15) The New Guys - Part 3

Postby canuck100 » Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:25 pm

Thursday, April 18th 2002 - 04:52:33 AM

The New Guys - Part 8

Our captors stood back and looked gleefully at the three of us, each suffering in our different ways. Pausing only to place our shoes in a neat row by the door of the hut, they left us with the obligatory suggestion that we shouldn't go far. Fat chance! Still, overall I was satisfied. Although I estimated that I had now been tied up for over two hours (and was likely to remain so in the short term), we had succeeded in keeping five of the opposition out of action while they dealt with us and they had also sustained the embarrassment of seeing one of their "guests" fly the coop. Mike would find that difficult to live down and if I suffered as a result it would be worth it! Our own capture had of course resulted in the loss of our own prisoners but I was hopeful that the others would be evening up the score.

One thing did puzzle me. When we had split up earlier, Robert had been accompanied by Paul. Where was he? When Robert was brought in by Mike he had been gagged. Maybe because of the drama that followed as Ian made good his escape, he remained so and we therefore had no opportunity to hear his news (we at least did get a drink!). Clearly Paul had not been captured but had he been in a position to see Robert being taken? These thoughts (and many others) chased each other around my mind as my arms got stiffer and my back began to ache.

I watched Robert, lying hog-tied on the ground before me. Despite his bonds he was desperately trying to manoeuvre himself towards the staked out Duncan. It did at least give him something to do although, since he was making no progress he might have saved his energy (had he reached our pal, it would have made no difference - there was no way he could have reached Duncan's ropes with his own hands tied as they were). Almost, I envied Robert - his wrists would be sore and he was completely immobilised, but otherwise he was comparatively comfortable! I for my part fell into a reverie, convinced that we were all destined to spend the rest of the afternoon here.

My mind wandered for a long while, and then, attracted by a movement I looked up. It was Duncan who had interrupted my thoughts. He had previously allowed his head, not unnaturally, to sink down onto the ground. In his situation it was by far the most comfortable thing to do. But now he was craning his neck, so far as his tightly stretched limbs would allow and peering all round. I followed his lead and in a few moments was rewarded by the sight of the bushes moving. A few moments later I saw James peering furtively from them. He spotted me almost immediately and then the prone form of Robert, still struggling despite the hog-tie, but showed no surprise whatsoever. After ensuring the coast was clear he crept out of his hiding place closely followed by Ian. He came straight to me and said, "We've brought you a present". He gave a low whistle, the bushes parted again, and Roger, Matthew and David stumbled into the clearing, closely followed by Paul and Stuart who were acting as guards and had assisted their prisoners by propelling them none too gently into the clearing. The three captives were tightly gagged with their hands tied behind their backs.

Ian spotted his brother, gasped and ran straight to him but was brought up by James calling him back. At the same time Robert noticed his brother with his hands tied behind him. Despite his uncomfortable position on the ground I saw a smile of delight on his face behind his gag. Ian rejoined Stuart who said, "I'm sorry about this Richard but we must get these packages hidden away properly before anyone comes so you three will have to stop here for the time being. If we set you free now we might get interrupted and caught and even if we were successful, someone could return here, find you gone and start a hue and cry. We will be as quick as we can and then come back to free you!" They rounded up their prisoners and lead them away to an unknown destination.

When I spotted James I had let out a sigh of relief that our ordeal was seemingly about to end so you can possibly imagine my disappointment when Stuart said his piece. Nevertheless I could see some sense (not much!) in what he said and it was good to know that freedom was probably only a few minutes away. I actually relaxed a little to await the return of our buddies.

Some time passed and the bushes moved once more. I looked up with interest expecting to see some of our team returning but was shocked when Mike appeared closely followed by Scott. Mike approached and said, "We came back to check that you are all OK". I was touched by his concern although I didn't hear him offering to change places! Mike fetched some water bottles and removed Robert's and my gags and helped us to drink all we wished. Meanwhile, Scott had gone to his younger brother and lifting his head quite gently, did the same for him. Despite the concern being shown for our welfare it didn't extend any further than the water - as soon as each of us had finished, our gags were put back just as securely as before. Never mind, in a few minutes we would all be free and hopefully gloating over some new prisoners.

As Scott finished tying off Duncan's gag and let his head drop down once more I heard a commotion in the woods not far off. Some shouts and the sound of a scuffle was followed by a loud blast on a whistle. Our two benefactors immediately ran off leaving us puzzled and worried but we didn't have to wait long. A few minutes later Mike returned with Andrew. They were frog-marching my fair-haired pal Stuart, no longer the suave sophisticate in full control of the situation. He had already been stripped of his tee shirt, his hands tied behind his back and gagged. He was struggling furiously between his captors but to no avail. Bringing up the rear of this cavalcade were Scott and Mark. They had a prisoner between them too - the luckless Ian. He had also been stripped down to his shorts but was more sanguine than his teammate and came along quietly. By now he must have been fully aware that he could expect no mercy from his brother. Like Stuart he was already securely gagged and once more his captors had taken the opportunity to seize his bound hands to the back of his belt. I wasn't sure if either twin actually needed the belt to keep their pants up or just wore it out of habit, but I guessed that both of them would think twice before wearing one here again!

Richard
UK

Thursday, April 18th 2002 - 04:53:48 AM

The New Guys - Part 9

I was amazed by how quickly the prisoners had been taken, stripped, bound and gagged and brought in. With the flurry of activity I had temporarily forgotten that our impending rescue must now be in abeyance, probably permanently. I was curious to see what would happen to the two new prisoners. I didn't have long to wait. Both boys were pushed to the ground and their ankles were tied. Meanwhile Mike disappeared inside the hut and returned with two long ropes. One end of each of these was thrown over a stout branch of a nearby tree. Then Mark and Andrew untied the wrists of the two newcomers in turn. Before either could start struggling their arms were grabbed, their hands were pulled in front of them and tightly bound once more. Stuart was hauled to his feet and dragged into position under the branch, his hands were tied to the waiting rope and it was heaved aloft until he was standing on tiptoe. Without allowing any slack to form in the rope it was then brought down behind him and tied off to his ankles. Stretched out now, he was completely powerless and at the mercy of our captors.

Stuart of course had known exactly what was going to happen to him when Mike produced the long ropes. Not so Ian. Once more I observed one of these poor lads watching wide eyed and open mouthed (well, he would have been if it hadn't been for his gag!) knowing only too well that he was about to suffer the same fate. And so it was. In a few moments both boys were tightly lashed and, stretched on tiptoe but held by the long rope they both gyrated gently in their bonds where, despite their bound ankles, they had no chance of losing their footing!

I was anxiously doing sums in my mind. I guessed that James and Paul had made good their escape and since there was no sign of Roger, Matthew and David our buddies had probably managed to secrete their prisoners before being ambushed. Putting the best complexion on it, that meant we were holding three prisoners leaving four of the opposition free (all of whom were here with the obvious intent of terrorising their own captives!). Not good, since they were now holding five of us leaving only two free. This game was going belly up! Well, you can't win 'em all. At least Mike knew it would be futile to question me (or Robert or Duncan) about the remainder of our team. My schoolboy logic was fine but there was a fatal flaw - one's friends (or temporary enemies!) can be as devious as hell!

The two new prisoners were well and truly trussed to the satisfaction of all our captors who were now in a position to stand back, admire their handiwork and relax. There were four of them here and they knew it would be suicide for the remains of our team to launch any sort of attack or attempt a rescue. Mike took us all in with a sweeping glance and looking at me said, "I'll bet you are glad to see your little pal here" - he took hold of the long rope securing Ian's hands and feet and rather unkindly gave it a shake, making my bound friend pirouette precariously - "has decided to come back and enjoy the party!" I wasn't so sure. I had a feeling he would have been much better off going away for the weekend!

Mike was speaking again, and as always his perception was frightening. "These young devils" - pointing at Stuart and Ian - "were surprised and caught making their way here. I have a feeling you wouldn't be astonished if I told you your other two mates were with them but they chose to run off rather than face the medicine with their friends. Pretty shabby I call it," he added, but with a wide grin on his face.

He now moved to Robert, crouched down beside him and cupping the bound boy's chin in his hands lifted his head so the two were staring into each others eyes and continued, "What really worries me is that I think that, shortly before we caught those two" - jerking his thumb towards the two dangling figures - "they had some prisoners with them".

Now he moved to Duncan, again crouched down and looked him in the face before going on, "If that were so, we would be duty bound to rescue them by any means available to us, but they seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth. We think we need to ask some of you some questions and get to the bottom of this." With a genial smile, he added, "What do you think?"

Duncan stared back blankly at his interrogator. He was of course gagged like the rest of us and therefore incapable of replying. For my part, my heart sank for Ian and Stuart. It was clear they were about to be asked to reveal all they knew using the techniques so familiar to all of us!

Mike went and stood in front of the two new captives. He watched them closely for almost a minute and I could see even Stuart, who was less ticklish than some of us, was cringing, waiting for the attack that would inevitably follow. But Mike was speaking again. "My mates and I think you two are the unfortunate victims in all of this, being left in the lurch by your pals and it seems unfair for you to take all the punishment, so we felt someone should act as a substitute."

Suddenly I felt my scalp tingle. They were not going to "torture" Stuart and Ian and it wasn't hard to guess who the lucky victims would be. Just what was it about my fair haired friend that made everyone seemingly want to let him off the hook? Duncan and I had been shirtless since we were brought here and having been tied up for a couple of hours or more would prove very susceptible to our interrogator's advances. Mike would get his revenge for my enabling Ian to escape and my guess was that he was reasoning that Ian would not be able to stand seeing his twin brother being worked over. The devilishness of the scheme was that Mike knew we would be incapable of providing any useful intelligence - only Stuart and Ian had the necessary information.

"First, we will give you a demonstration," Mike said airily. Without removing anyone's gags he gave a signal. Scott strolled up to me and before I could catch my breath he ran a finger lightly down my ribcage. Whether he had been well briefed or the victim of similar sessions at the hands of his brothers I didn't know, but he carried out his duties with cool and clinical precision. Within moments I was laughing and giggling uncontrollably, frantically chewing my gag and when he stopped after only a couple of minutes, tears were streaming down my cheeks. While I caught my breath, Mark began an identical attack on Duncan. This boy was as ticklish as me - two minutes and he was in exactly the same state.

Stuart and Ian exchanged looks of anguish but when they both looked at me I shook my head vigorously, trying to indicate they should hold out and damn the consequences! Mike indicated to his acolytes that Stuart's and Ian's gags should be removed and this was swiftly accomplished. He had seen my gesture and ignoring me stepped over to Duncan who was craning his neck to peer at his twin brother. Stooping down he swiftly removed the boy's gag, at the same time saying, "I thought you might have something to say to your brother."

If Mike thought he was going to plead he was sadly mistaken. Duncan had also seen my shake of the head and yelled defiantly at Ian, "Don't tell them anything!" He didn't have time for more - the soggy balled up wad that Mike had removed was unceremoniously stuffed back into his mouth and Scott stepped forward and secured it in place with the second strip while Mike lifted the boy's head to enable the gag to be tied properly. I was still frantically chewing on my own. I was confident that our gags would from now on remain in place - Duncan and I had nothing constructive to add to the discussion. Stuart and Ian however now had their mouths freed. They stood silent and apprehensive as they waited to see what would happen next.

I myself was anxious - I was certain the next assault would follow without much delay. At the same time I was pleased that both Duncan and Ian had held out. They were clearly made of sterner stuff than any of us would have credited earlier in the day and wouldn't let their loyalty to one another get in the way of their loyalty to their team mates. I had no more time for lofty thoughts. Mike gave his signal and Scott once more took up the challenge. If anything, he was even more devastating this time, but I was determined not to yield. I could see both Stuart and Ian watching me with agonised expressions. Tears of mirth were once more streaming freely and now I was dribbling down my chin, but despite my uncontrollable giggles I again managed to signal them not to give in.

It lasted for five minutes this time and at the end even Mike looked anxiously at me. He whispered to Stuart and Ian that they only had to tell what they knew and I would be spared any further torment but I still managed to grimace at them and shake my head. Duncan was looking fiercely at his brother and giving the same sign. Without more ado, Mark went to work but Duncan bore it stoically until it was time for another pause.

Mike was beginning to get desperate and I felt we were winning the initiative. Robert could see little of what was happening from his position on the ground and Mike now took up a position between Duncan and me. Scott began the next round and I was once more laughing hysterically. Stuart and Ian were watching anxiously hoping for a signal from me when suddenly disaster struck. I realised what was about to happen only a moment before it did. By then it was much too late to save myself - my bladder opened involuntarily and I felt the warm stream running down the inside of my leg. Stuart realised at once what had happened and in that split second called, "Stop! I'll tell you what you want to know." Scott complied immediately and Ian looked blankly at his compatriot - he had no idea what had taken place.

Richard
UK

Friday, April 19th 2002 - 05:06:24 AM

The New Guys - Part 10

Ignoring Stuart, Mike rushed forward and removed my gag while Scott stood back. As he did so he whispered softly, "I'm really sorry Titch. We would never have gone this far deliberately. Are you OK?" I was actually quite touched by the warmth of his concern and replied softly, "Yes, I'm fine Mike. Don't blame yourself - it was my own fault for being so stubborn. Suddenly I knew I was about to lose it and could do nothing about it. Put my gag back and do what you have to!"

Mike looked a little wondrously at me and suddenly ruffled my hair affectionately. He had often seen my family do this and knew I hated it. I angrily tried to shake free from his attentions but trussed as I was this was futile. Mike laughed quietly. He didn't replace my gag but went over to Stuart and spoke so softly even Ian couldn't hear (Stuart afterwards told us he confirmed I was fine). Then, in a louder voice he asked Stuart what he had to say.

My friend first confirmed that Roger, Matthew and David were indeed prisoners (or had been when he and Ian were captured). They were trussed up comfortably and were locked in our own patrol hut! Mike asked who had the key and Stuart replied "James". This was surprising. There were only two keys held by the two most senior members of the patrol (Robert and his brother). Mike thought for a moment and looking at Robert asked, "Haven't you got one?" To enable him to reply, Mike knelt and untied the boy's gag. Robert stretched his jaws and replied, "No, I lent mine to James." Then he added, with a triumphant grin, "David has one but if he has it on him you can't get it now!"

Mike however was not taking any chances. He came over to me and asked if I had it but I shook my head. Without more ado he ordered the other prisoners to be searched including Robert. I think I was spared this as he was rather misguidedly trying to make up for my "accident". Alternatively, he might just have been reluctant to put his hands in the pockets of my soggy shorts! Either way, no key was found and Robert was quickly gagged again.

Our captors put their heads together. Finally Mike looked up and addressed us all. "It's now after 5.30pm and time is running out." - I was somewhat shocked as I didn't realise it was so late despite having been tied up most of the afternoon. "While Paul and James are still on the loose and have some prisoners I think it is unlikely they will make any further progress as, if they show themselves they run the risk of being captured. I think we should arrange a parley, exchange prisoners and have a "negotiated settlement" now rather than keep you all tied up for another hour or so". Stuart and I both nodded our agreement and Robert, lying at Mike's feet attempted to do so as well.

A stave was fetched, and Stuart's (white) tee shirt was tied to it as a flag of truce. Mike then took out his whistle and blew five long blasts, our recognised signal for a parley. Mike stood up and then addressed all the prisoners. "I'm afraid you will all have to remain trussed a little longer but if we can resolve this we will try to make you a little more comfortable". He strolled across to Stuart and Ian, beckoning Andrew and Scott to come too. Then he spoke again, "Bad news guys. Can't have you two interrupting our discussions". Turning to Andrew and Scott he said curtly, "Gag 'em!"

Without hesitation they began to carry out his instructions. Once more Scott found himself dealing with his younger brother and seemed to carry out his duties with a high degree of relish. Meanwhile, Mike moved round to me. Much more quietly (and gently) he said, "I'm sorry about this Kiddo, but for the sake of appearances yours will have to go back too". I began to reply, "That's, OK. I told you to put it mmmpppf____!" Mike had stuffed the old saturated wad back into my mouth cutting off my chatter. He wasted little time in tying it back in position, the second cloth forced well in between my teeth. Despite his apparently philanthropic attitude towards me earlier he was taking no risks in replacing my gag!

Now we all waited but not for long. After about five minutes James and Paul reappeared moving furtively through the undergrowth as if they expected a trap. Seeing the newly constructed white flag, they relaxed somewhat and came into the middle of the clearing. Our captors moved into a loose circle around our friends and, immediately suspicious, James and Paul scowled at them and moved to break out. Mike at once put them at ease by saying, "Don't worry. We are not trying to trick you. We think it would be sensible to reach a settlement since we don't think you are likely to gain any further advantage, and the only thing that might happen is for you to be taken as well. We all feel Duncan, Robert and Richard have suffered enough." Moving close to James he spoke a few words in an undertone which no one was able to overhear. James looked at me with a worried expression but embarrassed, I hung my head as my face reddened. He and Paul spoke quickly together and at once signified their agreement. Mike continued, "Before we discuss any terms I do think everyone should be here. Are you willing to fetch your prisoners?" James and Paul nodded their agreement. "OK, in that case we will wait for you to bring them here."

James and Paul left immediately while I found myself thinking, "Oh dear, yet another delay!" Oddly, I wasn't feeling sorry for myself. The wetness had now soaked into my shorts which was rather uncomfortable, but I was gracious enough to acknowledge that this was self-inflicted. In my own mind, Mike was wholly absolved of any blame. My concern was particularly for Robert, lying hog-tied on the ground in what to me seemed a most uncomfortable position.

Our wait was longer this time - maybe 15 minutes or so - and then James and Paul ushered in their three captives. When we had seen them last they each had their hands tied behind their backs in the traditional manner, that is, with their wrists crossed and tightly lashed both horizontally and vertically. Now, their bonds had been changed. Each boy's hands were tied palm to palm and in addition their elbows had been lashed behind their backs. Roger I knew lacked the flexibility to make his elbows meet behind him and they had simply been drawn back as far as he could manage. Matthew and David had faired less well. I wondered if Paul had taken the opportunity to be over zealous with his brother but there was no way we would find out - all three boys were still securely gagged, just as we had seen them last. As they were lead into the clearing Robert managed to raise his head and, with a sickly grin behind his gag, managed to give his brother a wink! I guessed that their restraints had been changed to discomfort them, as some measure of reprisal for the way Duncan, Robert and I had been kept bound.

The three new prisoners were placed in a group away from the rest of us, made to sit, and their feet tied at the ankles.

Now all was set for the parley to take place. Mike had taken the lead so far, but he was pre-empted by James. He held up his hand for silence and began, "First let me say, Paul and I both acknowledge the truth of your comments earlier". He looked around at all his team mates, trussed up in various locations around the clearing and continued, "We accept unconditionally that you are the overall winners and we are grateful for the opportunity to negotiate an exchange of prisoners and thus save some of our mates from further suffering. It seems to me that all we have to decide is how many should remain hostage and who they should be!" I was amazed. James and I were virtually the same age but his confident oratory on this occasion was nothing if not impressive.

Mike looked at him with new respect. "I don't think I could add much to that," he said, with a grin.

James immediately seized the initiative again and added, "Under the circumstances I think it would be wrong for us to ask to retain any hostages. Furthermore, I guess it is only fair that you have the right to a couple (at least) as victors. What do you say?" Before Mike could answer, Scott growled, "Sounds OK to me as long as my brothers count as one!" All those who could chuckled. Even Ian gave a wry grin behind his gag (I wasn't sure how Duncan felt).

Mike looked at his own mates but receiving nods of approval assumed he had been voted spokes person. Without discussion he replied, "I guess we can hardly object to your suggestions. I would propose just one hostage," then, seeing Scott splutter he added, "unless the twins are chosen. We can't really look on them as two people really, can we?" No grin from Ian now - he was looking rather crestfallen! Mike went on, "As outright victors we could have claimed as many hostages as we wished for up to two hours. I suggest, however that who ever it is, is only held for one. We will let you decide between you who it should be and furthermore, since these three" - waving in the direction of Duncan, Robert and myself - "have been held for quite a long time, I propose that the victim should pay his penance after supper, rather than straight away". Our (very limited) negotiating team had no objection to Mike's proposals and thus it was decided straight away. All the prisoners would be set free immediately and while supper was preparing our team would decide who would pay the loser's penance. Mike and his buddies would deal with supper to allow us time to reach a decision.

Richard
UK

Friday, April 19th 2002 - 05:07:25 AM

The New Guys - Part 11

Paul and James got to work setting their prisoners free while Mike and Scott dealt first with Stuart and Ian. Mark and Andrew set about freeing Duncan and Robert. Mike gave Ian some instructions, which no one else heard and the younger boy immediately disappeared in the direction of the tents. Finally, Mike came to let me go. He was accompanied by Stuart who had a worried expression on his face. As Mike first removed my gag, Stuart started to apologise profusely but I silenced him quickly. "You really weren't to blame Stuart, and neither was Mike. I lost control so suddenly I couldn't have given any warning and I was determined to hold out at any cost. You can only blame me for my stubbornness!"

Stuart looked relieved and anxious at the same time but said quietly, "Ian has been dispatched to heat a large bucket of water so you can wash properly, although he was puzzled by Mike's instructions. I really don't think anyone else knows what happened so we can keep it a secret if you want to!" Mike had by now freed my hands and I was at last able to stretch my aching limbs. While he was working at my bound ankles I looked down at my sodden shorts and replied, with a wry grin, "That may be a little difficult!"

As Mike finished untying my ankles at last and Stuart helped me to stand stiffly, my erstwhile fellow prisoners surrounded us and a babble of conversation broke out. Everyone who had been present wanted to know why Stuart had suddenly given in. They sensed something was wrong but, as Stuart had suggested, had no idea of the reason. Poor Stuart had proved a very loyal friend in the past. Now he was in a cleft stick and began to stutter that he thought both Duncan and I had suffered enough. I couldn't let my friend take the brunt of the inquisition. I held up my hand for silence and said, "Stuart is trying to save my embarrassment. When Scott started his last assault I peed myself!" Amidst the gasps from my colleagues I added, "It was nobody's fault but my own. I arrogantly thought I could withstand anything but suddenly lost control. Stuart saw what happened and stopped the proceedings!"

Mike had stood on the outside of the circle listening to the conversation and I could sense that he was relieved that I had brought the recent events right out in the open so there would be no need to cover anything up and no room for recriminations. Now he broke through the ring and took charge. "First we need to get you cleaned up! Ian is heating water so you can wash properly". Although Stuart had already told me this, my relief was enormous. It was almost dark now and the prospect of an icy bath in the evening chill was not at all attractive. He continued, "What about clean clothes?" This was a poser. I had clean underwear but otherwise only the shorts I would wear in bed. I would prefer to keep them clean bearing in mind that the night was yet young! The hesitation must have been clear in my eyes. Before I could speak Duncan declared, "No worries. Ian and I both have a spare pair of shorts and Richard is welcome to borrow some!" Without comment from me the decision was made on my behalf. Mike concluded by saying, "OK, once Richard is cleaned up you will have to get together and decide who is to be the hostage. My lot will prepare supper and you can give us your answer over the meal."

I was lead away by my mates who only paused to collect my trainers, socks and tee shirt (and their own!) and back at the tents we found Ian who immediately filled a large bowl with steaming hot water. He was still mystified so while I found a secluded spot, stripped off and bathed the others filled him in on what had really happened. Clean at last I rejoined my mates dressed only in my underpants.

Andrew and Mark had followed us to the camp and relieved Ian at the stove, so the twins lead me to one of the tents followed by the rest of the mob. Outside, I waited while Ian and Duncan rifled their packs. At last they found what they were looking for and handed me a bag containing the shorts. Standing before them in my underpants I felt somewhat exposed. I took the bag gratefully and dashed for the security of the tent, which was illuminated with a powerful flashlight, to dress properly. There I examined what I had been given and let out a strangled cry. My mates crowded in, assuming that I must at least have been stung by a scorpion. When they saw the look of prim horror and what I was holding in my hands they universally fell about laughing.

As I am sure you will have realised I was holding a pair of lederhosen, similar to the ones the twins were wearing. Earlier the boys had indicated they each had a spare pair - they didn't mention having them with them. You may also recall the enthusiasm shown by my comrades for these unusual garments which wasn't shared by me. Seeing the look on my face and my obvious reluctance to don the shorts, Robert said, "Oh, come on Richard, don't stand on ceremony! You've got to wear something and you won't be alone - the twins are both wearing them already." He was of course right. Having already donned my tee shirt, I examined the shorts again then, coming at last to a decision, stepped into them and pulled them on, tucking my shirt in as I did so. Like those the twins were wearing, they were constructed from dark green leather with a smooth and shiny surface. They differed in the way they were fastened - theirs each had two zips at the front, these had a flap fastened at the waist with buttons. Having finished dressing I was surprised to receive complimentary comments from my pals who had decided to stay and watch the show! I was also surprised by how comfortable they were! Until supper was served I felt most self-conscious but gradually I guess I became used to them and actually forgot I was wearing them! But I digress...

Mike's team, as good as their word, were busy preparing supper (well, minus David. He joined us having decided he had been "an enemy" long enough!). We would have to decide who was to be the "victim", willing or otherwise, but before that we all wanted to hear each other's stories and fill in the missing gaps. As far as the twins and I were concerned, as we were captured early in the afternoon and then spent the rest of it tied up (well, two of us did!), our tale was soon told. However, we were anxious to hear how Robert was captured, what happened to Ian after his escape and how James and co. succeeded in catching three prisoners at once. Also, we had heard the scuffles but were desperately curious to hear of Stuart's downfall and Ian's recapture!

Richard
UK