Richard UK : 10 - The New Guys (m+/m+)

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Richard UK : 10 - The New Guys (m+/m+)

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Richard UK's stories
10 - The New Guys
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By Richard UK

The New Guys - Part 1

Tuesday, April 16th 2002 - 05:21:37 AM

When I last wrote of my scouting activities, winter was passing and a pleasant weekend had been spent helping our adult leaders to sort and prepare our equipment for the coming summer activities. As the end of February approached the Mediterranean weather took a turn for the better and suddenly we were all planning camp outs and everything that would go with them.

Our weekly troop meeting arrived and we gathered for the formal opening ceremony. None of us had been looking forward to this day with much relish - Colin and Ken, both members of my own patrol, were about to return to the UK with their respective parents. It was bad enough to loose one buddy but to loose two simultaneously was a disaster. Not only that but both boys were participants in our TUG games from time to time! Even more worrying however was that, at the same time, Peter was leaving us. He had been Mike's "right hand man" ever since I joined the troop and was "inducted" into our games. A ferocious opponent, he had nevertheless proved himself a kind, gentle and loyal friend to everyone, and in particular to me. He would be sorely missed, not least because he was one of our older troop members and a patrol leader.

I was surprised to see our adult leaders had been joined by three boys, all strangers (well, two of them were vaguely familiar although I couldn't decide why). Their uniforms were very smart - crisp shirts, and shorts pressed with a sharp crease but they were all wearing strange coloured scarves. Two of the boys looked to be about my age, both had auburn hair, a plethora of freckles and were clearly twins. One was wearing glasses but they were otherwise identical, and without the specs they would have been impossible to tell apart. The third boy, maybe a couple of years older and darker was quite clearly their brother. They were introduced to us respectively as Duncan, Ian and Scott, and having arrived a few days earlier were joining our troop. Scott, the older boy, wore the stripes that showed him to have been a patrol leader in his former troop.

While our leaders introduced the newcomers and said our formal farewells to our old buddies my mind wandered. I realised why the faces of the younger boys were familiar - I had seen them chatting to Stuart one or two days ago and recalled him telling me they had joined his class. He had probably invited them to come to our meeting today and join our troop. More worrying was the loss of three TUG buddies. Not all our members took part in our games and there was no certainty that any of these newcomers would wish to join in. Lost in my thoughts, I almost missed the announcement that the two twins would join our patrol (we were already numerically weaker than the others and they would effectively replace Ken and Colin) and that Scott would join Peter's old patrol with a view to taking over as patrol leader. This was something of a blow - despite Peter's unwavering support for our activities the only other (occasional) player was John. (Although the other members of the patrol didn't take part, it has to be said that they were never backward in giving their support to our aggressors when, as often happened, James and I were tied up in reprisal for the former's practical jokes, both at our regular meetings and during camps!).

When we were finally dismissed all the boys ambled off to their individual patrol huts ostensibly for a period of badge work. We collected our two new members and escorted them to our own. Soon we were all deep in a noisy conversation as we all questioned them about where they had come from, where they were living and what their interests were. Their family had arrived from Germany only a few days earlier. Their father was originally Scottish, their mother German and we were astonished when they told us they were bilingual. All three boys had been active members of a scout troop there, hence their strange scarves, and they were all amazed by our spring time climate.

In the way that small boys have with idle chatter, this conversation could have gone on forever. We were suddenly brought to a halt, however, by Duncan, the bespectacled boy, saying rather excitedly, "We've been hearing rumours of particular games being played in your spare time by members of the troop from time to time. What can you tell us?" Both boys looked quizzically at us while we exchanged cautious glances.

At this juncture, I should point out that none of our participants solicited for new players. As a group, we had long ago agreed that it was not fair to put a newcomer under any pressure whatsoever to join in. In this way we had managed to ensure that anyone taking part did so of their own free will and it was probably for this reason that no one had ever asked to be released prematurely, or begged to be excused from "interrogation" (without of course revealing the information their persecutors required!). We were therefore stunned that these boys seemed to know of our nefarious activities despite their only having arrived a few days ago.

Our new friends noticed our discomfiture and immediately explained, "Peter told Scott a little of what goes on. Scott then tackled Mike who, when pressed, reluctantly filled in quite a bit more detail. We are both quite keen to take part and Scott will want to as well!" This information was supplied by both boys. We had several pairs of siblings within the troop (David and Robert in our own patrol, Matthew and Paul, and of course myself and Chris although the latter was technically no longer a member) but twins were a new experience. We would become used to holding a conversation with both of them simultaneously, as it were, with each contributing sometimes half a sentence each!

We gathered round the pair with renewed interest. Our activities were certainly not a secret but neither did we publicise them too widely. That two boys only recently arrived and attending their very first troop meeting should have obtained this information was surprising to say the least and this pair not only seemed to possess this knowledge but also, seemingly, wished to join in! We began filling in some details. There was no need to exaggerate our tales - some of our escapades were fairly brutal!

The twins listened round eyed to all we had to say until Stuart asked, "Did you ever play similar games with your last group?"

Not really," came the reply. "Occasionally someone would have his hands tied during a meeting but as these took place in doors we didn't really have many opportunities. During camps it was quite common for someone to be roped, usually to a tree or staked out for a while but really, most of the boys were not very good at it. We do play games with Scott, though, from time to time!" They told us their brother was nearly two years older than they were.

It sounded as if these boys would be a welcome addition. We continued to chatter and then I said, "Well, as Scott is older than you two you must be used to being tied up. Is he good with knots?" The two newcomers looked at one another then suddenly burst out laughing. "Good heavens, we have never been tied up!" they chuckled. "Scott is older, bigger and stronger than either of us but we have one advantage - numbers! He can't take one of us on without the other and consequently we always come out victorious. It does mean that we are both good knot tiers and Scott is reconciled to spending hours tied up and gagged!"

This was slightly worrying; I pointed out that taking part meant acceptance of our rules and that, if caught by the opposition they would have to submit to being bound and possibly "interrogated". Were they both sure they were prepared to endure this? The two boys looked at one another and finally agreed they were both keen to play and would accept any consequences. "In any case, it probably won't arise. We are bound to be too much for any of the opposition," they added rather arrogantly.

It was left to Robert to explain, quite gently, that it was most unlikely they would prove a match for our older members and it would be as well if they prepared themselves for a whole new experience. As an after thought he added, "If your brother is telling Mike and the others how you have terrorised him in the past I wouldn't be surprised if they start plotting to help him get his revenge".

The twins were no longer smiling but exchanging worried glances, however they were both quite irrepressible and before long they seemed to accept the truth of what Robert had said and agreed that they would meet their fate stoically if necessary.

The meeting finally came to an end and we were in the process of making our final farewells to Ken and Colin when Mike joined us and said that plans were afoot for a camp out that weekend with all that might entail. We didn't need him to spell it out. My close buddies were all sure they would be able to attend and I knew my parents would be more than willing to see the back of me for a while. The twins said they would try to get permission which they felt would be forthcoming if Scott was there "to look after them".

Richard
UK

Tuesday, April 16th 2002 - 05:22:56 AM

The New Guys - Part 2

We had only two days to do the planning but Mike had already done the spadework, arranging to borrow tents and other necessary equipment. We had a standard routine for arranging provisions amongst ourselves and consequently, by the following evening all was in place. We would meet in the woods early on Saturday morning, pitch our camp, and spend at least some time on our badge work. This was the lever Mike used to extract the equipment from our leaders and he was always conscientious in ensuring that we kept our side of the bargain. The afternoon (and probably evening) would be spent in creating mayhem.

My father was dragooned into once more delivering our personal gear by car so Saturday morning saw the usual gang of ruffians gathering in our kitchen. I say usual gang but in fact it had been augmented on this occasion by Duncan and Ian who it transpired lived only one street away. They were the last to arrive and when they came in I expressed my surprise that Scott wasn't with them. They had actually carried three packs in and looked remarkably shifty as they said, "Oh, he will be here. He's around somewhere!"

James, David and Robert were doing an expert job of gleaning and gathering in my mother's store cupboard and in exasperation she finally ordered us out with instructions not to hurry home tomorrow. We left by the back door, immediately outside which was a store that Chris and I used for our bicycles. As we passed the door, Duncan asked, "What's in there?" I began to explain but before I had got out more than a couple of words Ian said, "Let's have a look!" and flung open the door.

We all gasped. There on the floor was Scott. He was lying half on his back, his hands tied behind him and his ankles and knees were tightly bound. The rope work was of the highest order. He had been expertly gagged with a scout scarf. Unable to speak or move the older boy glowered at us. Seeing our looks of stunned surprise our new friends began to explain between giggles.

"He was giving us a hard time as we got ready to leave so we decided we had better teach him a lesson and at the same time show you what we were capable of!" both boys laughed. "Once we had his hands tied," - Ian placed a hand on his brother's back and pushed him forward quite roughly, proudly exhibiting their prisoner's tightly bound wrists - "he became more co-operative. He usually sensibly admits defeat at that point" - I shuddered with the thought of what they might do to him otherwise!

"We decided to bring him here neatly trussed up as a present for you but heard your mother's voice from outside and decided we had better not bring him in. We found your storeroom door unlocked so pushed him in there. Until then his mouth had been free but he foolishly started to protest so we had no alternative but to gag him. Then we quickly tied his knees and ankles to keep him out of mischief and here he is!"

The two boys were grinning proudly at us - the whole of this address had been delivered in a rush by both boys, just as if only one was telling the tale! The rest of us were dumfounded by the sight of the bound boy, but before we could make any comment, Duncan turned to his brother and said, "If you promise not to make a sound, we'll take your gag off." The older boy nodded his head and in a few moments his mouth had been freed. He stretched his jaws luxuriously - the scarf had been tied savagely tight.

"OK bro, untie his feet and we can be on our way," Ian now said to his twin. Without a moment's delay Duncan started tackling the knots at his brother's knees then finally freed his feet. The two younger boys helped Scott to stand.

"Aren't you going to untie his hands?" David enquired.

"No way," came the swift response. "He can stay like that for a while as his penance for making our lives difficult earlier!" Scott looked ruefully at us but made no protest whatever. I found myself wondering just who gave who a hard time in this family, but Scott seemed to accept his lot philosophically so I simply pointed out that we were leaving via the garden fence which might be rather difficult for Scott. The twins looked at the 5 foot high chain link fence and said, "That's OK - we'll help him over". It seemed there was no more to say and in a few moments James, Robert, David and I were over the wire. Ian followed next and then, as good as their word, the two boys very carefully assisted Scott in his difficult task. I noticed two things. First, that the two younger boys were much more careful in helping their brother than I had expected and second that Scott seemed to place his whole trust in them to take care of him. In a few moments we were all over and showing our new friends the way down into the valley and the olive groves there.

As usual our walk was accompanied by a lot of chatter and some horseplay, and I noticed that Scott was joining in cheerfully, seemingly oblivious of his bound wrists. I recalled that, when I had been forced into a similar situation I too quickly forgot my hands were tied. We had covered about half the distance when Ian stopped us all and said to Duncan, "I guess we can set him free now. It wouldn't do to parade him in front of the older boys trussed like a chicken. That can wait for another occasion!" The other boy nodded his assent and almost before he realised what was happening Scott had been spun round by the shoulders and his hands untied. He massaged his wrists for a few moments and then, speaking to his brothers, for the first time showed slight resentment for his rough handling. "You do realise you won't find the rest of this group such a pushover, don't you? I am going to really enjoy seeing you two both tied up and squirming on the ground!"

"In your dreams, brother!" they both replied simultaneously, but I noticed a slightly concerned look pass between them. I could see another brotherly feud developing here and hoped I wouldn't be caught in the crossfire once more. As we continued on our way, I found Duncan and Ian walking either side of me. Suddenly Duncan said, "Stuart says you get tied up more than anyone else in the troop. He also told us what happened to you at school" - I shuddered inwardly. It was some months in the past and I would have preferred to keep it secret, but no matter - "We both want to be honest with you. Neither of us have ever been tied up. We have always had the benefit of superior force where Scott is concerned and he has never once complained about our treatment of him, in fact away from home he is quite protective, taking his "elder brother" role very seriously! But the truth is we are quite nervous of the prospect of being bound and also looking foolish if we can't free ourselves!"

I couldn't help chuckling at this rather solemn speech, unusually delivered by just one of them although it was clear Duncan was speaking for both. I replied softly, "Several things occur to me. First, if you are going to join in our games, you will have to reconcile yourselves to being tied up, and you need to know that the enemy will have no hesitation in 'torturing' you for any information you may have". I saw a look of horror pass over both their faces and endeavoured to put their minds at rest by explaining our methods of interrogation. They had already had our rules explained to them and knew that no one was permitted to inflict any physical harm, on pain of immediate expulsion. I continued, "Next, be quite clear in your own minds - if you are captured and tied up by most of this group your chances of escape without outside assistance are virtually nil. We have some expert knot tiers amongst us so there is no need to feel any embarrassment. On a more personal level, If Scott tells Mike and Roger what you two get up to they will be scheming to assist your brother in accomplishing your downfall! Your best option will be to try to team up with Scott - it will be much safer for you that way!"

The twins looked at one another and Ian responded, "No, we can't do that. Duncan has told you we are both nervous of actually being tied but no way are we going to take the soft option just because of that. It actually wouldn't be very fair to Scott!"

Now I really was surprised! There was far more feeling between these three boys than there appeared on the surface. Despite my own fears, I found myself saying, "I guess we had better try to work you into our 'little mob' then." James had joined us a few minutes earlier and until now had listened silently to the conversation. Now he spluttered, "Oh no, Richard. You are drawing us all into another conflict just like the one between Matthew and Paul and it is us that have to suffer for your chivalrous intentions!" The two new boys looked glum but James grinned and before either twin could speak he added, "Don't worry. We are used to Richard's support of lost causes so I guess we will have to accept it once more. Actually, it was he who got me through my first game and I was at least as nervous as you two. Since then, he and I have been through a lot together."

"Yes," Ian replied. "We have heard about your taste for practical jokes!"

"Have you indeed?" I responded. "Were you also told then that we have regularly been punished for them? I think James and I spent more time staked out at last year's summer camp than we did free!"

Everyone laughed and the atmosphere immediately lifted. Robert now looked at the twins and said, "One thing does occur to me. Your brother is wearing shorts but you are both in jeans. You are going to get terribly dirty this afternoon". My old pals and I were of course wearing our usual gear for these occasions of blue cotton gym shorts and tee shirts and Scott was dressed in an old pair of khaki shorts. The older boy now said, "These two aren't used to wearing shorts every day. To be fair, when we left Germany a week ago it was bitterly cold. Attending troop meetings in uniform really made your legs sting!" Lowering his eyes he hung his head, blushed slightly and added softly, "As a matter of fact, that was what our argument was about before we left home".

"Scott is quite right," Duncan replied, "Neither of us is used to wearing shorts routinely although we used to during the summer months. I guess we will be OK by the time it gets hot and the school goes into summer uniform. He prefers to appear tough, although we have already shown our superiority! However, we have both packed some shorts and I guess we will change later".

To my friends and me this came as something of a surprise. We had of course been living for a while in this equable climate and as I have said before, most of us younger ones quite happily still wore short trousers to school all the year round. We had no embarrassment at showing our knees and had not anticipated such from any of our peers. However they were quite obviously proud of their scout uniforms (all three had been impeccably turned out at our weekly meeting and shorts were de rigeur in those days) and I was certain their reluctance to bare their knees would evaporate as it got hotter!

The exuberant atmosphere continued for the rest of our walk as David, Robert and James narrated some of our adventures. Since most of these tales seemed to involve my being tied up in more or less distressing situations I decided to keep my mouth shut and listen passively. There was no need for them to exaggerate - I was almost shocked myself, although I could have vouched for every word if asked to - and my mates had the gratifying experience of an awed silence from their audience who, engrossed in the stories, failed to notice my embarrassment...

Richard
UK

Tuesday, April 16th 2002 - 05:24:34 AM

The New Guys - Part 3

We finally arrived in the familiar woods to find a fair sized company of all the familiar faces gathered. I was amazed that so many had turned out but on reflection, this was our first opportunity to engage in open warfare this spring so perhaps it was not surprising. Mike greeted us cheerily and Stuart immediately appeared. Roger, Matthew and Paul were busy erecting the tents while we were told Mark and Andrew were busy filling our water containers from the stand pipe. Fourteen boys in all!

We would have to wait to see what scenario Mike had dreamt up. He looked us over and made a caustic comment about the twin's jeans (all the boys already gathered were dressed like my old mates and me, in tee shirts and either blue gym shorts or old khaki ones) and I was surprised to see them both colour slightly with embarrassment. They mumbled that they would change later and gratefully excused themselves from Mike's presence when I suggested we should help with the tents. Mike stopped Scott with a hand placed on his arm and as we left them they were deep in an animated conversation.

Once more Mike had coerced our leaders into lending four six man tents (more than we really required). Two were already up and we fell to with a will so that, after half an hour all were pitched in a circle, their doors facing inwards. Hot and sweaty, we sat down gratefully as Mike called everyone together and reminded us that the "quid pro quo" for the use of the tents was that we put in some serious work on our various badges. He, Roger (and Scott), as the oldest and most experienced, were well qualified to assist the younger members in this and we all got down to our tasks without complaining.

For the next couple of hours, little was heard above a low murmur of conversation but at last we were finished, Mike stretched and suggested we had an early lunch. As usual a cold lunch had been extorted from various parents and preparations were quickly under way. As we consumed quantities of cold meat, bread, salad and fruit Mike told us he proposed a simple free for all with two equal teams, the victors to be the team with most prisoners at the time limit (set for 6.30pm to allow reasonable time for preparing supper). In the probably unlikely event of one side capturing all their opponents the game would end early. Following Paul's example in the Autumn he announced that we should negotiate hostages at the time limit, with a fixed time limit of one hour being placed on their captivity, but that, if the game finished early (an outright victory for one side), the victors could keep as many of their victims as they wished for up to two hours.

A long discussion ensued on how the teams should be constituted. Despite having resolved their differences after our last game, Paul was adamant that he wanted to join Stuart, James and me. He implied that he expected Matthew to join Mike! Duncan and Ian were keen to join us too so David and Robert offered to join opposing sides with the former going over to the enemy. This was unusual - they were brothers and quite close and had always in the past fought on the same side. While the teams were thus loosely decided, the argument raged for some time longer and as it did so Mike came and sat down beside me, and whispered, "Are you quite sure about this Titch? I have been chatting to Scott and just being with his brothers could be bad news!" As he spoke he looked me in the eye and gave me a knowing wink.

"I've already made my mind up, Mike," I replied. "Those two terrors don't hesitate to give Scott a hard time but actually they are quite nervous of what may happen to them today! There is not much you can do to me that hasn't already been done and I think they are going to need the sort of support that only James and I can give them".

Mike gave me a long, cool look and then surprised me by saying with a big grin, "You're quite a brave little kid, in a quiet sort of way and your loyalty deserves a medal! Fair enough, but don't say I didn't warn you!" I gave him a wan smile and we returned to the discussion, which Mike now brought to a close following his chat with me. The teams were settled as we had already discussed.

With lunch finished we split informally into our teams and adjourned to our patrol huts. We would have a tactical chat and our two new friends were anxious to acquire as much information as possible. Additionally we needed to sort all our supplies - rope, cloths for gags, and of course our trusty water pistols before commencement of hostilities.

Robert and I were quickly absorbed in this work while Duncan and Ian at last said they would change in preparation for an active afternoon. Engrossed in a large heap of rope of various lengths I took no more notice of the others until I heard James exclaim, "Wow, like the shorts!" Peering over my shoulder I saw the twins had removed their jeans and were pulling on - german leather shorts (lederhosen)! The two boys were clearly slightly embarrassed by the attention being paid to them, as they turned to face us and completed fastening their pants. Their trousers were identical, being dark green leather with a shiny surface and they were fastened with a pair of zip fasteners at front and supported by a belt. Recovering their composure a little the twins said with a grin, "They may look a little odd but they are great really. They are virtually indestructible so there is no chance of getting into trouble at home for damaging them and if they get dirty, just wipe them over with a damp cloth!

While James and Stuart looked on with interest Robert surprised us all by saying, "I agree! David and I have both had a pair for a long time". Seeing our surprised look he added in explanation, "Before we came here we were living in Germany too, and almost all the kids wore them there, all the time! I don't know why we never thought of them before for these games!"

Our two new friends immediately latched onto his words, "Hey, that would be a great idea! We have each got a spare pair and Scott has some too, although he doesn't wear them much now. We could kit the whole patrol out at the Easter camp!" Stuart and James responded with a giggle while Paul looked on with a bemused expression - I could see him thinking he was glad not to be a member of this crazy patrol.

Robert now called for our attention and said that, for the benefit of Duncan and Ian, he would remind everyone of the "rules of engagement". We had a lot of respect for this quiet and sensible boy (he was our patrol leader with good reason) so everyone listened intently. He began, "First, a reminder - if you are hit with a water pistol you must surrender at once. This is intended to prevent any proper hand to hand fighting or arguments and is therefore for your own protection. There is to be no fighting! Accept defeat gracefully and remember your mates will try to rescue you if at all possible." He looked at Duncan and Ian and continued, "As I am sure you have been told already, if you are captured you will most certainly be tied up and probably gagged. While no one will inflict any physical pain on you as such, don't expect the opposition to consider your comfort. If they think you have any useful information they will go out of their way to make you as uncomfortable as possible before interrogating you". A look of mild shock crossed both boys' faces while James whispered, gleefully, "Tickle torture!"

Robert went on, "Richard has told me how you treat your brother from time to time. You had better assume that by now Mike and the others know this and I am pretty sure they will make their primary objective capturing the pair of you! If that happens, all I can say is 'Watch out!' Finally, if you really are not happy with the way you are being treated give the signal you were told earlier. You will immediately be set free and no one will think any the worse of you, but you won't be able to take any further part in the game and will be expected to remain near the tents until the dead line. Any questions?" There was a silence. "Then in that case all we need to decide is our initial game plan."

Immediately, noisy chattering broke out. I offered to take care of the twins since they had no knowledge of this extensive area of woodland. Without help they would be slaughtered within minutes. "Are you quite sure," James asked mildly. "You do realise what will happen to you if you are caught with them, don't you?" I confirmed that I did but they needed someone sensible to take care of them. This was met with a peal of laughter from my pals.

"Let him commit suicide," Stuart put in. He looked at James and added, "You come with me. That way you will have the pleasure of rescuing your best friend, and I guess he is going to need rescuing!" Turning to the twins he continued, "Don't take too much notice of Richard. He's weird - he likes being tied up!" He was rewarded with a raucous peal of laughter while all I could do was hang my head to hide my embarrassment. The trouble was he was basically correct, although I would have added in my defence that I doubted if I was the only one. Nevertheless, being not only on the small side but also pretty skinny I had got used to being teased by my mates and made no reply.

I was more concerned with practicalities. Looking at Duncan, I asked, "Aren't you going to take your specs off?" Actually, both Stuart and I habitually wore glasses but we always made a point of removing them during these activities for fear of having them damaged or losing them, but Duncan replied, "No way! I'm as blind as a bat without them and would be a liability to you. Besides, without them you wouldn't know which of us was which!" This was true so I didn't press the point further.

Richard
UK

Wednesday, April 17th 2002 - 01:48:07 AM

The New Guys - Part 4

Our two teams would start from opposite ends of the wood, but as it was a "free for all" there would be little to gain from disappearing into a hide out for a long period. We would need to reconnoitre the whole area for the enemy, taking as many prisoners as possible along the way. Our patrol huts were our respective headquarters but unusually, we had no designated safe areas. This meant that we were liable to attack anywhere in the game area. Robert had decided it would be a waste of resources to mount a guard over our base and consequently we moved out after distributing pistols, rope and cloth for gags to each of our team.

On the far side of the woods we split up after a final brief discussion. We all intended, first, to get ourselves secreted in our chosen spots, then survey the terrain and ultimately move out to attempt to make contact with the enemy without ourselves being discovered. Before parting Robert reminded us there were additional supplies in the hut but that there might be risks in going there. He said he would do his best to check out the enemy lair in an hour or so and suggested we all might consider doing the same in case they were holding prisoners there later in the game. With that cheerful thought we split up!

I was still concerned for Duncan's glasses but when I questioned him he told me he had a case for them in his pocket. He assured me that in the event of his being caught he would ask his captors to put them away for him. As our rules virtually precluded any real rough housing he should be safe enough. Satisfied, I lead my two noviciates away quickly and quietly some distance to where there was a ditch quite grown over by a thicket of shrubs and small trees. We could shelter there, concealed from prying eyes while keeping a large area under observation.

A few minutes later I was leading the team into what appeared to be a tunnel beneath the greenery. My friends gasped appreciatively once they were under cover. I gasped too - recent rain had left deep yellow mud just inside the entrance. Realising it too late, I crawled straight in to it! The twins following behind were more fortunate. I was able to wipe the mud off my hands on some grass but they giggled at the sight of my now mud smeared and bespattered shorts. Ian couldn't resist commenting, "You see the benefit of shorts like ours now. All we have to do is wipe any dirt off when it's dry!" I looked back at the speaker in a derisory fashion but privately I was beginning to think he might have a point! But he hadn't finished; looking earnestly at me he added, "We won't be teased for being turned out like this, will we?" I suddenly realised they were both actually more sensitive than they liked to appear but I put their minds at rest. I took a long, cool look at these two rather pleasant, freckle-faced boys in their somewhat outlandish attire. Something was worrying me but I couldn't put my finger on it.

We settled comfortably into our hide and stretched out. It would be impossible for the enemy to get near us unobserved while, at the same time we were completely hidden from the outside. After a few minutes, Ian asked, "Is it true, all the things we have been hearing about that have been done to you?"

I giggled and thought for a moment before replying, "Depends what you've heard, but yes, probably! There's not much point in anyone embroidering the tales but no one has ever hurt me, apart from that incident at school, which really you shouldn't have heard about! And to tell the truth, I have brought a lot of it upon my self, either by my behaviour or my refusal to co-operate with the enemy! I suppose you know that I share this reputation with James?" The others nodded sagely so I continued, "Nevertheless, there is no reason why we shouldn't win. Although our team is basically younger we are all much better stalkers, and last summer we beat the older boys hollow, which resulted in Mike being held hostage all night and my brother Chris receiving the punishment that was long overdue!"

The twins both laughed but I felt it only fair to remind them of the danger they were in. Mike definitely knew about their regular engagements with Scott and it was clear from his comments that he intended to do something about it. While we were thus engaged in conversation we suddenly heard movements not far away. We immediately stopped our chatter, peering out to see what would transpire.

After a few moments, David and Mark appeared a little way away, creeping through the bushes making use of every available piece of cover. Despite their slow progress they at last passed the entrance to our lair and slowly continued their way. This was our chance. Rather than give our position away by us all pursuing them, I signalled the twins to stay where they were and crept through the ditch (once more covering myself with mud). My prey had not moved far and heard nothing. Removing my water pistol from the waistband of my shorts I took careful aim and the first the newcomers knew of my presence was the feel of water on their backs. Whirling round we found ourselves face to face but it was already too late for them. I ordered them to stand still and raise their hands, which they did after a moment's consideration. Pulling the bushes back I invited them to join my pals in our "den".

The twins were ecstatic. Completely concealed, they were able to observe the whole proceedings and were delighted to have made a capture so early in the game. My prisoners were forced to their knees and while I took care of David, the other two looked after Mark. Taking the rope our captives had in their pockets each boy's hands were tied tightly behind his back, his wrists crossed, the rope looped round both horizontally and vertically before being firmly cinched off and knotted well out of reach of searching fingers. I inspected my friends' handiwork but I needn't have bothered - I had already seen what they were capable of and Mark's hands had been tied tightly and competently. Both boys struggled for a few moments but gave it up almost immediately as a lost cause. Two rags were produced, balled up and stuffed unceremoniously into the prisoner's mouths - they made no attempt to resist - and a moment later the gags had been completed with a second cloth forced between their teeth and tied at the back of their necks.

"Are we going to interrogate them?" Duncan asked eagerly. I thought for a moment and said, "Probably not much point at this stage. If they all split up as we did they won't have much information and the sound of their suffering is only likely to attract unwelcome attention. We'll keep them here for the time being. Tie their feet and hog-tie them". Mark and David were pushed forward roughly onto their faces and Duncan and Ian set to with a will. The prisoners didn't resist although David twisted his head round to glare up at me reproachfully over his gag (we were after all fellow patrol members and would normally have been in the same team!), and a few moments sufficed to render them completely helpless. The hog-ties had been applied so tightly their fingers were brushing their heels - there didn't appear to be much I could teach this pair!

Richard
UK

Wednesday, April 17th 2002 - 01:49:23 AM

The New Guys - Part 5

Things were definitely looking up. We were not yet an hour into the game and here were two valuable prisoners lying bound and helpless at our feet. We had a further discussion and decided that, as the odds had moved significantly in our favour we would move our prisoners to our base where we had better facilities for providing hospitality (better supplies of rope!). First I offered to go out and make a quick sweep of the immediate area to ensure we would be safe in the open. Ian however proposed that he and his brother should do this. "We can go in opposite directions and cover twice the area almost twice as fast," he added persuasively, and so it was decided. The boys crept silently out and I was left to guard our two captives. They both seized the opportunity to squirm violently in their bonds - clearly they thought that if they could free themselves they would be able to overpower me. In this they would have been quite correct but their efforts were useless. I gave Mark a playful jab in the ribs with my foot and suggested they both lay still. "If you continue to struggle like that you'll make your arms very sore and there really is no chance of your escaping without assistance!"

I had been concentrating on these two and therefore didn't hear the foliage move as someone entered the end of the ditch behind me. A voice behind me said, "You are so right!" and I whirled round to find myself face to face with Scott, a grin from ear to ear splitting his face. My pistol was tucked safely into the top of my shorts and there was no point in reaching for it. I was staring into the newcomer's levelled weapon and would have stood no chance. I expected him to tie me up immediately, but instead he ordered me to untie David. I freed him from the hog-tie and somewhat reluctantly unfastened his hands. He rubbed his wrists briefly then removed his own gag even as I was loosing his feet. With his mouth free he turned to me and said, "You are so dead, squirt!" He looked towards Scott and said, "Leave this one to me!"

Scott didn't argue but turned to the remaining prisoner, and began first to remove his gag before dealing with the hog-tie. Meanwhile, David had spun me around, pulled my hands behind my back and was lashing them tightly, palm to palm. A gag followed and then I was pushed to the ground before my ankles were tied. While he worked, he told Scott that his brothers were expected to return in a few minutes. Scott looked up with an evil grin and said, "Listen, I have a plan." He turned to Mark whose ankles were still tied although his hands were by now free and said, "Sorry but you will have to remain tied up for a little while." Mark began to protest but Scott continued, "When they return they will be expecting to find two prisoners. We will leave Richard in David's place and retie your hands and it should give us time to trap them both here." Mark thought for a moment, then grinned and without another word put his hands behind his back. Scott tied his wrists again, then rolled him over and placed him in a loose hog-tie. Finally, he replaced the boy's gag.

Meanwhile David, as good as his word, was getting his revenge on me. He placed a noose around my elbows, then drew it tighter and tighter until my elbows were touching, then he wrapped more loops around my arms, cinched it off and knotted it. Finally he pushed my feet up over my butt and tied my wrists and ankles together. I was unable to move. Scott looked across at me, gasped and said, "Will he be alright like that?"

"Sure!" David replied. "He's keen on gymnastics and the most flexible guy in the troop." I silently cursed him for passing that information on. "We had better be quick; the other two could be back any minute." They dragged me into position alongside Mark and quickly left us, to take up position concealed in the undergrowth near the entrance.

It was a strange feeling to be lying bound, alongside one of the enemy! I turned my head to look at Mark and he gave me an evil grin behind his gag. I struggled frantically but fruitlessly. With my elbows tied tightly together behind my back my hands were useless, even without the lashing round my wrists. The strict hog-tie further reduced my mobility and I writhed and fumed, knowing that in a few minutes my friends would walk into a trap which I was powerless to prevent. Mark watched me with an amused expression on his face. Although his gag had been replaced loosely and was probably ineffective, his hands had been retied properly. Nevertheless, he lay quite still, watching my hopeless bid for freedom, in the certain knowledge that in a few minutes he would be free and gloating over not one but three trussed victims.

We hadn't long to wait. In a few minutes a rustling announced the arrival of one of the twins. Moments later I heard whispers and realised his brother must have joined him. Watching the entrance I saw the two boys climb into the leafy half-light of the ditch. They looked at the bound forms without noticing that one had changed and I heard one of them say, "That's odd - where has Richard gone?" A closer examination would have provided them with an answer but they had no time for this as I saw a shadowy form appear silently behind them and David's voice say softly, "That's far enough - stay exactly where you are and raise your hands above your heads." The twins glanced at one another, whipped their water pistols out and whirled around to face their aggressor. It was a foolish move - wet patches were spreading across their shoulders before they had even spotted David. "Sorry lads," he chortled. "By the rules of the game you are both prisoners. Put your weapons down and then raise your hands as I asked you!"

Duncan and Ian reluctantly accepted defeat and carefully complied with his request. As they did so, their brother crept into the lair. The look of shock that passed across their faces was worth seeing. "Hello, little brothers, " he laughed gleefully, "It's pay back time!" Again the younger boys looked at one another and then Ian asked, "But where is Richard?" David invited them to turn around, their hands still above their heads and at last realisation dawned - they looked open mouthed at me while I grinned up at them behind my gag. David was talking again. He pushed Ian forwards towards Mark and said, "Untie him!" The younger boy looked at the unwavering water pistol and realised he had no choice. David then spoke to Scott; "I'll cover that one," - indicating Ian - "While you tie the other one's hands". Scott stepped up behind his brother, at the same time ordering him to lower his hands. As he did so, Scott seized his wrists, pulling them behind his back. He pulled out a length of rope but before he was able to begin I heard Duncan whisper, "You won't hurt us, will you?" The older boy looked shocked, and replied, "No of course not, but don't expect any favours either!" The prisoner relaxed, looking relieved and within a few moments his hands were tightly lashed together, palm to palm, as mine were.

Meanwhile, Ian was reluctantly taking care of Mark. Working slowly he untied the rope holding the boy's hands and feet together and even as he did so, Mark pushed his gag out of his mouth with his tongue. Ian next turned to Mark's ankles, quite clearly deliberately leaving the hands till last, but as he did so, Mark said, "That's quite alright - take as long as you like. You're not going anywhere!" He looked down at me and grinned, "It's been fun Richard but I'm sorry, I have to go now. I guess you will be hanging around a little longer!" Ian finished his task and free at last, Mark rubbed his wrists for a few moments. Then David addressed Ian roughly, "Right you, over hear, turn round and put your hands behind your back!" Scott stepped forward and delightedly dealt with his other brother in exactly the same way as the first. With their hands tied behind their backs - a whole new experience for both boys - the twins looked at one another rather crestfallen but said nothing.

With all three of us satisfactorily restrained, I was relieved to be released from the hog-tie. Despite my bound ankles, I struggled into a sitting position and waited to see what would happen next. Scott looked at Duncan and said, "I'm sorry, but I am going to have to take your specs off. I think they will be safer!" Duncan gave his brother a wry grin and replied, "Well, I'm hardly in a position to stop you, and I certainly can't do it for you!" Scott giggled, reached up and removed the precious objects; Duncan blinked and said that the case was in his pocket. Safely put away, Scott returned them to his brother's shorts pocket and said, "Right, time to gag these two." They had no time to protest as Mark and David immediately stepped forward with the wadded cloths. Duncan obligingly opened his mouth to enable his captors to push the pad firmly home but Ian was more reluctant, clamping his jaws tightly closed. A waste of effort - even without the presence of Mark and David, Scott knew precisely how to deal with this. He stepped forward and grasped the youngster's nose between finger and thumb. A few seconds later he was gasping for air and the cloth was stuffed without ceremony into his mouth. Duncan's gag had already been secured - a moment later and so was Ian's. They would have no more opportunity to protest.

Mark proposed that they should take us all back to their base and David immediately concurred. Scott however was savouring this moment and insisted his brothers should be further secured. My heart sank for them. Scott was really enjoying himself and had no intention of letting them off lightly. The other two boys were more than happy to enjoy the spectacle so didn't argue with Scott - they merely passed some more rope to him and waited. Seizing Duncan by the arms he turned him around once more and began to bind his elbows as mine were. The younger boy struggled a little, ineffectually, and David himself protested mildly. Scott simply laughed and said, "These two are keen on gymnastics too. Today they are going to regret their flexibility." Duncan was powerless to resist and was quickly trussed like me. His brother looked on anxiously. His turn came all too soon and again unable to put up any resistance his elbows were seized tightly together behind his back.

But Scott had still not finished and asked for some short lengths of cord. These were produced immediately and now I realised what had been bothering me about their dress earlier - their belts! I have often stated in these tales that James and I were both pretty skinny. Because of this (and our respective parents' propensity for buying us clothes that were too large, or in my case making me wear my brother's cast offs) we were the only pair in the whole of "The TUG Group" who wore belts with our shorts when not in uniform. That said, they would have been completely ineffective with the gym shorts we both wore for these games if we hadn't hitched the elastic waist band up through the belt, and then tucked it over. It did mean that we wore our shorts somewhat shorter than was intended but our belts were invisible. Scott had finished tying Ian's elbows but before the younger boy even had an opportunity to test his bonds, an exercise in futility, he had taken one of the pieces of cord Mark handed to him and carefully lashed his brother's wrists to his belt! Within moments he had done the same for Duncan and their misfortune was complete. Their arms were fastened rigidly behind them and it would be impossible for them to free themselves without help. I looked at Scott with awe - he might always have been a victim before but clearly he had thought long and deeply about the vengeance he would wreak on his brothers...

Richard
UK

Wednesday, April 17th 2002 - 01:50:51 AM

The New Guys - Part 6

David and Mark were impressed too. After congratulating their buddy in the most effusive terms, my ankles were untied and we were ushered out of our hiding place. Then we were marched back to their base (Mike's patrol hut), a few minutes away. With our tightly bound arms we were helped on our way with regular prods from our captors who clearly enjoyed seeing us stumble along the way. Although it was only a short distance I was glad to arrive and sank down gratefully to the ground. Taking their cue from me the others did the same. I was not a bit surprised when Mark disappeared inside the hut and produced a water bottle. Our gags were removed and I drank deeply but the twins immediately started making the wildest threats at their brother. Our captors simply laughed at them and seeing me shake my head they desisted and accepted the proffered drink.

Scott, David and Mark withdrew to the hut for a brief council and I was relieved that our mouths had been left free temporarily. I looked at the twins - they were wriggling round on the ground trying to get comfortable, which was not easy with their tightly bound arms, and wrists still lashed to their belts - and asked them if they were OK. They both looked up and grinned, then Ian answered, "We'll live! Neither of us expected Scott to be so original with his rope work. I don't know where he gets his ideas from!" - I could hazard a guess - "I'm sure Duncan was as surprised as me when we saw you with your arms lashed behind you like that. We have been able to make our elbows touch behind us since we were very small but thought we were almost unique." He added ruefully, "Still, we would be far more comfortable if big brother hadn't known!"

I struggled into a more comfortable position - only marginally easier than for the twins - and said, "We won't have long. When they come out they will try to make sure we can't reach one another and get free that way, and they will certainly put our gags back." Ian was closest to me and I told him to wriggle round and I would try to free his hands before we were spotted. It took us a little while to position ourselves but I was gratified to hear a low murmur of conversation coming from the hut - we were clearly unobserved. I set to work on the belt lashing first and had some luck - the knot was readily accessible and in a few moments I heard Ian breathe a sigh of relief as he obtained a little more freedom. Next we both lay down and I set to work on his elbows, More difficult but my perseverance was rewarded. Now I was scared that we would be caught before I could set my pal free so I redoubled my efforts, despite the pain in my arms, held rigidly behind my back. Walking had been difficult with our arms tied and certainly running was out of the question. Perhaps that is why our captors had not bothered to retie our ankles (or perhaps they were just being slack), but as I worked I whispered, "Don't attempt to untie either of us. When your hands are free get away as fast as you can and try to get some help. I will try to liberate Duncan but we are running out of time!" Ian looked sorrowfully at his tightly bound brother but Duncan immediately reinforced my comments, "Yes, go! Don't waste Richard's efforts."

Suddenly his hands were free and our pal was on his feet. Then three things happened at once. Ian made a dash for the clearing, away from the hut and as he did so our captors appeared at the door, in time to see their fleeing prisoner. Scott made a move to pursue him but at that moment Robert stumbled into the clearing, hands tied behind his back and securely gagged. He was followed by Mike and Andrew who had clearly pushed him through the final boundary of bushes causing their prisoner to stagger inelegantly. This unexpected development brought Scott to a momentary halt, sufficiently long to ensure that Ian made good his escape. As the former turned again to follow his brother he was called back by David who pointed out it was unlikely he would catch him. "Don't worry, we know how to deal with escaped prisoners," David added sinisterly.

Robert had been pushed to the ground and this time they were taking no chances. His ankles and knees were rapidly lashed together and then our foes turned their attention to me. Mark approached and looking down at me he said, "My word, you have been busy. What a shame your friend didn't wait for you! I guess we will have to think of some way to discourage a repeat performance." Duncan's feet were bound and with his hands still tied to his belt he was once more helpless. I on the other hand was hauled to my feet and pushed towards a young sapling. I knew exactly what was about to happen but resistance was useless. I sensed someone step behind me and a hand closed over my face. I should have been expecting this but as I opened my mouth to protest a new rag was stuffed unceremoniously into my mouth and tied in place. I was gagged once more. Now I was forced onto my knees, my back against the young tree, my legs were pulled back none too carefully, my trainers and socks were pulled off, and my ankles were crossed behind the trunk and lashed together. Duncan watched proceedings, his eyes wide. He was clearly wondering if this was about to happen to him. Now I felt a pair of hands force my shoulders forwards and at last my elbows were released. Despite my gag, I let out an audible sigh of relief. My hands followed but because my arms were by now very stiff, I put up no struggle at all (little good it would have done me in any case!). With no resistance on my part my tee shirt was pulled up and over my head and then my arms were raised, pulled backwards behind my head and the trunk of the tree, my wrists were crossed and bound and at last I was free of the attentions of our captors. They stood back and admired their handiwork while I wondered if I was about to be interrogated. This was worrying - I had nothing useful to tell them but if they started to tickle me (and my bare ribs stretched taut by my unnatural position were simply crying out for attention) would they think I was merely trying to hold out on them? My mind was quickly put at rest however by Mike who said, "Don't worry, we're not going to torture you. Well, not yet anyway!"

Richard
UK

Thursday, April 18th 2002 - 04:51:01 AM

The New Guys - Part 7

With this friendly reassurance I was able to relax and observe the rest of these proceedings.

I was now trussed in a way that I have mentioned before in these tales, but at the risk of belabouring the point I would like to take a moment to describe it a little more fully and perhaps give a better appreciation of my predicament. First, a relatively small tree would be selected. It was important that the prisoner's feet could be drawn back sufficiently far to cross his ankles behind the trunk and there lash them together. This ensured the victim would remain kneeling while the pressure of the trunk on the lower back forced him slightly forward. As I have said, his hands would then be pulled above and behind his head and similarly tied at the wrists, behind the tree trunk. No ropes were actually tied to the tree - it was unnecessary if the right sized sapling was used, as the prisoner would find himself unable either to stretch his hands upwards or bring them lower down behind his head to gain relief. It goes without saying that my mates were masters when it came to selecting a suitable specimen. I suppose it is what today would be termed a stress position. It was preferable to co-operate with your captors and once your feet were bound resistance was quite useless in any case. The prisoner would invariably (and obligingly) find that, as his hands and arms were drawn upwards and back, he would arch his back in an automatic reflex, to accommodate his captors as they were lashing him in position. Only when they had finished and he was properly trussed would he find out - too late - that it was impossible to relax! His body would be arched like a bow and with skinny kids like James and me the skin would be stretched as taut as a drum across our ribs. Thus one would remain until released and it goes without saying it was a prime and oft used method used to secure our foes prior to interrogation. They were often ready to reveal all they knew even before they felt the silky caress of a fingertip, run lightly down the side of their ribs! Time and again I thanked my stars for my flexibility although sometimes it would take an hour or so for the stiffness to wear off.

But I digress. My position would not normally have encouraged me to wonder what would happen next (or to whom) but an unusual situation had arisen. David and Robert were brothers and in my experience had never fought on opposite sides. While my older brother, Chris, often teased me gently which resulted in our indulging in "play fights" (and I guess similarly with Scott and his brothers), I had never heard any word of dissent pass between these two. But now Robert (the elder by a year) was a bound prisoner, and his younger brother had so far taken the lead in arranging our fate. Would he try to go easy on his sibling? I needn't have worried and my team-mate didn't have to wait long to find out.

Robert was still lying on his stomach, his wrists crossed and bound and his ankles and knees lashed together. He was of course gagged. Our captors went into a very brief huddle and I heard a few whispered comments, then David, Scott and Mark stepped up to Robert and began to untie his legs. Mike had disappeared into the hut. As soon as Robert' s feet were free Mark grasped his (now unbound) knees, forcing them as far apart as he could. At the same time Scott grasped his feet and, after deftly removing socks and trainers, pulled them upwards and together until they were crossed. Showing no compassion for his brother, David then mercilessly lashed his ankles together in this position. As he finished, Mike reappeared carrying a 6-foot stave and more rope. Mark maintained the pressure on the prisoner's legs, if anything increasing it somewhat while Mike and David, taking a leg apiece lashed the stave tightly across Robert's legs, behind his knees. When they had finished he was unable to move and naturally would be incapable of standing or rolling over - the projecting stave would see to that. Next, David took a further length of rope and lashed it to the boy's already tightly bound wrists. This he led over the prostrate figure's right shoulder across his chest, over the other shoulder and back down to the tied hands. Taking a turn around the wrists he heaved on the rope mightily, forcing Robert's hands high up his back. Despite his bound mouth Robert uttered a single yelp through his gag but he was powerless to resist. Within a few moments David had lashed the line securely, taking care that none of his knots would be within reach of his brother's fingers (although it was doubtful if he could have done much with his hands pulled so high). If Robert thought he would now be left to his misery he was sadly mistaken. Mike passed a further rope to David who lashed it to Robert's ankles, pulled them hard up over his butt and tied it off once again to his wrists, carefully ensuring the prisoner would have no freedom of movement in his legs. Robert was now immobilised. If he tried to stretch his arms to relieve the pressure on his legs, he was prevented by the cord around his shoulders. The hog-tie naturally ensured he could not raise his arms further up his back (virtually impossible in any case as David had made sure they were as high as they would go) or stretch his legs. If the enemy were testing David's loyalty, he must have passed with flying colours!

Our captors had been careful to leave Duncan where he could see what was taking place. He had watched wide eyed while I was trussed up and then followed every move as Robert was bound. As a neophyte to these activities he was in the unenviable position of being able to watch from afar, as it were, what was likely to happen to him in a few minutes. I knew only too well, from our earlier conversations, that much of his bravado (and the same applied to his twin) had been assumed for the benefit of their new friends. I could also tell from his expression that, despite his apparently poor eyesight, he had taken in every nuance of the scene unfolding before him. The simple anticipation of what lay in store for him must have been torture! Separated now from his escaped brother - until Ian departed they had seemed joined at the hip - I found myself feeling profoundly sorry for him, despite myself.

With Robert now trussed to the satisfaction of our captors Duncan's turn had arrived. I actually saw him give a slight shudder as the older boys moved towards him. However, bowed but not broken. They surrounded the youngster and his older brother poked him playfully with a toe before asking, "So, what do you think we should do with you, little brother?" Duncan stared back, and with an impish grin said, "How about if I join your side?" His four tormentors were stopped in their tracks. They looked at one another, then down at their captive who grinned impudently back at them. Then suddenly the woods echoed with their laughter. As it subsided a small voice said, "guess that means no, then. Still, it was worth a try!"

Before he could speak again Mike, still trying to control his mirth, said, "For heavens sake keep him quiet!" Without more ado, Mark stooped beside the prisoner, stuffed the obligatory rag in his mouth - Duncan must have been expecting it and made no attempt to resist - and tied it in place in the usual manner. No more joking for Duncan. In fact he was about to fair reasonably well. You will recall that his arms were still tied behind his back at wrist and elbow and the former were attached to his belt. Additionally his ankles were tied. Scott and David now reached down, rolled him onto his back (quite uncomfortable with his arms trussed as they were) and, grasping him by his shoulders and knees, carried him a few yards across the clearing. There they deposited him once more upon his back. It was only now that I noticed the all too familiar stakes, driven into the hard ground last summer and used to secure James and me, had been replaced. I, at least, now knew what Duncan's fate was to be and he being almost a year older than me and a couple of inches taller, shouldn't be too uncomfortable. Duncan however wasn't gifted with my insight and appeared less sanguine. His ankles were untied but before his legs could be seized and stretched out to the waiting stakes he lashed out with both feet simultaneously. It was a futile gesture. Stretched on his back, his arms tightly bound and immobilised behind his back beneath him, he was quickly overpowered and all he obtained for his efforts was the loss of his trainers and socks. Hands grasped his legs firmly, stretching him out and in moments his ankles were each tightly bound to a stake. Now at last, he was helped (quite gently) into a sitting position, his hands were first freed from his belt and then his elbows were finally untied. Next, the lashing on his wrists was removed but this time they were taking no chances. Before the final turns were removed Mike and David grasped an arm each, leaving him no opportunity to resist. Like me he was stripped of his shirt and then he was stretched out and his arms tied to the remaining stakes. To make sure he was unable to move (remember, the stakes had been positioned uncannily accurately to hold me who was smaller), his arms were stretched out taught and the lashing was placed a couple of inches from his wrists. He would be unable to move, or reach the ropes holding him. The fight had gone out of him and he lay quite still, but I felt relieved for my new pal - he was certainly more comfortable than he had been for a while and his cheeky remark had appealed to my sense of humour. Still, I was grateful that he didn't realise that having his shirt removed would probably spell worse to come later. Oh well, we were both in the same boat there!

Richard
UK

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

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

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Post by Canuck100 »

Monday, January 6th 2003 - 10:59:52 AM

A reply for Harold and others...

Sorry to take so long getting back to you although I see Jason has responded on at least one of your points. He rightly referred to my comment a long while ago when I pointed out that the dialogue must of necessity be somewhat contrived. It was after all a long time ago. I have nevertheless tried to convey an impression of my erstwhile pals and, yes, some of us I guess were a bit "snobby" (or perhaps some of you guys from across "the pond" would simply call us "English"). We had no television and even had that not been so, our North American cousins had had much less influence on our culture and language up to that time! What was certainly true was that we formed a very tightly knit group, and although some of the deeds we perpetrated on one another were in retrospect appalling we would have gone to the ends of the earth to defend or protect any of our buddies. I would like to think that camaraderie still exists...

You asked about initiations from the viewpoint of the initiator rather than the initiatee. I assume you mean doing, rather than receiving. I can only recall being present on one other occasion which was the arrival of Stuart. He arrived a few months after I did (in fact before James, the third member of our ultimately inseparable trio). Although somewhat older than me he was subjected to exactly the same ordeal since he revealed that he had never been through an initiation ceremony. Perhaps he regretted his frankness! There is little point in repeating the details. Although other ceremonies took place I unfortunately missed them and they gradually dwindled away as their importance diminished in the light of our "games" taking off. On reflection, I think this was a good thing since those who participated in these latter activities did so on their own free will without coercion. While I will stress again that no one would have been forced to participate in the events I described a few days ago, it was certainly true to say that it would have been difficult to refuse without loss of face.

Many of our buddies within the troop took no part in our TUGs - that was their choice and their decision was always respected by everyone (probably the main reason why our leaders gave their tacit agreement, if not approval, to our activities). On the other hand, for those who joined in, little mercy was shown. Tying our prisoners up I guess was seen as being far better than the "bang, bang, your dead" solution to a battle. That having been said, small boys can be perfect little monsters, and we all took the matter of securing our mates most seriously. This wasn't viewed as a game - this was serious! Note also that the older boys in particular had no hesitation in tying up the younger boys as punishment for misdemeanours. We certainly deserved most of what happened to us, but believe me, it wasn't necessarily a comfortable experience! On the other hand please remember that this occurred in an era when we were likely to be beaten, even by our leaders, if we stepped severely out of line.

Both PH and Andy V referred to their attempts to be original with the ropes. Our group was no different. Discovery of the "hog-tie" was a revelation (like those other writers we certainly didn't know it by that name) and Mike in particular was boldly inventive as my regular followers will have learned. Even so it would appear that most of what he apparently "invented" he probably learnt elsewhere. Only recently have I discovered that his use of a wooden pole to pinion our arms while our hands were tied in front is in fact referred to in writings by the founder of the movement himself. Mike would assuredly have had access to that information to the detriment of the rest of us.

On the subject of gags, tape was not normally an option although I recall someone producing (and using) a roll of surgical tape on one occasion. I also recall how painful it was when it was ripped from my mouth! We always found a cleave gag with a rag first stuffed into our victim's mouth quite effective. We always ensured that the second cloth was forced well back between the teeth before being tied in place. It is true that the prisoner is not completely silenced but sound is quite effectively muffled and individual words are completely unintelligible. It looks good too! My brother introduced the "stout stick tied in the mouth" (a most effective bit gag). Forced well back between the teeth, it would effectively immobilise the jaws and at the same time keep the tongue depressed. It was impossible to spit out (and very uncomfortable - Chris did NOT introduce the foam rubber wrap advocated by a recent correspondent!). On the other hand, I am certain our gags were almost invariably tied far too tightly. Children may possibly have as many lives as a cat but there is always room on this sort of forum to remind younger readers of the dangers - thank God we were lucky!

Finally, Girls! Andy V's post immediately rang true with me. I am certain that most (all?) of my mates would have laughed if anyone had suggested that girls might be interested in taking part in our games but one day we were to discover that this was not the case. As I have indicated above, we certainly played hard, and yet, for all that, it was a game. On the occasion that we were to discover that the fairer sex were just as capable of tying someone up as we were, it was a signal lesson. My own experience suggests that Andy is quite correct - when the girls are doing the tying woe betide the unfortunate victim, particularly if he is male. Perhaps, even then, they had something to prove, but I for one trembled whenever I looked back on my only youthful experience involving the lasses. Maybe I'll let you have the full tale one day...

Richard
UK
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Post by Canuck100 »

Saturday, March 4th 2006 - 05:58:13 AM

On several occasions recently there have been comments regarding my scouting stories, and requests for them to continue. While I had stopped writing, I never stopped following goings-on on this site and I was a little touched that these requests came not only from people who I recognised but also from apparent newcomers who must have taken the trouble to read the archives thoroughly. I thank you all, both new and old, for your support and enthusiasm.

I stopped writing for two reasons. First, shortly following my last story, an intense and rather unpleasant war of words broke out here. People are of course not only entitled to their views on stories but to express them. Nevertheless at this time some quite personal attacks were levelled, although I would hasten to add that I do not recall being on the receiving end of any, save perhaps a few very indirect and heavily veiled ones. Opinions became highly polarised. Several good contributors stopped writing on these pages and I have always assumed, whether rightly or wrongly, that the "flame wars" were to blame.

Secondly, I felt I had problems. My old diaries brought the memories flooding back but with them came the realisation that we probably overstepped the mark on several occasions. As an example, our normal method of interrogation was to apply "tickle torture" to our victim, but associated with this was a perceived need to out do the opposition in inventing more and more uncomfortable ways to secure our prisoners. Some of us succeeded spectacularly. Today, in the twenty-first century, we would doubtless refer to them as stress positions. Then (forty years ago) they were to a group of 12-15 year olds simply a means of making our buddies more or less uncomfortable. To the best of my recollection not one of our tight knit group ever complained and apart from red marks on our wrists and ankles (or the occasional rope burn) which would vanish in a few days we were never the worse for our experiences. Our adult leaders (and parents) had a fair idea of what went on - those of you who have read some of my earlier stories will recall that I and my best mate James were regularly and quite savagely staked out in full public view during our full troop camps. Bearing in mind that James was an inveterate practical joker and I was regarded as his willing accomplice this certainly was no more than we deserved and was treated as such by the adults.

Unfortunately the problem was that as our boldness grew we took less trouble to hide our activities and eventually the oldies were obliged to step in and signify their displeasure. Sanctions applied to our age group then were much more rough and ready than now (and probably more effective) and no boy would have dared complain about ill treatment. This would simply have led to further chastisement from an aggrieved parent, probably much more effectively applied!

Taking the above into consideration I stopped writing. Flame wars came and went and recently we have been blessed with some excellent tales (I don't enjoy them all, but it has often been said here that there is a scroll bar on the side of the page!). Recently I returned to my diaries and I think I can provide you with at least a couple more tales, which shouldn't step outside the guidelines of the site.

Watch this space...

Richard
UK
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