Fire Book Two

The boys were all settled and had just fallen asleep, after their long day, when suddenly it was bright as day, and a loud klaxon sounded.  It was a sound somewhere between an air-raid siren and the sound made just after a submarine Captain yells, "Dive! Dive! Dive!"  Needless to say, the boys were instantly awake.  They all clearly heard James announcing, 'INTRUDER ALERT!'

Andy, who was sharing his tent with Lou, quickly put on his foot and pulled on his clothes.  He told Lou, "Scream as loud as you can, if any bad man tries to touch you.  I'll be back as soon as I can."

Lou nodded, and Andy was out the tent in a flash. 

John woke up and yelled to no one in particular, "Shit!  Wha' th' fuck!"

Peter gave him a shove, they pulled on their pants, and then they both bolted out of the tent.  They were actually the first out and spotted a more than slightly dazed man about fifty feet from their tent.  John, only thinking about the threat to his brothers, took off at full speed.  Peter was close behind, covering his best friend's back. 

"Oh shit, it's that fuckin' asshole from the hotel!" John screamed. 

'He's had a mild jolt of 'defend' and nothing more, yet.'

John didn't hesitate and rammed his head right into the man's privates, causing him to double over, just in time for Peter to jump on his back, causing him to lose what little balance he had left.  He hit the ground like a ton of dung.

James directed Andy and the rest to the man now lying on the ground.  'The police have been summoned.'

"Jeez!  It's that stupid reporter dude!"

Mitch said, "Let's really teach him a lesson, this time.  Nobody gets away with messing with us, twice!"

There were growls of agreement, and the boys quickly set to work.  The man's pants were stripped off, not at all gently.  His wallet and camera were handed to Andy.  Andy removed the memory card and then threw the camera as far into the river as he could.  Neal and Brian soon had the rest of the guy's clothes following the camera.  The shoes made a very satisfying splash.

Neal turned to Tym and Kit.  "Can you guys get us some rope?  We need some nice strong stuff we can tie this guy up with."

Kit replied, "Certainly, Neal, I know just the right bit.  Come on, Tym, let's go!"

Soon the man was being led, pushed, and prodded toward the road.   As they reached the gate, Travis said, "We could tie him here for the police."

Kit and Tym had found the rope, and Neal got the honor of trying some of the knots he was learning for Pioneering Merit Badge.  "Don't pull on these knots, or you will wish you hadn't," he told the man, "They're called constrictors, because the more you pull on them, the tighter they get.  And I don't think any of us have our 'rapid rope wrench.'"  The boys were laughing hysterically as they walked away.  Andy tossed the man's wallet at his feet, as he passed him.  James closed and locked the gate, which produced a satisfying metallic clink.

The police arrived very quickly.  The reporter was quickly arrested for trespassing and indecent exposure and put in the back of the police car.  James opened the gate and directed the officer in charge to where the boys were watching.  He then suggested that, if they all went to the fishing club, the Sergeant could get everyone's statements in warmth and comfort, and one of the boys could make him a cup of tea or coffee.

They all went off, leaving the prisoner bare-assed in the cooling police car. 

The officer showed very little interest in how the 'suspect' had lost his pants.  Statements were brief, and it was all over.  Shortly after the policeman left, the adults, Reg, Chris, Tom, Lee and Nick, came to the fishing club from across the field. 

Andy calmly explained how the intruder, the reporter from Zurich, had been subdued, stripped and tied to the gatepost.  Then Kit explained that Sergeant Wilkinson had been the policeman who responded, and that he had asked a few questions and had just left with the prisoner.

Reg was the first of the adults to recover and began laughing.  "Oh, I'd love to have seen it!" he managed to choke out.

'I have a copy.'  The adults' laughter intensified, and the kids laughed, too.

Andy suddenly stopped laughing. "Uh oh...  Lou!  I'd better get back to our tent; he'll be wondering what's happened, and he might be worried or scared."

'No panic, Andy.  I've spoken to him and kept him in touch with what was happening.  He was giggling a lot, though, when he found out what you all did to the unfortunate intruder.'

"James, can I ask you something?" asked Neal, thoughtfully.

'Certainly, Neal.  You can always ask, any time.'

"Um, I was wondering if 'Philip' can record things like you do?"

'I regret, Master Neal, that I am not at liberty to divulge that information to you.'

"Jeez.  Okay."  Very quietly, Neal whispered to Brian, "That means he does, probably..."  Brian grinned back at him.  Tom watched the exchange and thought about the video 'Philip' had made of Sgt. Sniffer; no one noticed his grin, luckily.

Nick said, "Pete gave me some hot chocolate, Horlicks and milk to bring down with me.  If you guys want to get back to the Manor now, I'll stay down here.  It's getting late, so I might as well.  Boys, if you'd like a hot milk drink, come up to the portacabin.  Andy, perhaps you could bring Lou."

"Sure, I'll give him a piggy-back ride."

Nick led the boys to the portacabin, and the other men made their way back to the manor.  Horlicks was new to the Americans and Nick made one cup by the directions, so the boys could each take a sip and decide if they wanted a whole cup.  Tym didn't care for the taste at all, so he and Kit had a cup of Nick's hot chocolate (only Shorty's tasted better).  After they had finished their treat, the boys made a pit stop and went back to their tents.  Before long, all the boys, and even Nick, were sound asleep.  'Philip' had to check to be sure his 'brother' was keeping a sharp eye out; of course, he was.

Mitch was the first to awaken.  Travis was using him for a pillow.  It had gotten pretty cold over night, and the twins were soon dressed and heading into the fishing club that had real toilets and heat!  By the time the others were coming inside, a pot was on the stove heating water for hot drinks.  Of course, the instant cocoa wasn't as good as Nick's, but was fine for right now.

Andy carried a sleepy Lou in and put him in his wheelchair.  Lou was then able to use the facilities by himself.  The boys enjoyed their cocoa.  Then they assembled the rods and got the tackle all set.  When everyone was ready, they went to greet the dawn and the fishes.  The buddy system in effect, they left to fish.  Neal and Brian were the first pair to stay and keep the kitchen ready.

The goal was for everyone to catch a fish for breakfast, and hopefully some extras for the adults.  Reg had made it clear that he would really like a fish for breakfast. 

Lou had a nice, safe spot on the shore and Andy helped him get his line in the water properly.  Before Andy got his line wet, Lou had a strike.  Andy helped pull the fish in, and netted it when it was close enough.  It was a beautiful catch.  Since Lou, the youngest, had caught the first fish, the other boys were bound to catch one, too.  When they were all done, every boy had caught at least one fish.  There were actually five extra.

Andy cleaned the fish as he had been shown, and Nick prepared them and started cooking breakfast.  Pete and Justin were up at the manor and asked James if there were any fish.  'There are five extra fish, one was reserved for Nick, leaving four.'

Justin was quickly on a bike to retrieve the fish before the boys decided how good they were.  He arrived to see ten contented boys and one man, sitting at the tables in the fishing club, drinking cocoa or coffee, and lamenting the fact that their plates were empty.  Justin quickly grabbed the four remaining fish and left, before they could change their minds.

Andy, Mitch and Travis did KP and cleaned everything they had used in the kitchen.  Neal and Brian showed the younger boys how to build a campfire, and they sat enjoying the small fire until it was time to return to the manor.  They broke camp and put away the tents and sleeping bags.  The boys made sure that the fire was extinguished, and, except for where the tents had temporarily flattened the grass, you wouldn't have been able to tell just where the camp had been.

When the boys got back to the manor, they were told that the Queen would be arriving in about two hours.  Everyone was to go clean up and put on their 'Class A' Scout uniforms.  Lee stopped Andy and whispered, "Son, don't forget to shave.  You've got some stubble this morning."

"Thanks, Dad."  Andy gave Lee a hug and went to take his shower.  The boys all appeared in the front hall in about an hour.  Charles had asked that they do a run through of greeting the Queen.  They were all lined up, in order of seniority.  Travis was first, since he was a member of the Royalty.  Next were the adults, and last were the other boys.  Charles went down the line until he got to Neal.  He gave him a severe look, bent over and whispered something in Neal's ear.  Neal blushed as red as Adam ever did, and muttered, "Jeez, I'd never REALLY say that."

Charles grinned and said, "Well, just see that you don't."

With Lady Jane playing the part of the Queen, they ran through the introductions and how to respond correctly.  James complimented the boys on their proper etiquette.  Tom turned to Nick, "I can't get over the way he is so polite, compared to 'Philip'."

Nick thought for a second and responded, "I can.  Could you imagine how 'Philip' would address the Queen?  So, no wonder Reg insists on James always following the correct procedure."

Tom cringed at the thought.  "Jeez, you're right; I hadn't thought of it that way.  Maybe we'll have a talk with 'Philip' about that, using the threat of Reg's programmers!"

Charles then explained that the Queen Mother was to be addressed just like the Queen, since she was once the Queen herself.

Reg gently reminded John, "Which means, John, you're going to have to be really careful what you say.  We'll pre-warn her, so that she won't be too shocked if you slip, but please try your hardest not to, okay?"

"Uh-huh.  I'll try real hard.  I'll remember what Justin told me."

"Good boy."  Reg then straightened and faced the Prince.  "Right, then, Charles, I think we're as ready as we'll ever be."

Timing was perfect, as James suddenly announced: 'Vehicle has turned into our lane, sir.  It may well be her Majesty.  It's radiating a Royal Code on IFF, although it is an unmarked car, a Bentley.  Detection devices suggest three persons plus the driver and footman.  Another car is following, also unmarked, four persons, two of whom are passengers.  It's a Mercedes.'

"It's them for sure," confirmed Charles.

Charles, Harry, Reg and Jane, made their way down the broad steps of the front entrance to the Manor. They greeted the Queen, Queen Mother, and the Duke of Edinburgh.  The Royal party climbed the front stairs and entered the Manor.

Reg, as head of the household, made the formal introductions.  First was Travis, who was standing at attention at the head of the receiving line.  "Your Majesty, may I present Czar Travis, Emperor and Autocrat of All The Russias."

A faint, 'Jeez,' was heard from the other end of the line.

The Queen stepped forward and proffered a hand.  "Czar Travis, may I welcome you to England as a member of the Russian Royal Household, and as a distant relative."

Travis gave a short bow and replied, "Thank you, your Majesty.  It is an honor to meet you."

Protocol satisfied on both sides, the Queen smiled and said, "There is obviously much to talk about and discuss, which we can do in greater depth later.  Also, we can sit more comfortably."  The Queen Mother also shook his hand and smiled, followed by Prince Philip.  {God, no.  'Philip' is NOT a prince!  We're talking about the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen's husband.}[TG 'Philip' a prince the world would end!]

Reg resumed his introductions.  He was soon down to the American group.  He introduced Tom and the other American adults in an 'official' manner, and each had a chance to have a quick word of how they fitted into the organization. 

Then she came to the boys.  Knowing that they would be nervous, she addressed them first.  "Now, then, boys, I understand if you are a little nervous right at the moment, as you're obviously not familiar with our ways, but I do not bite!"  She then walked to the end of the line where Andy stood.  He bowed slightly and said simply, "Your Majesty..."

"It's Andy, isn't it?"  The Queen had done her homework, too, it seemed.  "I take it you are the oldest of the boys?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

She moved to the next in line.  "And you just have to be Neal, correct?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

"I see that impish look in your eye," she grinned.  "I've heard about you."

"Aww, je..." he shut up quickly.  She moved on down the line, getting Tym's name right as well, until eventually she came to Lou, sitting in his chair.  He gave a little bow.

"Now then, Lou, I've heard about you, too.  I hear that you do very good drawings."

"Ye mmm."

"Well, I hope I have a chance to see some."  Turning back to all of them, she explained, "You probably wonder how I know about you all.  Well, I have been talking to James, too, and he sent me information on all of you."

She laughed.  "Formalities done, now.  You can relax a little, boys."  Turning in the direction of the group, she added, "Peter, you can lead me to wherever Justin has got that tea!  I'm gasping!"

"This way, Ma'am," Pete replied, smiling, then led her through to the lounge.  The rest of the adults followed.

Chris waited for Travis.  "Travis, have you got that book and the photograph with you?"

"Sure, Chris, it's up in my room."

"Do me a favour and pop upstairs and get it, would you?  I'm going to get James to take a closer look at that photograph and see what he can make of it." 

"Kewl!"  Travis hurried as fast as he could, without James telling him to slow down, and returned directly.

"Here you are, Chris.  It's a kind'a old, but still in good shape."

Chris looked at it carefully.  "I think we can get James to enlarge this quite satisfactorily with the special software we have, and take a closer look at her hand.  Doesn't that look like a ring on her hand to you?"

"Kewl.  You're right, Chris, it does."

"Let's check it out, then.  Come on."  They went through to the control room in the music room and Chris put the photograph in the ultra-high definition scanner.  "James, would you work on this, please, and use the special enhancement software on it to get good definition of what looks like a ring on the right hand of the lady in this picture.  I'd like an A3 print of the overall picture and the same of the hand, please."

'Very well, Chris.  About five minutes I should think.'  The scanner was already running, and in a few seconds the photo ejected.

"Just gives us time to go and get the ring, I think, Czar Travis," grinned Chris.  Travis gave him a sideswipe, and Chris laughed.  "Come on."

When they returned with the ring, James had finished the job.  There was a picture of the lady's hand, with what could only be the ring that Chris now had in his hand.

"I think we can safely say that this is Alexei's mother's ring, Travis.  They're too much alike, aren't they?"

"Wow!  Sure is!"

"Let's go and see your dad, eh?  And show the Queen, too.  James, have you got that letter translated?" Chris asked.

'Of course, Chris.  Do you want me to print you a copy?'

"Yes, please, James, three copies."  Several rapidly printed A4 sheets shot into the slot.  Chris glanced at the top sheet.  "Oh, ho!  You're going to love this, young man!"

'I have printed it in the same size and style as it was written, Chris. It was fairly large handwriting, so as to preserve the writing perhaps and keep it legible.  It made it very easy to translate that way.'

"Thank you, James, this will do fine, anyway.  Come on Travis, let's go and break the news to your dad, at least, shall we?"  They walked through to the lounge, which was a lot fuller than usual!  The Queen was actually talking to Lee, who was explaining about the bank account and the treasure, now back in America.  Reg waited until Lee had finished and then quickly asked Travis if he had the translation of the letter yet.  Travis raised his hand with the paperwork in it.

"I have it here, that and a couple of photographs that I had James print out.  We were quite right in our suppositions, father."  To the Queen, he said, "I have copies for you, too, Ma'am, and, in particular,  this," (he handed her the copies and the book), "and also this in particular."  He gave her the ring.  Prince Philip whistled quietly at the size of it, while the diamond flashed colored fire.  "Our tenant farmer's son found that down the back seat of the coach in which we believe Alexei traveled from the coast somewhere, to here."  The Queen was constantly shifting her gaze between the photo of the lady's hand and the ring.  He quickly gave the other copies to Reg and Lee, they read the letter and then stared almost in disbelief at the photos.

The Queen passed her copies to the Queen Mother who began to read the letter.  The Queen held up the ring.  "It would seem that this is indeed the ring in the picture.  It looks identical.  Have you had it examined?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  A jeweler friend of ours and his business partner looked at it, and put a possible value of about a million pounds on it, but more, if it should become proved that it belonged to Royalty, in which case they couldn't say how much the value might run to, but it would be vastly more."

The Queen smiled.  "It would, indeed, but this is a fabulous item, and not one that you'd just want to sell off, is it?" she said, looking at Travis.

"No, Ma'am.  After all, it's from my family, isn't it?  I want to reward Fred for finding it."

"Very sensible, but swear him to secrecy, if possible."

"He's already promised that to us, Ma'am," replied Reg.  "If I may just read this letter for the benefit of everyone else?"

"Please, do!" beamed Travis.

Reg cleared his throat and began to read.

29 April, 1916

George V, King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, Emperor of India

Cousin George,

I sincerely hope this letter finds you in good health.  It has been three years since we last met.  Father has always spoken highly of you.  I have just been informed that we will be leaving to reach the safety of Canada in the near future.

I regret that I have not been allowed to meet with you or others of your house.  Father is worried about the safety of the monarchy in our home, so secrecy has been of primary concern.  To preserve his line, he has sent me to safety, and the family fortune has been safely secured in a Swiss vault of considerable size.  I have taken several precautions so that only my true heir will be able to access this vault.  I have left a copy of part of the evidence in the library here at Dewsbury Hall, where I am currently a guest.  Unfortunately, I have mislaid the ring mother gave me, which I know you would recognize. 

I would ask that if things go as badly as father fears, and at some point my heir appears, please offer him a welcome to the family and assist him in any way that may benefit him and the people.  I have the family curse and hope to survive long enough to produce an heir.  When this war is over, I hope to return to my family in Russia and hope that we might once again celebrate as a family.

 Your cousin,

Tsarevich Alexei

Reg lowered the letter. "That sounds quite authentic, I would say, and it will be interesting to see if there is still evidence in the library for us to find."

The Queen said, "I look forward to having a good look around in there and to see what the evidence is.  Justin, may I bother you for another cup of that lovely tea of yours?"

*  *  *

The boys retreated up to their rooms to play some games with James.  Lou got his crayons and the picture he had started right after the concert.  He put a few finishing touches on it, then began a new one. 

Travis waited, as the adults discussed the letter and ring.  Justin brought the tea requested by, her Majesty.  After a sip of the excellent tea, she said, "Ah, Justin, just the right moment.  Then I think it would be good to go and change into something more comfortable, since we're now at an informal level, before we sit down, and you can tell me what you know of your history, Travis."

"That would be fine by me, Ma'am." Travis nodded to her, as he had seen the Princes do, and left to change his clothes.

A bit later, John and Peter went to see Jacob.  They told him about talking to Justin, and how he had made them feel much better.  They didn't tell him exactly what Justin had said, but just that he'd had a hard time while growing up, but things were good now.  So they would try their best, too.  Jacob was very pleased with the sudden improvement in the boys and knew he was much indebted to Justin.

The Queen, after changing into a more comfortable, and more casual, set of clothes, decided to try out Reg's system.  "James?"

'Yes, your Majesty, how may I serve you?'

She smiled, very pleased.  "I was wondering if the Tzar would be available for our little talk?  And, if so, where might be the best place for us to have a nice little private talk?"

'Sir Reginald has offered the use of his office.  It is quite secure, I assure you.'

"Very good, James.  Please send someone to guide me and young Travis.  I'm not quite certain of my way around the Manor."

'Very well, Ma'am."

Soon the Queen and Travis were alone in Reg's study, the door closed, and James on watch.

Travis began.  "Well, your Majesty, I really wanted to talk to you.  I don't know how to ask the questions real good, but Mitch and I figured you would be the one to ask."

"We are family, so you may speak freely, especially when it is just the two of us."

"Well, I'm not sure we are.  I mean, I'm not truly related to you, or even Alexei.  I mean, Mitch and I are identical twins, and he is actually two months older than me.  We were born to different mothers and mine is the one who had the book, and since I was a boy, she gave it to me.  Then I was dumped in Juvy and then kidnapped and... and..." Travis trailed off and had tears of shame, anger and frustration running down his cheeks.

"I see.  This is as complicated as any 'Dr. Who' plot.  I see why you would be quite confused.  There is no reason, however.  I have seen the evidence and am quite satisfied that you are indeed the rightful heir to the title and wealth involved."

"But, ma'am, I'm not really related."

The Queen smiled. "I assure you, Travis, that you are not the first to be in such a situation.  However, in the past, the bastard or other usurper would be striving for the recognition.  The fact that you are not is further evidence, to my way of thinking, that you are the perfect heir.  I sincerely mean the welcome to the Family."

"I don't know how to be a Tzar.  What am I supposed to do?  I don't even speak Russian."

"I have found that being yourself is the best way to start.  You do not have an empire or kingdom to be responsible for, as I have England, but I think you have a start with your friends.  What you and the others have done is a wonderful thing.  Providing safety and a better life is what a monarch is supposed to do.  Now we need to have a strategy for your future.  What do you wish?"

"I just want to be a kid.  I don't want to be a Tzar or anything."

"Well, then, we will just have to keep your true identity hidden, which is for the best.  I have done a bit of thinking and have a possible answer.  Although you are an American citizen, I can arrange a special diplomatic passport for you that will allow you access to any of the Royal estates and provide you diplomatic status at customs, so you may carry such things as your Great-great-great-grandmother's ring with you.  It will also allow you to send messages by courier to any of us, if you have questions."

'Ahem, if I may offer, Ma'am.'

"Yes, James, go ahead."

'My brother and I will always be available for correspondence, Ma'am.'

"Wow, that sounds pretty neat, Ma'am.  Could we include my family, since we would be traveling together?"

'Your Majesty, I believe what Tzar Travis has suggested is an excellent idea.  With you permission, I can make this so.'

"Thank you, James.  I think you would make a rather fine addition to the palace.  I shall have to mention that to Reg."

'Thank you, Ma'am.'

By the time James notified the boys to get ready for dinner, Lou had finished the new picture.  It was of a young lady with red hair, in overalls and an army hat, changing the tire on an old army ambulance.  There were four other women in the picture, and all of them seemed to be having a wonderful time.  Lou carefully placed the two pictures in the side pocket on his wheelchair and went to get ready to eat.

Dinner that evening was a very enjoyable affair.  Rather than stick to formal protocols, Prince Philip sat in the middle of the American boys.  He told them about the British Scouts that continued on into their teens and worked for the 'Duke of Edinburgh Award,' through the Scouting movement, of which he, of course, was the sponsor.  He told them he'd brought some information with him which he'd give them to take back, and, if, when they were older, they wanted to apply, they'd know all about it.

Those who had not previously been introduced to the Queen, in particular the workers, were now introduced.

The boys had been warned not to mention meal portions, as this was a more formal meal, served in courses. There would be more courses, and what might seem like a small starter dish might be followed by a course that had more than they could finish.  They started with the soup and a small freshly baked crusty roll.  They ate this with more manners than usual.  It was good, but it had merely whetted their appetite for the next course, which was a small serving of fish in a light sauce.  A couple of bottles of rare old white wine were produced, courtesy of the Dewsbury cellar, which made the Queen Mother's eyes almost pop out, and the boys try their 'puppy dog' eyes.

"My dear Peter, where on earth did you get this?" she asked, eyeing the bottle in the cooler bucket.  "I just about remember seeing a bottle of this when I was little more than a girl, and only just old enough to drink wine.  I remember it particularly, because the person who brought it along for dinner, as a present for my father, said it was his last bottle, and that there was no more to be had throughout the country, as far as he knew."

Pete smiled.  "Part of our inheritance from Dewsbury Hall, Ma'am, and we have a few more bottles yet.  But, in honour of your visit, I thought we'd have one this evening."

Prince Philip took a sip of his wine and nearly choked.  "By Jove, lad, that really is something special.  It's not that it is particularly strong, but the quality took me completely by surprise.  It's certainly impressive; the delicate, mellow flavour is incredible."

Having tasted hers, the Queen added, "Superb, Peter.  Thank you."  The Queen Mother agreed with her wholeheartedly.

The red wine had not been chilled, but merely left open to 'breathe.'  Reg served it just before the roast beef main course was brought from the kitchen, and it was very well received.  Pete had experimented with the large oven and had found that he could get a suitably large succulent joint of beef to cook at different rates by shielding part of it from the heat.  As a result, the meat varied from fairly rare at one end of the joint, to well done at the other.  Consequently, there was meat to suit all tastes.  The course was served, and everyone had more than enough vegetables to accompany it.  Pete had even made his own fresh horseradish sauce for the beef.

Kit eyed it suspiciously.  "What's that for, Auntie Jane?"

Jane smiled understandingly.  "Some people like that with their beef, Kit.  It's quite hot tasting, like when you get a hot curry, not temperature hot, but spicy hot.  Understand?"

"Yes, I think so.  Could I try just a very little bit, and I'll spread it really thinly on my meat.  I promise not to waste my meat, even if I'm not that keen on it."

"Fair enough, Kit, but do keep it to a small bit just in case you hate it.  You can have more if you should happen to like it, right?"

"Okay, thank you."  He took the spoon in the pot and applied the merest spot of the sauce and put it on the edge of his plate. Then he cut off a piece of his beef and scraped the thinnest smear of the sauce over it before popping it into his mouth.  The look on his face was a study in itself.  It took him a whole minute before he expressed his thoughts.  "It is a little spicy, I agree.  I think I can make do without it."

The meal continued, with seconds for those who wanted them, until everything was devoured!  The Queen so thoroughly enjoyed  Pete's cooking that she had a little more meat with two wonderfully crisp coated roast potatoes, as well as some more cabbage in sauce.  Even the roast parsnips disappeared.

Once again, Pete had kept the dessert to a choice of light dishes, including a trifle with cream, which was only mildly alcoholic, so the boys were allowed a little!  Although it wasn't the usual form of dessert that the American boys were used to, they declared that Pete's version was great and asked Martha to get the recipe!

Biscuits, a cheese board and coffee or liqueurs were then available to all adults, much to the sad faces of the boys who would have loved to try them.  They were allowed the coffee though, and some cheese and biscuits, if desired.  They all wanted an extra serving of Pete's Oriental ice cream instead!

Before anyone left the dining room, the Queen spoke to them.  "It pleases me that we were all able to sit down and have this wonderful meal together.  If we had other company, things would have had to have been far more formal, which, under the circumstances, I believe you would not have found so enjoyable.  I look forward to enjoying more of Pete's and Julie's wonderful meals while we are here, as I suspect you are, also.  I will not, however, be offended, if Nick and Martha take a turn and give us one of your more American meals.  I understand you are particularly fond of Martha's 'cookies.'  I believe we might like those, too!"

"You will indeed, Ma'am!" laughed Tom.  "However, from what I hear, you might have to beat Justin to the cookie jar!"

The Queen smiled.  "I am sure Martha could hide some for me!"  Everyone laughed.  "Thank you, Reginald.  Perhaps we could just take a quick stroll round the garden to settle dinner before we look at the er, items you mentioned?"

Most of the boys took the opportunity to return to the river and fish until dark.  Tym stayed with Lou and waited for Kit, who was having a talk with the Queen Mother.  When Kit was done, he and Tym headed to the river.  They passed the Royal party returning inside. 

Lou moved up to Harry. "Arri, pic yu Mamma.  Se preddy ike ine."

Harry stopped dead in his tracks, as he looked at the picture, and the Queen almost ran into the back of him, but was saved by Prince Philip.

"Good God!"

"What is it Harry?" asked the Queen and peered at the picture.  "Oh, my word!"

Charles saw it and was speechless.

Harry smiled gently and asked Lou, "Where did you get this, Lou?"  It was a picture of his mother, Diana, with William and him, having a small picnic on the lawn at Highgrove.  He and Wills were very young, about Lou's age he thought.  Well, Wills was a little older, of course, and Harry was shown as about four years old.

Tym came to Lou's rescue.  "He drew it, sir; I was watching him do some of it.  He's just finished it tonight.  I think he started it after the concert.  He does a lot of cool pictures, and he's really good!"

"Well, thank you, Lou.  I don't know how you managed it, but it's very good indeed.  Is it for me to keep?"

Lou grinned and nodded enthusiastically.

"Well, that's very kind of you; thank you very much.  I shall have it framed, and I shall show my brother, too, of course."

Next, Lou went to the Queen.  "Oor Agisy, pic o ou.  Preddy."  Lou handed her a picture.  It was of a young lady in overalls changing the tire on a World War II army ambulance.

"Oh, my.  Lou, you have quite a talent.  Look, Philip, he has me working on the ambulance back in the war."  The Queen handed the picture to her husband, and took Lou's good hand and kissed it.

The others gathered to look at the pictures.  Lou beamed at being the center of attention.  Linda and Lee both were thinking he should try working with something more than his crayons.

*  *  *

The boys at the river had caught a nice number of fish and were starting their return to the Manor.

James' voice came to them loud and clear, 'Boys, you must return to the Manor house, immediately.  I repeat, return to the Manor immediately.  That includes you, Neal.'

"Jeez.  What's happening, James?"

''Philip' is contacting us.  Now, hurry!'

The boys broke into a run at that.

Author's Notes:  I wonder what 'Philip' is up to.  Travis and the Queen do seem to be able to communicate very well.  For those who would like to know exactly what Justin talked about to John and Peter, read 'Love At First Bite,' Chapter 104.  Next chapter I hope we get to find what Alexei left in the library at Dewsbury Hall.
The boys enjoyed fishing and I bet they spend time down on the banks of Maroochi.  Maybe a camp out in '316.'  Hmmmm.
Well folks, we are having a great time and now it's time to start on the next chapter.  I hope I can remember what 'Philip' is doing to cause all this commotion.  Jeez©.
Let me know what you are thinking.
 Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:  This is a chapter just filled with "good stuff."  The first thing we learn is that Her Majesty is a genuine person, easy to talk to, and not the scary 'royal personage' we might imagine.  She seems genuinely happy to accept Travis as a member of royalty, despite his protests and his denials.  And she is completely overwhelmed, in a very happy way, by the picture Lou has drawn of her, as well as the one he did of Diana and the two boys.
The boys have had their first experience meeting royalty and sitting through a formal dinner.  I have the feeling they are all going to be relieved to get back to America.  They have all had a wonderful time in Europe, and particularly in England, but they all seem to agree with Dorothy, from 'The Wizard of Oz,' "There's no place like home!"
Now to find out what 'Philip' wants!  Next chapter SOON, please!
Arli J

Another Editor's Notes:  I agree with Arli;  The Queen is most impressed with Travis.  I thought, as did the Queen, that the fact that Travis was not really wanting to be a Royal, said more about his integrity and culture than any blood connections could possibly provide. As she said, he is the right person to receive the benefits of the inheritance and will do with it whatever is best. 

Some people who have already read the chapter commented that they were surprised to find that the photographer managed to not only get himself out of jail, and then beat the boys to England, but was able to find them, and manage to get himself on the ground, behind James' security fence, in more ways than one. 

I have to wonder if he somehow managed to receive some help.   I do wonder if 'Philip' has found out something about him and is trying to warn them to be on the lookout for something more dangerous.

Perhaps we will find out the answer to these troubling questions in the next chapter, or perhaps not.

Darryl AKA  The Radio Rancher

Fort Chief Editor's Notes: I guess we are on the Cliffhanger Carousel and we may never get off it. I hope we do soon as there are still a whole lot of questions to be answered.

Lou is turning out to be very talented and his confidence seems to be growing by leaps and bounds.

I wonder if Travis' Companion can give us any answers? By the way where is his Companion?

A thoroughly confused,

The Story Lover