

Wilhelm didn’t complain. It seemed Pavel had

taken on the role as his protector, as he did for

Odoacro. He had wanted all his life to be looked

after, to be the one who would be kept. He was

tired of having so much expected of him, being the

Viscount’s son. No more. His man would care for

him and give him what he needed both physically

and emotionally. No woman could do that.

Odoacro responded. “You both stay here. I’ll go

see. This one is different. Not like the other

hunters at all. He has managed to get close to my

nest without being detected. A feat in itself, I must

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say.”

“A professional hunter, you mean?” Wilhelm

said quietly.

Odoacro didn’t answer. Instead, he roared.

The cave vibrated and the dust that clung to the

ceiling loosened to fall like snow around them.

The chimera’s bellow was so intense, they covered

their ears.

Odoacro’s roar formed words filled with anger.

“Show yourself intruder. I know you’re there. A

dog in heat creates less stink than you.”

Wilhelm saw the chimera move with lightning

speed over to the entrance of the cave, as a cat

would for a mouse. Odoacro’s mouth was ablaze

with his magical fire. Had he caught the intruder?

Wilhelm wasn’t sure. Everything happened at

once, including the sensation of being pulled away

from Pavel.

When Wilhelm looked around, realising

something or someone had indeed pulled him

away, he discovered he was being held by a tall

man with a cruel face. The thing was, he couldn’t

call for help. The man’s rough hands were pressed

hard against his mouth.

Wilhelm heard Pavel scream.

Odoacro turned and immediately his hackles

stood to attention. “I see you’re no amateur,

hunter. You threw your scent off your trail well.

That little bag of stinkwood you placed at the cave

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entrance worked well.”

“I only come for Wilhelm, no?”

The ugly man pressed into the back of

Wilhelm’s leg with something hard. Wilhelm

crumpled to his knees and as he came to the

ground, a noose was placed around his neck and

tightened.

“You hurt him and I’ll make sure you don’t get

out of here alive, you bastard,” Pavel yelled,

spittle flying from his mouth.

Odoacro came next to Pavel, wrapping his tail

around his friend, obviously to stop Pavel from

doing anything foolish. “What’s your name,

hunter? I would like to know. Someone of your

skill needs to have a name.”

“The name’s Reinholt.”

The noose tightened and Wilhelm gagged.

“And I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ll be taking

this boy back to Catherine now for the rest of my

money. Oh, and I thank you for doing my job for

me. It seems the Viscount did indeed come into an

accident, just as I planned.”

“Whatever the bitch is paying you, we’ll triple

it,” Pavel said, his voice uneven all of a sudden.

“Just let my Wilhelm go.”

“As tempting as that offer is, my reputation is

also important. When I have completed this job,

you are more than welcome to hire me. We can

then discuss terms, no?”

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Wilhelm closed his eyes. His vision had become

blurry. Whether from the tightness of the noose or

simply because he became overwhelmed with

emotion, it didn’t matter. The result was the same.

He blinked several times, trying to restore his

sight. “Please, let me go,” Wilhelm croaked. “We

were going to see Catherine anyway. You’ll get

paid, I guarantee it.”

Wilhelm felt warm. Sweat trickled off his nose

and chin and the rope burned around his neck. All

he could see was an intense orange light

pervading everything in sight, even with his eyes

closed. He tried to open them, but pain quickly

forced him to keep them shut again. In the

glimpse, he did get, Wilhelm noticed that

everything, even the familiar features of the cave,

had succumbed to this light.

“What’s going on here?” Reinholt screamed,

before he was abruptly cut off.

Wilhelm felt the hold on him release. He fell to

the ground and the dust quickly filled his mouth

and he coughed so hard he thought he’d convulse.

A gentle hand pressed against Wilhelm’s cheek.

“Are you all right, Will?” Pavel asked.

Wilhelm tried to get up, but couldn’t. He still

felt warm and that warmth had drained him.

Pavel placed a tender arm around Wilhelm and

began kissing him all over his face.

“I’m so sorry I had to do that, Wilhelm,”

The Pauper’s Prize

Odoacro said. “But that Reinholt fellow left me no

choice. Because you were so close to him you

received a dose of my breath.”

Wilhelm craned his neck to look at the place

where the man had been standing. Nothing was

there except a dark stain on the cave wall. He

swallowed hard and licked his lips. “I think we

need to see Catherine now.”

“I will take you both there,” Odoacro purred.

“Quickly, climb upon my back. Pavel, give

Wilhelm a hand. He will be weak for a few

moments yet.”

Mark Alders

Chapter Eleven

avel carefully took the rope from Wilhelm’s

neck before he helped him up onto Odoacro’s

back. Not missing the opportunity to grope his

lover’s backside in the process either.

“Hey, you can wait for that,” Wilhelm said, his

voice still rough from the treatment he had

received at the hands of Reinholt, but a giggle

managed to permeate his words.

“Are you two ready?” Odoacro asked.

He rubbed the chimera’s mane. “Yes. Fly, Odo.

As quick as you can.” Pavel never got tired of the

thrill of flight. Below, the forest became a blur as

the chimera soared higher and higher. The stars

and moon seemed even more intense up near the

few clouds that remained after the storm and the

rains of the last day or so. “You’re rather quiet,

Will?”

Wilhelm looked pale. In fact, if he didn’t know

any better, Pavel would say he was scared. “I

don’t like heights,” he said, forcing the words out

The Pauper’s Prize

of his pursed lips and tightening his hold around

Pavel’s waist.

“You? The Viscount of Corrus and the lands

beyond the Great Ocean? Scared of a little

height?” Pavel said with a snicker.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Oh.” Was all he could say in reply, not able to

think of anything else.

Onward Odoacro flew.

Soon the lights of the Capital of Corrus could be

seen on the horizon. At first, the city was a small

speck that blinked into existence against the

darkness. Moments later, everything below them

was a mass of twinkling points of light, nearly as

many as the stars above. In the middle of all the

houses and buildings, Wilhelm’s palatial house

loomed.

“There’s a problem,” Odoacro roared.

“What is it?” Wilhelm asked, his voice muffled

by the fact he had his face buried in Pavel’s back.

“Look!” Pavel yelped. “There are soldiers

everywhere, especially near your palace, Will.”

“And they fly the banner of the King of the

Corinthian Empire,” Odoacro added.

“King Theodore?” Wilhelm asked. “But why

would his men be here so soon? He’s not expected

for a few more days for the wedding. Surely, I

would have known if he were coming sooner.”

“I’ll have to land on the roof.”

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“How are we going to get into the house then?”

Pavel asked.

Wilhelm pointed to a dark spot on the tiles.

“That’s an access panel. I used to use it to get

away from…things. Land near that, Odo. I’ll get

us in from there.”

He twisted his neck to look at Wilhelm. “I bet

the view would have been magnificent from up

there.”

“I could see you just fine.”

Pavel smiled. “You’re so going to get it when

this is done, you know that?”

Wilhelm replied with a nod and a quivering

smile.

* * * *

The view was indeed fantastic from the roof and

Pavel couldn’t help but marvel at how high they

were. He could see everything, including a great

view into the town square.

“C’mon, stop daydreaming, Pavel. We need to

get inside before we’re seen,” Wilhelm said.

Pavel forced his gaze away from the streets

below, adding, “What are you going to do, Odo,

while we’re inside the house?”

“I’ll wait here, my friend. Don’t worry, I’ll keep

myself out of sight. I mean, I really don’t want to

attract the attention of the King’s guards. I may be

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an eternal creation, but swords and arrows still

hurt, you know.”

Pavel ran his hand along Odoacro’s rump. “I’ll

whistle if I need you.”

Odoacro purred.

“When you’re ready, Pavel. When you’re

ready.” Wilhelm had pried open the hatch. He

stood proud and tall, smiling like Odoacro after a

belly scratch.

“I’m coming. Keep your fancy pants on!”

Both men clambered down into the roof space.

Darkness filled Pavel’s vision as soon as he was

inside. The moonlight no longer provided enough

illumination.

Wilhelm immediately grabbed Pavel’s hand,

which was just as well because he certainly

wouldn’t have been able to find his way without

his guidance.

They walked gingerly across the rafters until

Wilhelm squeezed Pavel’s hand, obviously a

signal to stop. There was a sliding noise. Light

from the room below flooded into the space. Pavel

had to look away until his eyes adjusted to the

glare.

“This is the butler’s cupboard. Catherine’s

chambers are across the hall,” Wilhelm explained

as he began climbing through the manhole.

Pavel followed. He soon found his lover’s arms

around him once more, this time, for the purpose

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of helping him down.

The butler’s cupboard was a terrible description

for what the room really looked like. It was

massive. Well, to Pavel it was massive. There was

so much stuff it was hard to make out one thing

from another. At any rate, Pavel could live in here

quite comfortably, no problem at all.

Wilhelm opened a door.

A hallway beckoned.

“Follow me,” Wilhelm said.

Not that he really needed to say such a thing.

Pavel had no choice but to follow. He could

imagine himself getting lost in the rooms of

Wilhelm’s house quite easily. He had never seen

such a big place, not even in his imagination.

About one-hundred metres from the butler’s

cupboard, Wilhelm stopped at a rather ornate

looking door. He rapped on it a few times and

waited.

“Please come in,” a soft female voice said.

“That doesn’t sound like Catherine,” Wilhelm

said, a frown crossing his brow. Wilhelm opened

the door.

Standing next to the bed was a small woman

dressed in what looked like a uniform of some

sort, complete with apron and shawl.

“Where’s Catherine, Harriet?” Wilhelm asked,

his voice deep and authoritative and impatient.

Pavel liked this voice. It was sexy.

The Pauper’s Prize

Harriet looked blankly for a moment, before

replying, “In the library with King Theodore. She

has an audience with him…” But Harriet’s voice

trailed off and she began to brush her hand

erratically along the eiderdown, as if she were

fusing over an imaginary crease on the fabric.

“What is it, Harriet? Tell me,” Wilhelm

questioned, again sounding impatient and

emphasising his words by placing his hands on

his hips.

“We…we thought you were dead…just like

your father, my Lord. She’s arranging to take over

the Viscountship…seeing as she’s…she’s been

nominated to do so should anything have

happened to you and your father.”

“But how did she know my father was dead?”

Wilhelm asked slowly, as if his mind was mulling

over something. “Actually, how did she come to

the conclusion that I was dead?” Wilhelm turned

to Pavel. “Olaf and the other man wouldn’t have

got here with any news yet. We would have

beaten them here.”

Pavel raised an eyebrow. “Yes, you’re right. We

flew. They were on foot!”

“Quick, Pavel, we’ve got to get to the library.

Odoacro was right. There is something going on

here.”

Again Wilhelm grabbed Pavel’s hand. Before he

knew it, he was being rushed through doors and

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halls and all sorts of rooms, only to end up at

another ornate door. He would have definitely got

lost in this house if it weren’t for Wilhelm.

The library was the largest room Pavel had

been through yet. At the window end, sat two

people. One was obviously the King, his regal

clothes and the many jewels that adorned him,

complete with a golden crown upon his brow,

more than gave that away. The other person, a

women, must be Catherine. She was beautiful.

“Excuse me, your Majesty,” Wilhelm said

sternly and with a slight bow, “but what’s going

on here, Catherine?”

Pavel noticed how Wilhelm didn’t let him go,

even as he traversed the room and approached

them.

“This must be the beggar we’ve all heard so

much about,” Catherine said calmly. “How nice of

you to prove to us all that you have indeed

abandoned your responsibilities.”

Pavel felt the weight of all the eyes upon him.

He blushed, but stood defiant. The support of

Wilhelm next to him gave him the strength to do

so.

“His name is Pavel,” Wilhelm spat. “And he’s

by far a better person than you’ll ever be,

Catherine.”

Catherine shifted her weight on the chair.

“Nevertheless, the damage has been done. You are

The Pauper’s Prize

no longer entitled to rule here in Corrus, Wilhelm.

Your actions have seen to that.”

“You can’t rule here either. You need to marry

me, remember? You are nothing unless you

produce an heir in our name.”

“That’s where you’re so wrong, my dear

Wilhelm.” As she spoke those words, Catherine

produced a parchment that had been hidden

between her cleavage. “This letter from the family

physician states quite clearly that I have indeed

produced an heir. I was just about to show it to

King Theodore so my ascension to the Viscountess

could become legal.”

“You lie! How could you be with child? I

haven’t been anywhere near you.” Wilhelm

glanced at Pavel. He squeezed his hand again.

“And I wouldn’t want to either.”

Pavel looked down at his feet. He had a feeling

this wasn’t going to be pleasant. He felt for

Wilhelm, but also felt completely useless standing

next to his lover, unable to offer anything other

than the warmth of his hand.

“Your father did, Wilhelm,” the King

interjected. “He and Catherine had to insure that

the name continued, after all.”

Wilhelm’s mouth dropped open. “You had this

planned all along.”

Catherine kept her stare upon Wilhelm, not

even blinking. “And seeing as there are no male

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members of the family left that are worthy, I will

naturally take your father’s place. By the King’s

decree, of course.”

King Theodore nodded.

“But Wilhelm’s alive!” Pavel exclaimed. “He’s

standing right here.” He felt the compulsion to say

something. He had to help his Wilhelm, no matter

how feeble the attempt might prove to be.

“Wilhelm forfeited his rights when he ran away

to be with you, beggar,” Catherine snapped. “He

holds no place here now. But rest assured, you

will both be treated well, so long as you accept the

consequences of your actions.”

“You are a bitch,” Pavel whispered.

Wilhelm opened his mouth, obviously about to

say a few choice words, when King Theodore

roared, “Guards!” Seconds later, six burly men in

full battle dress, looking unimpressed and distant,

entered the library. “Take these two men to my

quarters. Make sure they are secure.”

The Pauper’s Prize

Chapter Twelve

ilhelm was so furious, he felt like his feet

were welded to the floor.

Catherine had obviously planned this for a long

time and was now reaping the rewards. Her

pregnancy, the death of his father and the disposal

of himself, all had worked to her favour. He felt

used and he had played right into her hands, too,

which made him feel even worse. He winced and

a cramp twisted his stomach.

Why couldn’t he have waited until they were

married before he sought out Pavel? Then again,

the very thought of being in the same room as

Catherine made him want to throw up. She wasn’t

only conniving, she was heartless as well. A

perfect combination for those that seek power.

As Wilhelm felt the guards’ heavy hands pull at

him, an ear-piercing whistle filled the library. He

turned to see Pavel with his index fingers in his

mouth, blowing out the noise that deafened. He

hadn’t even realised he’d let go of his hand as he

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was that mad with Catherine.

Everything was a blur for Wilhelm, but as the

guards surrounded them, both he and Pavel

fought to stay where they were. Both thrashed

their limbs and screamed at the guards to stop.

Again and again the guards tried to remove them

from the library, muttering obscenities as they

struggled. They failed. Wilhelm wasn’t going

anywhere, not without a fight anyway. Pavel

obviously felt the same way.

Wilhelm struck one of the guards, but was soon

overwhelmed. As he was about to open his mouth

in protest, to plead with the King for some sort of

way he could get Pavel out of this safely, the main

window of the library shattered.

The noise was horrific, like the anger of the

gods had been concentrated on one spot. Shards of

glass rained down over everyone in the room.

Catherine and the King caught most of the broken

window as they were the closest to it when it

exploded. Wilhelm pushed his way through the

guards to try and shield Pavel as best he could,

but many shards still caught their skin.

There was now an eerie silence and as everyone

looked at what caused the window to break,

Wilhelm saw the most pleasant sight he could

imagine right now.

“Odo!” Pavel screamed.

Standing on the massive reading desk, looking

The Pauper’s Prize

as magnificent as he ever did, was the chimera, his

mouth open and his magical fire licking the air in

front of him as he breathed out.

“The chimera of Corrus!” King Theodore said

with a gasp, stumbling back into his chair.

“A thousand pieces of silver for the man that

kills that beast,” Catherine screamed.

Before Wilhelm could turn to see Pavel’s

reaction, the guards charged at Odoacro, swords

raised high. But that was the last he saw of those

six men. An intense light spewed forth from

Odoacro’s mouth, engulfing them. Instantly, they

were vaporised.

“Yes!” Pavel yelled, punching the air.

Wilhelm didn’t share Pavel’s joy, for many,

many more guards, some with crossbows, came

running into the library. The reward of a thousand

pieces of silver had obviously spread faster than

the town gossip, and all of the King’s men wanted

their share. The bounty was great, even for a man

of wealth.

Odoacro continued to blow out his deadly

breath, and one man after the other became

nothing but a mark on the ornate tiled floor.

Wilhelm noticed the crossbowmen stood back,

out of range of Odoacro’s magical fire, waiting

patiently. He could see straight away what the

King’s men were doing and couldn’t believe they

employed such a tactic to tackle the beast. They

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were sacrificing the men on foot to keep the

chimera on the same spot, therefore giving the

crossbowmen the best chance of killing the beast.

Crude, but effective.

“Odo! Watch for the crossbows!” Wilhelm

yelped, all too late.

At least a dozen bolts whizzed past them. All

found their target. Odoacro roared in agony, his

fire-breath cut off for a moment. That’s when the

remaining swordsmen ran in and struck, slashing

wildly at the chimera.

A thousand pieces of silver would pay the

whole regiment for many months, and Wilhelm

felt helpless as he watched Odoacro regain his

composure and begin disintegrating the men

nearest him. He couldn’t go to the chimera’s aid

for fear of being breathed upon, and he certainly

couldn’t get near the crossbowmen. One bolt

would kill a human. He could do nothing and felt

helpless as he watched the King’s men in action.

Another volley of bolts flew across the library,

again all found their target. Roars of agony

vibrated the foundations of the house, followed

quickly by the sound of swords cutting

mercilessly into flesh.

“No!” Pavel screamed. “You’re going to kill

him! Stop it! Stop it now!”

Wilhelm held Pavel tight to stop him from

doing anything foolish. It was all he could think of

The Pauper’s Prize

doing. Pavel buried his head into his chest. “We

can’t help Odo just now,” he whispered into

Pavel’s ear.

More and more men with swords poured into

the library, replacements for the ones that had

fallen to the magical fire. Again the crossbowmen

raised their bows, but this time, as they were

about to fire, Odoacro opened his dragon-like

wings.

As the captain yelled to aim, the chimera

flapped his wings to fan his magical fire. Another

dozen or so men met oblivion, even those that

would have normally been safe at the distance

they stood. Very quickly, the flames that spewed

from the creature’s mouth spread beyond the

swordsmen.

The burning light reached clear across the

library and Wilhelm had to find the floor to get

out of the way, keeping Pavel underneath him as

they lay on the tiles. He could feel his back get

warmer and the unmistakable smell of burnt cloth

filled his nostrils.

“Fire!” the captain yelled.

As the magical fire touched the crossbowmen,

another volley was released, the twang of the

strings echoed through the library. Wilhelm held

Pavel as tight as he could.

Thankfully, the arrows were blown off course

and many found the walls and the shelves filled

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with books. The crossbowmen who stood defiant

were no more than blackened scars against the

wall. Wilhelm smiled.

“Quick, my friends, bar the door,” Odoacro

bellowed.

Wilhelm scrambled off his lover and ran to the

door, not needing to be told twice what to do.

“Quick, Pavel, give me a hand.” Both slid the

locking bolts across their housings, and angry

shouts from the other side let them know the room

was secure for the moment.

“It’s done, Odo! What now?” Pavel yelled.

Odoacro didn’t answer.

“Odo, what’s the matter?” Pavel repeated, his

voice sounded strained.

Wilhelm looked at the chimera. The creature

was no longer on the table. He was near the King.

King Theodore looked pale, as Wilhelm

supposed one would with a hulking great chimera

standing over them. But Odoacro didn’t attack.

What was he doing?

“What’s the matter?” Pavel reiterated. “Why

aren’t you getting that man?”

Odoacro turned. “Catherine has been struck by

a crossbow arrow.” The chimera hung his head

and sniffed at the ground. It was then Wilhelm

saw Catherine. She was lying on the floor, covered

in blood. A single bolt protruded from her chest.

“She won’t last long, I’m afraid. She has but a few

The Pauper’s Prize

breaths left within her.”

“What?” Wilhelm said as he went to her. “But

her baby? What will happen to it now?”

Odoacro sniffed her body again, and with a

voice that echoed sadness, added, “I did too good

a job deflecting the arrows, it seems. And I’m

afraid that once the mother dies, there isn’t much

hope for an unborn child, especially one so

young.”

Wilhelm grasped Catherine’s hand. It was cold.

“Why did you do this? We could have worked

something out,” he whispered to her.

Pavel went to Odoacro, running his hand over

his hide. There were many dark spots, especially

near his shoulders. “You’ve been hurt badly, Odo.

I’m going to have to treat you before anything else

happens, you hear?”

“I’ll be fine, my friend. I heal easily. But I think

there are more important matters to deal with

here.”

“There most certainly are!” King Theodore

interjected. “Who will rule Corrus now? There is

no Viscount, nor any heir. There will be anarchy

amongst the people once news of this spreads, let

me assure you. The state will be ripe for all and

sundry to take over and pillage.”

Wilhelm glared at the King. “What I think Odo

means is that we have to try and save the baby.”

At that moment, Catherine’s eyes glazed over.

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She gasped, using all her remaining strength to

whisper, “I’m sorry, Wilhelm.”

The King looked taken aback. “How do we do

that? I have never heard of any medicine that can

keep an unborn baby alive.”

“There is a way,” Odoacro said. All eyes turned

to the chimera. “But there is something that needs

to happen before I can perform such a task.”

“Name it, beast. I will do anything to maintain

stability in Corrus. I don’t have the resources to

keep these lands, for I have enough troubles of my

own. The people of Corrus need an heir to their

ruling house, if nothing else.”

“Reinstate Wilhelm as the Viscount,” Odoacro

bellowed.

“What?” the King roared. “That’s impossible.

Two men cannot produce children. What will the

people say?”

Pavel had finished inspecting Odoacro, his

hand painted with the beast’s blood. “We can

adopt the baby…I-I mean, if Wilhelm wants to do

that with me…that’s what I want, too.”

All looked at Pavel.

Wilhelm couldn’t help himself. He smiled.

“That’s a marvellous idea. We shall do that. We

shall adopt the heir. I would make it so with a

decree. If the King does as Odo asks, of course.”

The King frowned and his crown rose slightly

as his brow wrinkled. “And I would have your

The Pauper’s Prize

word, Wilhelm, that you would send the resources

of Corrus to my aid if I should need it, just as

Catherine had agreed?”

Wilhelm nodded. “I shall uphold whatever

agreement my father and my family had with the

Corinthian Empire.”

The King fell silent for what seemed an eternity,

before finally adding, “Very well.” He came over

to Wilhelm, placing his hand on the young man’s

forehead. “I give you back your honour and your

title. I name thee, Wilhelm Steinheim, Viscount of

Corrus, its Shires and of the peoples beyond the

Great Ocean and ally to the Corinthian Empire.”

“Good. That’s settled,” Odoacro said with a

sigh. “Now I can get on with it. The baby only has

a few heartbeats of life left.” The Chimera’s fur

began to glow, like his body was ablaze with his

own magical fire.

“What’s happening to you, Odo?” Pavel said.

“What are you doing?”

“I am using all I have left in me to become the

life of this child. The baby will be born, accelerated

enough in age so it can live unaided by the

mother’s womb. That’s the best I can do.”

“But…but what will happen to you?” Pavel’s

voice broke.

Wilhelm saw tears roll down his cheeks to wet

his lips. His shoulders shuddered and he hugged

the beast.

Mark Alders

100

“I must do this, Pavel. It’s the only way to save

the baby and help you and Wilhelm.”

Pavel began to cry. His whole body shook with

his emotion. “But you can’t leave me. You just

can’t, you hear me? You and I are friends. Friends

forever you said.”

Wilhelm came over to Pavel. “Odo wouldn’t

have done this if he knew you weren’t going to be

taken care of. I think he had this planned, you

know…”

Pavel turned to Wilhelm, his eyes bloodshot

and his face etched with his grief. “What are you

saying, Will?”

Wilhelm gently pried Pavel away from the

chimera, an action that was quickly followed by

him planting tender kisses on his cheeks and lips.

The salt of his lover’s tears tingled his tongue. “I

want you to marry me, Pavel. I want to spend the

rest of my days with you and only you. I need

you, you hear me? I need you so much I cannot

live another day without you.”

Pavel looked at Odoacro, then back at Wilhelm.

The chimera’s body glowed more and more until

the light had engulfed the creature. The chimera’s

body become gaseous and whatever physical form

was once the chimera became nothing but a

luminous smoke that danced in the air around

them.

That gas floated over to Catherine.

The Pauper’s Prize

101

She gave a final gasp of breath as the gaseous

form entered her body. Seconds later, another

light burst forth, this one so intense they all had to

shield their eyes.

When Wilhelm uncovered his face, he saw a

baby, as normal as any he had seen laying on the

dress that once covered Catherine’s warm body.

She was no longer within the fine cloth.

“It’s a boy!” the King said, coming over to pick

up the child. “There is truly an heir now!”

Wilhelm couldn’t be happier the baby lived, but

he had something else on his mind. Something he

needed to know and immediately, too. “So what’s

your answer?” he said to Pavel.

Pavel took Wilhelm by his hands. “I do. I want

you to be my husband. You’re right, Odo had a

plan…and… and he sacrificed himself for us. I’ll

miss him so much.”

Both kissed, deep and tender. Once more

Wilhelm’s head spun with the sensations of his

lover’s lips upon his. When they parted, the King

offered them the child. They both held the baby.

Wilhelm’s stomach quivered with the elation he

felt and he couldn’t help but smile.

“He has golden eyes, just like Odo!” Pavel

exclaimed.

“He is Odo, remember. Well, the spirit of Odo,

anyway.”

Pavel smiled. “Then that’s what we’ll call him.”

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102

The King’s lips also formed a smile.

It was the first time Wilhelm had seen the man

do such a thing.

“Let it be known, the heir of Corrus will be

known as Odoacro Steinheim.” The King coughed

into his hand. “And I take it I am the guest of

honour at your wedding, Wilhelm?”

“Of course, Sire.”

Pavel pecked Wilhelm on his cheek. “I’m going

to have to wear something nice then, aren’t I?”

“Only the finest and the best for you from now

on, my beautiful Pavel,” Wilhelm replied. He let

out a chuckle. “So what will you give me for this

new life I offer you?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.” Pavel said with a

wink and a gentle giggle as he looked down

fondly at their baby. “But I know it’s what you

need.”

About the Author

I’m Mark and I live in Perth, Western Australia.

By day I am a public servant, but by night, when I

get in front of my computer, I can be anyone. I let

my imagination go. I can go anywhere, from the

farthest reaches of space, to the dilapidated house

at the end of the street, and anywhere in between.

I write about people from all walks of life, from

teenagers finding out what’s it’s like to be an adult

or to adults that discover what it’s like to become a

child once more. Characters move my stories just

as much as they move me.