16) The New Guys - Part 4

Postby canuck100 » Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:26 pm

Friday, April 19th 2002 - 05:08:42 AM

The New Guys - Part 12

Robert's earlier appearance as a prisoner had left me pondering several questions (and bearing in mind the manner of my bindings, not to mention my gag, I had little to do but think!). The biggest one was 'Where was Paul?' In an earlier story I mentioned the latter's climbing ability and once again he decided to take to the treetops. Choosing a spot close to one of the main tracks but with trees, which (for him) were easy to scale, he was soon well ensconced. Robert was an adequate climber but had ideas of his own and they decided to split up. It was to go ill with him. They parted, and sometime later he was making his way stealthily through a dense part of the woods. He crept out of cover briefly to round a corner and walked - straight into Mike and Andrew! The latter pair recovered from their surprise soonest - Robert was struck by jets of water from two directions before he had even freed his weapon. Without waiting to be asked, he raised his hands and awaited the inevitable. His hands were quickly tied behind his back and, once gagged, he was escorted to the enemy base where he was just in time to witness Ian's dramatic escape.

The mention of Ian's departure caused a loud babble of excited chatter. We both received effusive congratulations for this effort but Ian looked rueful and replied, "When these two" - pointing at his brother and me - "told me to make good my escape I didn't know what to do!" He looked at his brother and continued, "It was a wrench having to leave Duncan behind, and as for Richard I felt sure they would make him suffer for setting me free. He is the one who deserves the praise - I certainly couldn't have done the same with my elbows tied and my hands tied to my belt!" We all giggled as we recalled the look of surprise on the faces of our captors as they watched Ian flee.

It was Robert's turn to add his bit now. Turning to David he said, "What on earth made you tie me up like that? I couldn't move a muscle!"

David actually looked a little embarrassed and then grinned before replying, "You didn't think I would be easy on you, just because we are brothers, did you?" Robert nodded his assent as David went on, "Actually, I knew you were better off than the other two. Did you realise Mike deliberately left your tee shirt on while he had the other two stripped to their shorts? I think he had always intended them for interrogation knowing how ticklish Richard is. He was not pleased that Richard had helped Ian to escape and when Ian was recaptured it took him only a moment to put his devilish plan together!"

This led us naturally to think about our other mates. Stuart and James stuck together, employing similar tactics to those I and the twins had intended, but with more success, which largely was a result of their failing to make contact with the enemy. They had scoured a large area of the woods but Mike's team had kept one step ahead (or were busy dreaming up ways to cause me and the other prisoners maximum discomfort!). Time was passing and they were about to begin a sweep towards the enemy base in the hope (and expectation) of finding prisoners. Suddenly, a figure crept out of the undergrowth and they were amazed to see Ian. Quickly getting him under cover they extracted his tale and decided a rescue must be launched. They broke cover and were about to advance when they heard a low whistle. Freezing in their tracks they looked all round but could see nothing. Then a soft call caused them to look up. Not twelve feet away was Paul's smiling face, grinning down at them from above. From his perch he spoke softly, "You lot do make a racket. I have been watching you for ages and heard every word! Get back under cover and I'll come down and join you".

They did so and as good as his word, Paul leapt from his hideout and joined the group. He was now able to tell them that, having been keeping a lookout from much higher up, he knew that Roger, Matthew and David were making a sweep in this direction (The latter, it would transpire, had set out to locate this group when our captors left us to our own devices. Mike, Scott, Mark and Andrew went off to scout different areas). Paul reckoned they had maybe five minutes before the arrival of the enemy but despite having the element of surprise, he felt they would be unlikely to capture them all without a little subterfuge. His suggestion was that he would return to his perch. The others were then to secrete themselves (not too well) under cover but ensure that they made enough noise to be discovered. He gave two vital instructions. First, they were to remain in a tight group near the bottom of his tree, and second they must surrender (and remain close together) as soon as they were challenged.

They didn't have much time for discussion and Paul was brimming with confidence so his plan was accepted, although reluctantly by Ian, who was still a little ambivalent regarding the joys of being taken prisoner! Paul clambered back into the tree like a monkey (we often used to tease him gently about his skill, asking how he managed to conceal his tail in his shorts!) and the others took up position, keeping up a low murmur of conversation while maintaining an exemplary look out. In this way they spotted the approach of the enemy, saw their reaction to the talking, watching them split up and carefully surround my pals. Stuart and James at least, were knowledgeable enough to know that, had they been surrounded in this way under normal circumstances, captivity would inevitably follow.

After a few moments Roger called out to them from his place of concealment that they were surrounded, and advised them to surrender. Keeping up the ploy, the chatter stopped immediately but the silence only lasted a moment. It was followed by an urgent whispered conversation and then Roger, Matthew and David were rewarded by the sight of their adversaries throwing out their weapons and leaving the bushes with their hands above their heads. The three prisoners stood together in a small group waiting anxiously to meet their fate.

Roger and Matthew were ecstatic having succeeded in catching three at once, particularly as they knew of our captivity from David! They didn't think to move the group or split them up (they really had no reason to), but ordered them to stand in a line, their hands still raised and turn around. Roger and David covered the prisoners fortunately at close range) while Matthew stepped up to the first in line - Stuart - and ordered him to put his hands behind his back. Stuart obliged and Matthew already had several turns of rope applied to the boy's wrists when "all hell broke out!" Matthew was struck by the water jet first - Stuart was close enough to feel the splashes. Roger was next and instead of trying to make his escape, David looked around, drew his weapon and tried to fight it out. Paul was not only a crack shot - he had gravity on his side. There was no possibility of him being hit from the ground and in seconds he was demanding the surrender of the enemy. They exchanged glances but then good-naturedly accepted defeat and dropped their weapons. James and Ian immediately grabbed them to cover their prisoners, while Paul jumped down and helped Stuart who was struggling to free his partially bound wrists. Rôles were reversed, and a few minutes later Roger, David and Matthew found themselves securely gagged with their hands tied tightly behind their backs, not quite the result they had anticipated when they first discovered my pals! It was only a short time later that they were briefly paraded in front of us, on their way to their own incarceration.

Stuart had remained largely silent so far, merely nodding his agreement from time to time. He now took up the tale. "We knew we would find you three comfortably tied up" - Duncan gave an involuntary shudder - "but with three prisoners I felt we just couldn't risk wasting time setting you free at that moment. You will have to believe me when I tell you it was a wrench, and not just for Ian, to leave you all there, but we thought it would only be for a few minutes! We took our captives to our own hut and I must say we made a good job of making them comfortable! We sat each of them down" - we were the proud possessors of an old, straight backed dining chair and two folding wooden chairs - "with their hands still tied, making sure they were behind the backs of their chairs. Then we tied their ankles, pulled their legs well back underneath their chairs so their feet were off the ground and joined their ankles tightly to their wrists. Just to make sure they stayed put, we then tied each of their elbows to one side or another of their chair backs. When we had finished they really looked sorry for themselves!"

"You did tie us savagely tight!" David interjected ruefully.

"Well, we tied you savagely tight, anyway," Stuart replied with a broad grin. "After we saw what you had done with your brother it was no more than you deserved!" We all joined in the laughter at David's expense, while Robert added with mock severity, "I was quite shocked by what you did to me. When you had finished I couldn't move a muscle! Whose idea was it?

"All my own, big brother," David smirked, "although, when I'd finished, even Mike congratulated me!"

Stuart was speaking again, " To be honest, we all felt it was a little outside the rules to lock them in the hut, but we didn't know what else to do. We wanted to rescue you three but knew that we would have to take extreme measures to protect our own prisoners. Time was running on and we didn't want to risk losing our bargaining counter! We locked our prisoners in and relaxed somewhat. I was amazed when James told me he had Robert's key. He must have had a premonition or something! Although we didn't search our prisoners we all assumed that David had his on him and that salved our consciences a little - at least we knew that if they got free they would be able to get out!"

Again David interrupted, "Yeah sure, I had my key but fat chance there was of us getting free. None of us could move an inch, we were of course gagged and once the door was shut it was as black as a coal cellar in there!" Once more we all laughed. We knew that there was plenty of ventilation in the hut but there were no windows and once shut it must have been unbelievably stuffy! James gave him a look, which clearly said 'Do stop complaining!' and took up the tale.

"We began to make our way back to Mike's hut intending to liberate the three of you. We were being outrageously careful and didn't deserve to be surprised, but that is what happened - we walked straight into an ambush! Suddenly we were being bombarded by jets of water - it seemed like there must be a dozen or so of them. Paul and I caught each other's eye and simultaneously decided to make a run for it. I guess it wasn't strictly within the rules but we were facing a demoralising defeat. Lucky we did really, or we might be facing stiffer penalties now!"

It was Ian's turn. "It rather depends what your perspective is," he said wisely. "Stuart and I thought we were well outnumbered and decided to surrender. We were appalled when we discovered it was only Mark and Andrew, but then Mark blew the blast on his whistle that you all must have heard and within a few moments, Mike and Scott were there too. I have to admit my heart sank when I saw my brother. I don't think Duncan and I had taken him seriously earlier today when he kept threatening us with vengeance. I guess that both of us had been lulled into a false sense of security and a belief in our own indestructibility!" It was Duncan's turn to interrupt. "All in all, I think we deserved everything we got from Scott! He has lived for years in fear of his two smaller brothers with no chance of satisfactory retribution and when he had the opportunity this afternoon he was much less harsh on either of us than he could have been!"

I stared open mouthed at Duncan and said, "But you had to suffer a full scale interrogation and..." but before I could finish the other boy interrupted, "Sure, but I had endured much less than either Robert or you by being staked out. Scott could have done much worse if he had wished and as for Ian, he may not have been particularly comfortable but he was spared the assault all together".

Robert couldn't keep quiet any longer. "You are quite right," he said, looking at Duncan, "but Mike knew exactly what he was doing. I guess you were unable to see the look of anguish on your brother's face (meaning Ian), as you were being tortured?" Suitably admonished, Duncan held his peace, allowing Ian to continue.

"With the arrival of Mike and Scott we were soon prisoners. They were none too gentle with us as they pulled our tee shirts off and Stuart whispered a warning that we were probably about to be interrogated. I was grateful to be forewarned but Mike immediately ordered silence and to reinforce his instruction we were carefully gagged. Moments later our hands had been tied behind our backs and we were pushed along the track, back to where you were all being held. It was already obvious that Mark suspected we had had some prisoners with us earlier - thank heavens they never actually saw them, or what we did with them! - And Mike was already mad about my escape." - he looked at me and winked - "Most of the rest you know since you were there. I know we were both warned what to expect if we were captured but I think Mike's devious plan to make me watch Duncan being interrogated was worse than being on the receiving end. I think both Stuart and I both wanted to end it as soon as we saw the tears running down your faces!" - Stuart nodded his agreement.

Richard
UK

Saturday, April 20th 2002 - 06:15:37 AM

The New Guys - Part 13

The last part of the tale was left to James. I had wondered why we had to wait so long after he and Paul left to collect their prisoners, only a few minutes walk away. He explained that, on the way there the two boys agreed that it was only right that their prisoners should be trussed a little more imaginatively. Both of them were a little indignant on seeing the state Robert and I were in and felt there should be some pay back. When they reached the hut they found our friends trussed exactly as they had been left but now they realised they might have a problem. If Roger in particular resisted having his bonds changed they would be in trouble. He was more than capable of overpowering them single-handed, even if it was outside the rules! They decided they would explain some of their thoughts and trust in the co-operation of the captives, which fortunately was freely given. Even so they decided to deal with themone at a time. Roger was first. Freeing his hands and arms the former were quickly retied, palm to palm and then his elbows were lashed together behind him. His ankles were left bound until the time came to leave. We all knew that Roger's elbows were incapable of meeting behind him, but all the same they were tied very securely. Matthew was next and knew he would not be spared in any way by his younger brother. Paul actually admitted to being surprised when, after applying a mighty heave to the first noose around his luckless brother's arms, he succeeded in bringing his elbows tightly together. Giving him no time to obtain some slack, further turns were quickly applied and then cinched and knotted securely. Finally, David received the same treatment, their feet were freed and they were led back to the parley.

We were now all fairly up to date with events but I wanted to put Stuart and Ian at ease. Looking at them, I said, "Duncan and I both knew you wanted to give in. It was stupid of me to hold out like that, but I had begun to think we were gaining the upper hand. Mike was getting desperate and running out of ideas. I'm sorry I embarrassed you all with my 'accident'". There was a shocked silence then Stuart said, "You have nothing to apologise for. It is us who should have realised you were in trouble!"

Suddenly, I became aware that Duncan and Ian had moved and were now sitting either side of me. I had no time to give it any thought because a moment later they began one of their strange diatribes, delivered by both of them but as it were, with a single voice. "We want everyone to know how Richard has helped us today. He took the time to explain what was really involved in these games and went to enormous pains to put our minds at rest, without glossing over the possible consequences to us at all". Suddenly I felt terribly embarrassed and hung my head to hide my reddening face, but they hadn't finished. "It would be better if you had red hair like us, but we have decided to adopt you as an honorary twin!" They each put an arm around my shoulder and my embarrassment was complete. I turned a deeper shade of red as the rest of my pals cheered. James, my closest friend and ally, grinned, clapped me on my shoulder and encouraged me by saying, "Well, you are dressed for the part!" I hadn't thought it was possible to blush any deeper but it was - I had completely forgotten that, like the twins, I was sitting there dressed in leather shorts! My mates rolled around clutching their sides in hysterical laughter.

Paul brought us all to our senses by reminding us we had to decide who was to pay the loser's penance and we were getting short of time. A noisy debate followed - it seemed we had no shortage of volunteers all with perfectly adequate reasons as to why it should be them! While this was going on an idea had been forming in my mind and I halted the argument by saying, "And you call me weird! I'm beginning to suspect that most of my friends need help. There is only one person for this and that's me!"

I was met by a howl of protest. It seemed that almost everyone was vying to remind me that I had been tied up longer than anyone, tortured and then peed myself. Robert added, "Even if we were able to agree, Mike wouldn't accept it. He thinks he is to blame for what happened earlier and will go out of his way to prevent you doing this".

"But don't you understand, that is precisely my point!" I insisted. "How many times do I have to tell you it was my own fault? This is my way of trying to make it clear to him he was blameless. Anyway, I've made up my mind, so there is no point arguing about it!"

My friends exchanged glances and chorused, "You really are weird!" then, as they gradually accepted what I had said, James looked at Stuart and said, "No way am I going to miss seeing Mike's face when we tell him!" Most of the lads laughed but I noticed Ian and Duncan had their heads together in an earnest and private discussion in the corner of the tent. I had no time to speculate on what they were plotting, as at that moment we heard the others shouting that supper was ready.

We joined the rest of the group who were in the process of serving large bowls of stew. As we approached, I received a few jesting comments about my shorts but I was over my embarrassment by now and joined in the laughter. Looking around I noticed a pile of rope and other material had been placed ominously on one side. Despite myself, I couldn't help an involuntary shudder. I was sure Mike would have some surprise in store. We sat down and were all soon enjoying the feast.

Half an hour later, our hunger satisfied, Mike looked up and said, "I guess it's time to reveal the lucky person. Since he is paying the penance for the rest of you, my team feel he should be excused washing up and other chores". This was sounding better! Robert assumed the rôle of spokesman and announced that it would be me. There was a shocked silence. Mike stuttered, "No, we can't allow that!" but Robert held up his hand and explained that I was adamant. They had all applied the most forceful arguments without success so all he could suggest was that Mike accepted it. The opposition went into a huddle, but after a few minutes Mike stood up and asked me, "Are you absolutely sure about this?" I repeated all I had said earlier and my decision was finally accepted. But that wasn't quite the end of the argument...

Ian stood up and surprised everyone by saying, "Earlier, Duncan and I adopted Richard as an honorary twin!" Despite the general laughter he continued, "Scott said earlier that Duncan and I didn't count as two people. Well, we have decided that neither does Richard. Anything you do to him, you will have to do to us". There was a stunned silence and this time I was really embarrassed. and had to turn my head away.

Scott looked at his brothers and rather uncharitably said, "The lazy little tykes are only trying to get out of chores!" but both boys turned on him fiercely and said, "If you think that, you are wrong. We will do our share but then we shall insist on sharing Richard's fate!"

I saw Stuart and Robert look at Mike and after a short pause the latter nodded. Then Stuart turned to the twins and said gently, "It seems this patrol is destined to receive all the weirdos! We will do it your way, and don't worry, we won't make you wash up as well!"

Mike appeared to have been stunned into silence. Above all, he had not wanted me to be paying the loser's penance but that is what he had been given. Now, after preparing to deal with one hostage he was unexpectedly presented with three. He rapidly regained his composure however. He exchanged a few quiet words with Roger who disappeared immediately. I guessed, correctly, that he had been dispatched to fetch more "supplies" and wondered what was in store for us.

Mike eyed the three of us up and down for a few moments and ordered us to form a line in the midst of our chums. As we shuffled into position I could see my two companions were rather less sure of themselves now, wondering what might be done to them in the course of the next hour or so. We were told to remove our tee shirts and after exchanging glances with one another we did so, leaving us standing their in just our shorts and trainers.

Mike now addressed us, saying, "Roger has gone to fetch some more equipment and when he returns we will deal with you properly, but in the meantime, just in case any of you might think about changing your minds" - giving the twins a savage glare - "We are going to tie your hands temporarily".

With that, three of our former enemies stepped up behind us. I felt hands grasp my arms and pull them behind my back, crossing my wrists. I felt a turn of rope being applied to them and twisting my neck round saw that I was being ministered to by Scott. In the next few moments I made two discoveries. First, that his rope-work was of the highest order and second, that he had no intention of letting me off any lighter than he would have one of his own brothers. The first turn was racked up tightly and each subsequent one was dealt with similarly. He applied maybe four turns of rope horizontally before doing the same vertically. Finally he cinched it even more securely by wrapping turns between my crossed hands. The ends were knotted behind my wrists and tucked in so that there were no loose ones for searching fingers to find. If this was temporary I hoped I was never on the receiving end when Scott got serious! Glancing along the line I saw that Duncan and Ian were both receiving the same treatment from Andrew and Matthew.

Once finished, we were moved into a circle facing one another and told to kneel, a few feet apart. I knew there was little that Mike could do that had not been done to me at some time or other but I guessed that this repositioning was intended to give the twins a full view of the pleasures awaiting them, so that they would miss none of the anticipation. They already had worried looks in their eyes.

With our hands tightly bound behind our backs cloths were produced for gags. This came as no surprise to me. Mike had made it quite clear he wasn't giving Duncan and Ian a second chance to withdraw and I had expected we would quickly be silenced but as Mike approached me I realised he was holding the disgusting, gooey, slobbery sodden rag that had been used to gag me that afternoon. My observation was immediately followed by the realisation that it might not be! (In fact it was. Mike had carefully retained all our gags from earlier, carefully sorted, in the expectation that it would add an extra element of horror for the "hostage"). He had deduced what our reactions to this disgusting sight would be and made no pretence of asking politely if I would open up. He simply stepped forward and grasped my nose tightly between finger and thumb. A protest at the slimy thing in his hand was now out of the question. I tried to squirm free from his grip but with my tightly bound hands I was fighting a losing battle as I tried desperately to clamp my jaw shut. I knew the outcome was inevitable - I finally gasped for air and Mike stuffed the rag triumphantly into my mouth. Despite his earlier concerns for me he was not letting his compassion get the better of him. He poked the rag firmly back into my mouth, forcing it into every crevice he could reach. When at last he stepped back, Scott quickly slipped a second cloth between my teeth, forcing it well back before tying it tightly in position at the back of my neck. I had, of course, only myself to blame for my predicament. I had volunteered for this role against vehement opposition from my pals. That I would spend the next hour or so speculating just whose mouth that awful rag had been stuffed in previously did nothing for my equanimity.

The twins had faired no better. Still in a kneeling position our ankles were crossed, forcing our knees apart and tied and thus we remained until Roger returned.

Kneeling on hard ground, dressed only in shorts with your ankles bound and hands tied behind your back is singularly uncomfortable. Hearing Roger return gave me an enormous feeling of relief since I was certain we were not going to be left like this for long. He deposited some items on the ground behind me and out of my sight, but I watched the twins exchange anxious glances.

Mike now confirmed my earlier suspicions by announcing that he had placed us as we now were so the twins would be able to take in the finer details of what was about to happen. They looked at one another once again and their eyes took on an even more worried expression but they were now irrevocably committed to their fate - escape was impossible and we had been gagged so that any communication was impossible.

Mike stepped towards me and at the same time I felt someone else start to free my hands. As I felt them suddenly loose Mike said, "Hold your hands out together in front of you". I obeyed, all the time aware that I was being watched closely by Ian and Duncan. They knew their turn would follow shortly, and their bravado had evaporated completely. Mike produced a length of rope and placed three or four loops very loosely around my wrists. I watched in a bemused fashion. Cynically, I thought he was playing the fool - when I say they were loose, had I lowered my hands the rope would have fallen off. Then he reached out and passed the end of the rope behind his turns between my wrists. Completing this vertical turn, he pulled it tight drawing the rope around my wrists into two encircling nooses. They were still loose - I could without any effort have slipped my hands free. He added more turns in this direction, drawing each one tight and as each was added so the loops on each wrist drew inexorably tighter until it would have been impossible to withdraw my hands. When he had used all the rope he knotted the ends off out of reach of my fingers. My hands were now securely bound but approximately four inches apart. He left me like that and attended to Duncan while Roger did the same for Ian.

The rest of the group had gathered round in a semicircle to watch. There was a silence, pregnant with anticipation. Suddenly, I recalled being tied like this on a previous occasion. Mike must have caught a flicker in my eyes. His face cracked in a wide grin and he gave me a broad wink! I heard a movement behind me and Roger joined Mike, holding a cricket stump. I knew what would follow. After handing the stump to Mike Roger stepped behind me out of sight. Immediately I felt my arms above my elbows grasped and pulled backwards forcing my bound wrists into my stomach. A moment later I felt a foot in the small of my back pressing forward while my arms were forced back unrelentingly. I arched my back to try to relieve the pressure and this was precisely what Mike was waiting for. He stepped up and thrust the stump through the crook of my left elbow. Continuing the pressure I felt the wood slide across the bare skin of my back until the end was pressed against the other elbow. Then Roger suddenly increased the pressure on my back and, with a cry of triumph from Mike, I felt the stump slip through the joint of my right arm. It was pushed further in and then Roger released his hold on me. I tried a few experimental movements. My hands were held tightly into my bare stomach, just above the waist-band of my shorts and the rigid bar across my back pinioning my arms prevented any movement. The twins had watched the proceedings with their eyes wide but if they were regretting their earlier decision the gags prevented their saying so. In any case they had no time to ponder as first Duncan and then Ian were pinioned as efficiently and securely as I had been.

Mike and his assistants stood back and admired their work but they were not quite finished. We were each in turn lifted off our knees and placed unceremoniously on our bottoms, our bound ankles in front of us. Then Mike looked at us and said, "Under normal circumstances we would leave you like that but you proved earlier today that some at least of you are unable to sit still. I would not want you to think we are prepared to let you get yourselves free before the time limit!" Without another word, three steel tent pegs were produced about 18 inches long. Roger fetched a mallet and began hammering a stake into the ground close to my ankles. When he had finished Andrew appeared with a further length of rope and lashed my already bound feet to the stake. As he was finishing his work the twins were receiving the same treatment. We were now completely immobilised and would have to sit for the next hour, unable to move hands or feet, or speak. I looked at the twins and gave a huge wink, receiving enormous grins in exchange.

Richard
UK

Saturday, April 20th 2002 - 06:16:49 AM

The New Guys - Part 14

The rest of the group, our own team mates included had formed an appreciative audience as Mike and co trussed us up. Now they began to break up as washing up and other chores beckoned but several came over, grinned at us and offered words of encouragement. Scott came over and looked at all three of us for a long while. Then, turning to Mike he said, "I'm really quite fond of my little brothers you know," - his words did actually sound sincere - "but I think I prefer them like this! They can't answer back and certainly can't get into mischief. The next hour is going to be blissful." Mike's response was to turn to me and say, "I'm not sure if becoming an honorary twin was such a good idea after all!" Scott giggled then suddenly Mike leant down and ruffled my hair. He knew precisely how I would react - I glared angrily at him in my enforced silence but found my bonds made it impossible to avoid his fingers. I could only sit, fume and suffer in silence. I knew we would be stiff in an hour but had suffered worse in the past and was quite prepared to bear this stoically, but hair ruffling was definitely out!

We were finally left to our own devices, although hardly alone since all our buddies were only a few feet away. Nevertheless, periodically one or another of them would come across, check our bonds and ensure that we were OK. We watched the clearing up completed and water was set to boil for coffee. Thus we spent the hour which, if not very interesting, nevertheless passed quite quickly and suddenly Mike was before us saying, "OK, the time is up. Give us a few moments and we will have you untied. Coffee will be ready in a moment". As good as his word, he began with my gag. I was pleased to spit the ghastly wad out at last and enjoy the luxury of having my mouth free. Next he tackled my legs and while he was doing that, I saw that Scott and David were doing the same for the twins. We were helped to our feet and then the pinioning stumps were withdrawn, and finally our hands were freed. We rejoined the others, sat down with our coffee and joined in the chatter round the stove.

It was getting late and finally all agreed we should get to bed. We would be busy next morning packing up before parents arrived to collect our heavy gear. We were only actually using three of the four tents, the extra one being used for storage. Robert and David had arranged to share with Paul, Mark and Andrew. Scott began hinting that his brothers should join him but I and my two closest friends decided to head off the inevitable row and announced that we had offered to let them join us much earlier in the day. We were profuse with our apologies and, obtaining Scott's agreement, we were rewarded by shy grins of thanks from the two younger boys.

At last we were all under canvas. I slipped off Ian's lederhosen, changing into a clean, white pair of gym shorts, and handed them back to my benefactor. He immediately refused them saying, "You had better hang on to them. Your other shorts wont be dry before lunch time" - I had soaked them in a bucket of water and hung them up to dry - "and unless you want to get those filthy you will be better off with these!" I was still a little reluctant - although perfectly comfortable I felt somehow conspicuous wearing them, but Ian received raucous support from James and Stuart. I somehow got the impression that, despite their persuasive arguments I was being gently teased, but then Duncan added, "You've got to keep them on, Richard. After all, you are an honorary twin now and it's the only way we can look alike!" James and Stuart giggled like a pair of girls and exchanged glances. Suddenly, I had a suspicion they were keeping something from me. When they managed to catch their breath James said, "Well that settles it! We must have you looking like your new brothers!" I knew I was losing the dispute. Whatever argument I put forward was dismissed summarily by my friends and finally I decided to give in, taking back the shorts which Ian held out to me.

We spent the next hour in the darkness talking about our annual Easter camp, now only a couple of weeks away. James unveiled his plans for mayhem and sedition and once more I realised we were likely to spend more time tied up than free. The difference this time was that Stuart was a fully paid up member of "the club". He would be unable to plead ignorance this time (and it was even less likely he would be given the benefit of the doubt) but he didn't seem perturbed by the prospect. The twins were at first dumbfounded by James's schemes but soon they were throwing ideas of their own into the pot. We pointed out to them that simply being with us at camp was likely to be bad news but after getting through their first "game" they both seemed to have forgotten their well expressed fears of earlier.

At last the chatter began to fall away, I snuggled down into my warm sleeping bag and knew no more until morning.

I was woken by sunlight streaming through the entrance to the tent, the flap of which, I noted, had been carefully tied back. It wasn't like that last night. I was in a strange position, half-sitting up. We all brought pillows with us (I guess we were softer than I might care to indicate in these tales!) but now I found I was propped up on my back, not only with my own but seemingly with everyone else's! Almost simultaneously, I spotted James smiling at me, and realised my hands had been tied behind my back. It seemed that tying me up while I slept had become compulsory for my pals - I had almost been expecting it and didn't even bother to struggle. Usually I would roll onto my stomach while asleep - it was this unfortunate habit which gave my friends their opportunity to bind my wrists without disturbing my slumber. This time, however, I was lying on my back. The pillows had been used to support me in a half-seated position and I guessed it had been done to ensure my comfort with my hands trapped behind me.

Seeing my eyes open, James shook Stuart's foot urgently and gave him the good news. The latter opened his eyes blearily, looked at me and grinned, "Hi Richard, did you sleep OK? Not too uncomfortable I hope?"

I guessed they wouldn't take too much notice of anything I said but it was worth a try. "Guys, don't you think the joke is wearing a little thin? If you really must tie me up at night why don't you just tell me when we turn in and I'll simply put my hands behind my back for you. It will save you endless bother and you won't have to run the risk of waking me! Can I be untied now, please?"

While I was speaking the twins had woken up. I noticed that everyone had huge grins on their faces and assumed it was because I had been caught yet again. Without getting out of bed Ian said to his brother, "Go and call the others!" Without a moments hesitation Duncan did his bidding, crawling to the entrance and calling shrilly that I was awake. Within seconds I could hear people stirring and boys were clambering into our tent. They all seemed to be sharing a joke at my expense but, if it was not simply that I was tied up (yet again), then no one thought to let me in on it.

I was starting to get irritated by their silly behaviour and rather crossly demanded to be released. Stuart and James looked at one another then, very patiently, James said, "We can't do that yet. We are genuinely sorry we had to tie your hands but it really is for your own protection this time!" There were more guffaws from the others. "We give you our word that we will set you free in a little while, subject only to your acceptance of a small condition (which we can't explain yet), but we can't do that until you are up and dressed". The crowd now assembled in our tent simply fell about laughing. I was the only one not sharing the joke.

"How on earth am I going to dress with my hands tied behind my back?" I asked caustically.

"We've already thought of that," Stuart replied. "You are already wearing a tee shirt and we will put your socks and trainers on. I'm afraid you will have to accept our help to change your shorts". The shorts - I had forgotten the dreaded lederhosen, but I quickly realised I would have to wear them until my other pants were dry. Surely this hadn't been engineered to get me into them? Still enjoying their private joke the crowds withdrew, leaving just the five of us. The others dressed quickly then James unfastened my sleeping bag. After a little more protest on my part I finally accepted the inevitable and allowed James and Stuart to pull my gym shorts down. Ian produced the leather shorts and they were quickly pulled up, Duncan fastened the buttons on the front flap even as Stuart and James were pulling my socks on.

Richard
UK

Saturday, April 20th 2002 - 06:17:44 AM

The New Guys - Conclusion

Fully clothed, my mates then helped me to my feet and escorted me out of the tent to where the others were waiting. I noticed the stove was already lit and the water for our coffee was almost boiling. I was escorted to a log, drawn up near the stove and invited to sit down. I had by now decided there was little point in putting up any resistance - I would go along with their little charade and hopefully thereby gain my freedom all the sooner! My appearance had once more started the communal mirth - I decided it could only be because of my outlandish attire although by now the twins had appeared, dressed in exactly the same manner and they didn't seem to cause the same reaction!

David and Robert now came forward and stood before me. These two boys were undoubtedly the most sensible in the troop but they seemed to have been infected with the same disease as the rest. David was holding something behind his back, out of sight. Robert spoke quite gently to me saying, "We want to show you something. Please don't be angry. Afterwards, we will untie you provided you agree to our condition!"

His brother pulled from behind his back a mirror, taken from our patrol hut, and held it up so I could see my reflection. I looked at myself and couldn't believe my eyes. Overnight my face had become covered in freckles, just like the twins. I looked in disbelief and then despite myself, burst out laughing. When the mirror had been produced everyone seemed at last to have mastered their mirth - now, on seeing my reaction, they all seemed to let out a sigh of relief simultaneously.

The explanations followed thick and fast. The plot had been hatched yesterday evening while the twins and I were paying the loser's penance, the idea occurring to Paul following the twins announcing that they were adopting me! Matthew was a consummate artist, well beyond his years, and particularly skilled in watercolours. Very occasionally he would paint scenes of activity during our formal camps. If we were permitted to watch we would look on in awe at his skill. Despite the fact that I never saw him use them during our informal gatherings, he was never separated from a small box of paints and it was he who adorned my face during the night. The skill he employed was such that a stranger would not have known my freckles were painted on - they appeared completely natural.

My companions of the night before had waited until I was sound asleep - "We thought you would never go off!" laughed James. Knowing that I invariably slept deeply, they began by carefully tying my hands behind my back. Then they sacrificed their own comfort, using their pillows to ensure that I would remain propped on my back despite my bound hands (and also ensuring that I would not suffer unduly in that position). Matthew was alerted (he had his equipment ready and waiting) and he went to work straight away with only the light of a torch to help him.

"We had to tie your hands," Stuart added, "to make sure you didn't spoil Matthew's art work and at the same time make it impossible for you to go for an early wash!"

"That was pretty unlikely!" Mike interjected. "My experience is that you young beasts usually have to be tied up and dragged to the tap to get you clean! We have all been taking turns to keep watch over you during the night in case your bonds were too tight but we needn't have worried. I don't think you moved a muscle after we made you comfortable. I hope you are grateful to your guardian angels!"

In reality I was - it did seem that my mates needed little excuse to tie me up while I was asleep but they had always given maximum consideration for my safety (far more than we showed one another during our games!).

I had enjoyed the joke once the shock wore off but now I asked again if I could have my hands untied. I saw almost everyone exchange shifty glances and for a moment I thought I was going to be refused but Robert said, "Yes, we will subject to our simple condition. You must agree not to attempt to remove your freckles" - everyone laughed at this - "until we are ready to go home!" I sat and pondered his words for a minute or so but realised I had little alternative. If I didn't give my word I would simply remain tied up all morning but my mates knew that, once given, I would consider the promise binding. I had already gone through the "embarrassment threshold" with the leather shorts - this new affliction was really quite trivial! Amidst cheers from a number of the boys I nodded my head and gave my word. Immediately, James stepped forward and began working on the knots securing the cords on my wrists.

As he worked I sensed a certain embarrassment on his part. While he struggled with the knots - despite my pals making sure my bonds were not excessively tight, they had nevertheless been very thorough and the knots had worked tight overnight - he whispered, "No hard feelings I hope, Richard. We just couldn't resist it when Ian and Duncan announced they would adopt you as an honorary twin!"

"Don't be foolish!" I replied. "You and I have been through far too much to let anything come between our friendship. If you really can't resist tying me up while I'm asleep, that's OK by me. And no, I don't mean it like that!" I added quickly as I saw James give me an odd look. I quickly went on, "Actually, I was just a little bit flattered when Ian and Duncan came out with their comment and I guess you are all entitled to your joke. The twins were very nervous yesterday, but everyone helped to get them through it. I'll tell you what, though - I think we may have some first class allies on our Easter camp!" As James finished with my hands and I was free at last we both giggled conspiratorially.

We settled down to our breakfast and I endured more jokes about my newly acquired freckles but as good as my word, I made no attempt to remove the paint. The rest of the morning was spent in packing everything away and ensuring the campsite was cleared of all rubbish. By lunchtime we were able to relax, hot sweaty and tired but with the work behind us.

Our cold lunch finished and cleared up I looked around for my buddies, both new and old, but some of them seemed to be missing. I looked enquiringly at Scott but he said he hadn't a clue where his brothers had got to - everyone else was ready to go. Suddenly we heard a disturbance a little way off which seemed to come from the direction of Mike's patrol hut. There were sounds of a scuffle and raised voices which were abruptly cut off. We all looked at one another, completely mystified but didn't have long to wait for an explanation - Roger and Matthew emerged from the bushes pushing the violently struggling Ian and Duncan before them. The twins had had their hands tightly tied behind their backs. The reason for the loud protestations which we had heard coming to an end was now obvious. Both boys had what appeared to be several rags stuffed into their mouths. It had been done expertly. Their jaws were stretched wide apart and it was obvious that fingers had poked the cloth into every recess of their mouths - into their cheeks, well back above the tongue and around their gums. The gags had not been tied in place and with perseverance the boys would doubtless be able to work their mouths free with their tongues. This they were trying desperately to do but so far unsuccessfully - it would take them a long time!

"We've brought you a present," Roger said, addressing Scott. "We thought you might like to take them home in the same manner in which they brought you!" The twins had subsided and looked forlornly at their older brother. Whether they thought they would be able to appeal to his better nature was unclear but Scott beamed with gratitude. Turning to the dejected pair he said, "Looks like you are in for an uncomfortable walk home. If you promise not to make a fuss I'll remove your gags but one word of complaint and they go straight back on and next time I'll tie them in place!" The two nodded their agreement and stood still while Scott pulled the rags out. I was amazed to see that their captors had managed to insert three apiece!

"I guess we are all ready to leave then," Scott said, when suddenly Stuart reminded me I hadn't changed. I had absentmindedly packed my now dry shorts. I looked enquiringly at the twins standing miserably together, their hands still bound. Ian said, "You can return those later if you like". I decided to stay as I was - my embarrassment at wearing the lederhosen had long passed, they were comfortable and I would have to search through my pack if I were to change. Ian and Duncan were still wearing theirs so I wouldn't look so out of place and I had the benefit of free hands! Our farewells said, we started on the two-mile walk home, leaving the bulk of our personal gear to be collected by car later that afternoon. We were soon indulging in the usual horseplay and high spirits and the two prisoners made the best of their situation.

At my own back door I said my last goodbyes. Ian said, "Haven't you forgotten something?" I looked down at my pants but said I would have to change them indoors. Ian told me that wasn't what he had in mind but there was no rush to return the shorts. "In any case," he added, "We are going to equip the whole patrol like that at Easter!" I had completely forgotten their earlier threat and my feeling of horror. Having spent a good part of the weekend in leather shorts, I decided that I could face up to it again, particularly if all my best mates were involved too.

Looking at Scott I asked, "Aren't you going to untie those two?" Without a moments hesitation he replied, "Nope! I'm going to parade them both in front of our parents for their inspection! I have lost count of the number of times these hell-raisers have humiliated me like that in the past - now it's their turn!" The twins looked ruefully at one another but decided to remain silent. They had decided further comment was pointless and would accept the inevitable. I guessed we hadn't seen the last of this family war.

Once more Scott asked if there was something I had forgotten. I was mystified and told him I didn't think so. "Oh, fair enough," he replied and they all walked off.

My parents and Chris were together, enjoying a cold drink. When I walked in they all turned, looked at me and burst out laughing. I looked down at my pants and turned red with embarrassment. Seeing my reaction, my Mother assured me it was nothing to do with my dress. "Actually, I think you look rather sweet - they suit you! What surprised us all were your freckles - you lost them when you were seven years old but they have all come back! What on earth have you been doing?"

Chris had kindly fetched a drink for me. I joined the rest of the family and began telling them (some of) my adventures...

Richard
UK