21. Revenge at teatime, and later on

The six players sat in the prefects' room. Three of them had very little chance of falling from their seats, as they had been carefully secured to them.

“These scones are the best, it's a real shame you can't have a bite,” Ben said.

He elicited the usual annoyed grunt from Lewis only, his partners having given up on resisting after the defeat. They just had to hope that there wouldn’t be too much of a payback. Philip in particular wondered whether he would be inflicted some pain in retaliation of his interrogating Cowboy rather roughly.

“This feels great, especially when we had to skip lunch,” Cowboy added, throwing a mean look towards Lewis. “How do you think we should get even for what they did?”

Billy swallowed what he had in his mouth before he spoke. “I don’t think they all deserve the same punishment. Little Freddy already spent a good part of the day trussed up; he didn’t get much time to upset us.”

“He almost gave me a spanking!” Ben protested.

“Yeah, almost. He didn’t go all the way through, though. Phil tortured Cowboy, it’s more serious.”

Philip’s blue eyes were pleading.

“It wasn’t that bad, Billy, I survived,” Keith said matter-of-factly. He looked deep into the culprit’s eyes. “I know exactly how I can pay Phil back.” The smile that ensued revealed Keith’s white teeth, giving his face a none-too-reassuring expression. He then turned towards Lewis.

“But our efforts should focus on the leader, I guess. The mastermind, the brains behind all their futile attempts at fooling us. I must say, he almost succeeded. Through cheating, of course. What usually happens to cheaters?”

“Feathers and tar?” Billy suggested. Lewis’ following grunt got wholehearted laughs from the winning team.

“At a farm, I’d have all that’s needed,” Ben asserted, “but we’ll have to find something else for here. Something similar, but without making a mess.”

“You’re right, the cleaning would be left to us,” Keith said. “Talking of cleaning, I think I have an idea for Lewis.”

This time, the plea was unheard, as it was conveyed only through Lewis’ big doe eyes.

“We have four to five hours before supper. That’s plenty of time to have fun.”

“Yes, we could remove Fred’s legs hair with tweezers!” Ben cheerfully offered.

“This’d be fun, but it means we’d have to work. I think winning allows us to get some rest,” Keith pondered.“And if we are to relax, then that means,” he gave a devious look at the bound trio, “we may turn our prisoners into... servants!”

This time there were muffled protests from the whole losing team; this wasn’t in the rules! Of course, this was only the first time they’d had such a long game, and the aftermath of a defeat had not been discussed yet.

“Our rooms need cleaning, so this could be a mission for Phil and Fred, and I think Lewis could take care of many things in this very room,” Billy mischievously proposed.

Ben looked at him quizzically. “But how are they going to clean up if they’re all tied up?”

“I’ll show you,” Billy replied.

Philip was their first guinea pig; after Billy had experimented and tried a few things, he had gone from being tightly trussed up on his chair to standing hobbled and unable to assault anyone without risking a fall. His hands were linked by rope, and as Billy had pointed out, if left to his own device, he could certainly succeed in escaping. So Ben and Keith would be in charge of monitoring the activities of the two house cleaners, with their legs hobbled and their hands held by cuffs made of rope. A chest harness was woven, to link the hand above, and to their thighs below, so they could not wave their arms around too briskly. Once they were done outfitting Philip, they took care of Fred. Then came Lewis’ turn.

“The jobs I have in mind for him could be a bit messy. So Ben, could you get the apron in the cupboard under the sink, please?” Billy asked.

Lewis soon wore the nylon apron that had to be some remain of a cleaning lady from decades ago. Once the rope harness was threaded and knotted, Lewis no longer had any possibility to remain his dignified self.

“Sure, we don’t want him to get stains on his jersey or his pretty undies,” Ben giggled.

The dark looks he cast over to his captors bore the promise of revenge to come, but as it was implied anyway, it would have been stupid not to enjoy the moment.

“Mmmppphmpht!”

“Sorry, you don’t make sense,” Billy replied, pretending he had not understood Lewis say he’d make sure he paid for this.

The three winners gathered at the end of the room, and plotted how they would take their punishment from there, unheard from the captives, but not letting their eyes off them. One never knows.

Gathering brooms they handed to Philip and Fred, Keith and Ben lead their charges back towards the dorm, in which they would clean up.

“Your first task, Lewis, is to tidy up the supplies we used for the game. Pick up the rucksacks, and empty them on the table. Then sort out everything. I want coils of rope perfectly rolled up, and scarves well folded...” He carried on the meticulous explanation that Lewis would barely remember.

Billy settled in an armchair some ten feet away; he picked up a a stack of comic books and laid back for a comfortable read, as Lewis thrived to achieve his task while being thus hindered. The mere fact of having to bend over to pick up the bags that lay on the floor was no small feat. Then coiling the long rope with very little scope in motions was no leisurely walk either. The occasional “Is everything OK?” or “Will you manage?” were of course rhetorical, and getting a taste of his own medicine certainly was what took the biggest toll on Lewis’ nerves.

He was still at it when the four other boys came back into the prefects’ room. To Lewis’ utter surprise, Philip and Fred were free.

Billy feigned surprise also. “Did they manage to get free by themselves?”

“No,” Keith answered, “but their penalty’s over. Phil agreed to carry my stuff for the rest of the football season.”

“And Fred’ll do my bed until Christmas,” Ben said.

Lewis didn’t know what to think. His teammates had gotten a rather lengthy forfeit, but it was all very mild. He had envisioned hours of tickle torture, or worse, when the deal had been made in Travis’ office, not these wimpy retributions. What would he get? Having to shine Billy’s shoes for a month? He turned towards his personal tormentor, his eyes asking the question, with an enquiring grunt to reinforce the message.

“Lewis, pal,” Billy replied in a reassuring tone, “you’re not going to be subjected to any month-long penalty. It’s not worthy of your talent and genius. But the next three of four hours will be yours to prove we’re even.”

“What’s he been doing all this time?” Keith asked.

“Tidying our supplies. Are you done with this, footboy?”

Lewis shook his head angrily. Having to be the butt of lame jokes for a whole evening was a complete injustice, especially as his accomplices had gotten off the hook quite easily. As he turned back to the newcomers, he heard the ropes he had tidied falling to the ground. Keith sported an angelic smile; he looked genuinely sorry.

“Oh, my mistake! I’m really clumsy, I should’ve been more careful putting down the ropes we used on Fred and Phil,” he apologized.

“Don’t worry, Cowboy, our servant will pick it up.”

Knowing there was no way out, Lewis abode. It was a while later when all the equipment was carefully put away in the rucksacks, neatly coiled and folded. Billy came for an inspection.

“Nice job, Jeeves. Now, time for you to fix our supper.” He checked the menu held by a magnet on the fridge’s door. “Turnips, carrots, onions and potatoes to peel, and some steaks. You should get started soon. Guys, should we play Risk?”

And the little crew gathered around the table, as Lewis toiled to collect the food inside the fridge. His restraints made any task much more difficult; it seemed it took the longest time to do things he hated doing anyway. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang was really getting into the game.

“Hey, waiter, bring us something to drink,” Ben ordered. Lewis turned towards the table. For a moment, Billy felt a pang of guilt as tears were filling Lewis’ eyes - then he noticed the onion in his hands. Ben was the one who pointed this out:

“Does poor little Lewis feel bad? Is he mad he lost? Or does he want his mommy?”

They laughed, and it was indeed not sadness that could be read in the big wet eyes, but a lust for revenge. Lewis paused on his task, got glasses to the table and fetched a bottle of soda in the fridge. He dawdled back to the table and started helping his patrons. As he turned away from Philip, who revelled in his winning Kamchatka from Ben, a resounding smack could be heard as Philip’s hand hit Lewis’ satin-clad butt and a surprised rumble from the spanked waiter. Then there was silence. Five pairs of eyes turned towards Philip, who understood he’d just done some sort of faux pas.

“Uh, sorry, I didn’t mean to... I mean, uh, it was just too tempting.”

Fred, always the mild, cheerful one, cut in sharply. “There was no need for this. You should’ve asked. A prisoner should be given fair warning of things like that.”

Philip didn’t notice everybody exchanging conspiratorial glances. Not that it would’ve bedazzled him if he had. After all, two prisoners are always better than one for a gang of TuGGers.

“Yes,” Billy took over, “like you’ve tortured Cowboy, and he kind of forgave you, but this time, you’re going to get it good, Phil. Let’s tie him up!”

Three irate players pounced on Philip, Lewis desperately making way for them, trying not to spill soda on the floor that they’d surely make him clean up afterwards. The rucksacks were at hand reach, and soon Philip was sitting on his chair and in no capacity to stand, the ropes coiled around his arms and torso, and his feet on the table.

“What do you think, guys, are fifteen minutes of tickle torture enough of a penalty?” Billy asked. Everyone nodded. Ben unlaced Philip’s shoes and socks and swiftly tied his ankles together.

A groan muffled by the freshly applied certainly meant Phil was none too happy about the tickling.

“Who wants to start?” he asked.

“I’ll go first,” Billy replied. “I’ll go easy enough on you, since you didn’t betray us; but sadism has got to be punished. Especially if you inflict pain on Cowboy.” The last remark drew a big smile on Keith’s face, as well as a little blushing.

Lewis was stunned; what did Billy imply by mentioning some sort of loyalty from Philip?. Did Phil have anything to do with their losing the game?

His attention was quickly pulled back to the show that went on under his eyes. Philip was squirming helplessly under Billy’s relentless finger work. This went on for ten minutes, the captive getting very red in the face. Then it was over. Billy turned to the rest of the gang; Ben took his turn, teasing his victim with some baby talk. Then Keith took his turn.

However, Fred declined the offer. “I’m not chickening out, guys, but I think he had enough.”

“Fine,” Keith replied. “Fred, why don’t you dress him up like Lewis? I think our waiting staff could do with one more hand anyway.”

“Right, give me a hand. Ben?”

Fifteen minutes later, a new game of Risk had started, since one of the players was gone, and two busy cooks struggled with fixing the meal. Getting help cheered Lewis up, especially from the newcomer, whom he was rather keen on. Not mentioning that it alleviated the weight the situation had put on him. He wondered how he’d have managed cooking the veggies without getting burnt had not Phil been holding the pan’s handle. It was nice teamwork indeed.

Before it was time for supper and Travis came, Billy spoke up.

“We hope this will be a good lesson, Lewis, so next time you won’t come into our room in the middle of the night on the eve of a big game to kidnap us.”

“Cheating will never guarantee a hundred percent chance victory. Especially against the three most talented TuGGers this school has ever known!” Keith added.

Ben grinned widely. “You bet!”

Supper went fine, as the meal was really well prepared, everything cooked to perfection. Travis remarked on the waiters’ efficiency and discretion as they stood by the table. Once the meal was over for their patrons, Lewis and Philip got sat at the table as they now could get their share. Ben trussed them onto chairs next to each other. In turn, one of the two boys’ hands was untied as the other had his gag removed, and they were instructed to feed each other. At first, this did not please Lewis one bit. On the other hand, Phil took upon the task of spoonfeeding his friend with the utmost interest and care.

The rest of the group had a lively chat on how the game had gone down. There was some boastful embellishment, of course, as everyone tried to emphasize his role in the events. “And then, I jumped from quite a distance, silenced Phil, grabbed his scarf and tied his elbows, with a single hand!” Keith said, standing up and waving his arms around to show how he’d done.

As the washing and cleaning up had been completed by that evening’s staff, it was high time to go to bed. Ben moved to the hobbled pair to free them once Travis had wished them good night and left.

“Hold on,” Billy said, “we still have a matter to discuss. Do free Phil, but leave Lewis alone for the time being.” The long-term prisoner was beginning to find the whole thing stale.

“We got kidnapped last night by three rascals who thought they’d win today by denying us sleep. We may’ve gotten even about today’s game, but last night still needs a little discussion.”

Lewis sighed in his heavy gag; this got Keith’s attention.

“You didn’t think the queen of the fairies wouldn’t get back to you on this, Lou?”

“Mmmprmmgllmph...” This time the annoyance carried through, but it didn’t get any positive feedback from the victims of the previous kidnapping.

“Don’t fret, Lewis, your cronies will join you,” Billy said, looking at Ben and Fred, hoping they’d agree, since a three against two match could yield unexpected results. However, he didn’t have to worry too much, since the culprits seemed willing to abide.

“Uh,” Ben replied, “you’re not gonna be too rough on us?”

“Nah, you know us,” Keith said, which was maybe not the best way to reassure the penitents to be. “We just want to make sure you guys will stay nicely in bed tonight, so a few ropes would help ensure we sleep without any worries.”

“Hey, you can’t leave us on our own all night like this!” Fred protested.

“Well, we didn’t say you’d be on your own. Technically, if the three of you are in the same room, it hardly qualifies as ‘on your own’.”

“You’re right Keith, but it could still be dangerous. I would have no problem guarding them tonight,” Philip offered.

“You don’t mind spending the night with three hardened criminals?” Billy asked.

“I’ll manage. If they’re restrained well enough, I won’t have much to fear.”

The grunt from Lewis qualified as a threat if judged only on the tone.

“Then, Lewis, I guess I’ll have to keep an eye on you,” Philip said with a mischievous smile.

“I’m not sure Travis will approve, so we’ll have to smuggle Lewis without being seen,” Billy explained. “So could you divert his attention while we bring our friend inside his room, Keith?”

“I sure can. He’ll be glad to discuss tomorrow’s activities anyway.”

Keith disappeared, and once the coast was clear, the skilled Cowboy having taken Travis out from his room, the rest of the gang made their way to Lewis’, Ben’s and Fred’s room. Philip followed Lewis closely, a hand on his shoulder; Billy couldn’t make out what Phil’s ominously whispered to the bound and gagged prisoner, but it seemed it made Lewis a little bit less reluctant. No escape attempt was made, and they reached the room safely.

“There’s only three beds for four people, so I’d suggest we get these two birds in the same nest,” Philip said, pointing to Fred and Ben. There was only some very half-hearted protest from the latter, hinting at Ben snoring and moving around a lot in his sleep.

“I don’t snore!” Ben protested.

“And we may make sure he doesn’t move around too much either,” Billy added.

When Keith entered the bedroom ten minutes later, he found Ben and Fred facing each other, on their side, on the top of the bunk bed. Their hands were tied up in front, on their chest, a network of ropes guaranteed they wouldn’t fall, and tape plastered over their lower faces prevented any loud outburst; they had ten inches separating them, “so you’re not disturbed by Ben wiggling around,” Billy had reassured Fred.

Keith wondered whether Philip needed help in trussing up Lewis for the night, but the boy had hastily declined the offer. “I can handle him by myself, don’t worry,” he replied. Slightly puzzled by the way Philip eyed the remaining captive, Keith and Billy retired nonetheless.

“Sleep tight, guys, and Phil, be a gentle bed bug!” There was a chuckle and some muffled greetings from the occupants of the room. Keith and Billy, exhausted by the eventful day, went to their own room and soon were asleep.

The next morning, they leapt out of bed rather early; there was only some very small hint of dawn coming as Billy looked out the window. They quickly agreed they’d like to check how things had gone in the other room. As they entered stealthily, the show was quite entertaining. Philip had used the single bed to spread-eagle Lewis on it, and he was also lying on it.

“Uh oh,” Keith joked, “seems there was no big need to free one mattress for him.”

Fred and Ben’s predicament had been slightly worsened, as rubber caps and blindfolds had been added. Billy got to the one who was on the outside, Ben, and removed them both. The swim cap concealed some earplugs.

“Our Phil needed you deaf and blind, on top of being mute, apparently,” he stated. “Why?”

Keith pulled the quilt covering Philip and his prisoner tied on his back. Nestled on the prisoner’s left, Philip had a leg between Lewis’ and an arm draped across his shoulder. He turned around slowly, his eyes still sleepy.

“It’s Sunday, can’t you let us sleep in a little?”

“Sleeping in would be OK, but we won’t let you cuddle all you want. We’ve got tons of things to do. Travis is having a Hojo Jutsu workshop! Let’s set the prisoners free.”

As Lewis got released, Billy couldn’t help but notice how silencing the gag was: a big, soggy material wad was extracted once Philip was done removing the layers of scarf and tape.

“Wow,it seems Phil wanted you to shut up! I wonder why,” Keith said.

It was tough to know if Lewis blushed, since his face was red from the heavy gag, but Philip’s face did take some rosy hue.

“Well, Phil wanted to shut US up,” Ben whined, as he’d had to spend a night in quite a condition. Not that he’d minded the change, since he’d been allowed to be closer to Fred.

“Uh, what’s Hojo Jutsu?” Lewis asked, getting the unwanted attention away from him.

“It’s some form of a medieval martial art…”

“Medieval! Sounds like fun,” Ben peeped in, who had been freed by Billy and was now taking care of Fred himself.

“It’s a complicated technique meant at capturing an opponent with ropes…”

“That you’ll explain us with your usual eloquence and amazing sense of persuasion, Cowboy-san,” Lewis said rubbing his wrists Philip had just untied.

To Billy, there was something fishy. “All right, how come Fred and Ben are blindfolded with their ears plugged, and Phil ends up using Lewis as a pillow, after having him gagged so heavily? And you guys didn’t even put your pyjamas on?!”

Philip blushing was even more obvious this time, but Lewis, totally free by now, jumped out of bed. He stood up and stretched, pulling on his black jersey and tugging a bit on his black shorts’ hem, that he’d come into the room without. He looked straight into Billy’s eyes.

“Had you stayed here, you would know. But you wanted to spend the night with your friend,” he claimed with a leer that made the innuendo quite clear. “Now we’ve paid our due, and I’d say it’s time for a quick shower before we head to breakfast, isn’t it lads?”

Everybody agreed, and Billy dropped the subject; there would be other occasions to confirm the hypothesis he’d made. And Lewis was right, the punishment was over.

And so went the day, joyfully and without any ulterior motives from any of the participants. The martial art workshop Travis and Cowboy ran was the source of much learning, and the escape challenges of the afternoon got lots of heavy discussion on knots and roping technique.

They left each other at the end of the afternoon, happy to go back home but also eager to see each other soon.

“Please do not weep, Billy, I know how sad you are of seeing me go. Just think of all the time you’ll have to fancy what’s going to happen when I get my revenge,” Lewis grinned just before he hopped into his parents’ car.

Billy rolled his eyes. “At least we’ve got one week to draw and have some fun together,” he told Keith with a smile. They got into Billy’s father’s car, and set off into the sunset towards other adventures; but they’d be back to Saint Sebastian, and this thought warmed them up.

© Copyright Bondwriter 2008

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