The Last War Of Summer - Part 2

by RichardUK

We had a couple of hours to plan our strategy and sort out our equipment: rope and cloths for gags. As usual each of us would be equipped with a couple of good lengths of rope. Generally, this meant that there would be rope available to tie up any boy being caught since his captor could use his prisoner's supply, thus retaining his own (which would probably be used on him within a few minutes!). Additional supplies (including longer lengths of rope) would be held at our base so we would have plenty for dealing with longer-term prisoners. A much greater problem was material for gags. We were not used to having so many participants and we might very well need to improvise. On the occasions when we were in uniform each boy had his own scarf but this didn't apply today.

Chris suggested we should have two boys concealed at our base area in case Mike decided to try and raid our stores and after a little discussion Colin and Ken volunteered for this. Our tents were surrounded by dense undergrowth providing plenty of cover and we agreed with Chris that it was unlikely the others would come in much force. In those circumstances Colin and Ken were instructed to observe proceedings and attempt to link up with more of us when we would attempt a counter attack. Our strategy was otherwise simply to be based on first concealing ourselves carefully and then watching for the enemy grabbing any chance we might have for taking prisoners while remaining free ourselves. Chris cautioned against launching an attack directly on the opposition's base unless we were forced to retaliate since he felt sure it would be heavily defended and consequently we would suffer heavy losses. Each of us disclosed where we were planning to conceal ourselves initially and just before 3.30pm (the agreed starting time) we moved out silently to take up our positions.

James and I, as inseparable as always, set out together but once out of sight of the others James caught me by the arm and said, "We are not going where we said. Follow me!" He led me to a dry ditch, quite overgrown with thick bushes. It effectively formed a tunnel beneath the vegetation in which we could move quite freely while keeping a large area under observation and at the same time remaining concealed. We made ourselves comfortable and at last we were able to discuss matters freely. I asked James why he had brought me here rather than our declared hideout and he surprised me by reminding me of the look that passed between my brother and Mike earlier when the teams were decided - I didn't realize that anyone else had noticed.
"It may not be important, but his was the major influence on the way we were deployed this afternoon," he added.

"What do you think is going on?" I asked. "I don't know, but somehow I don't trust him," James replied.

We sat for a further 15 minutes or so and I pondered James's words when suddenly I realized that, if he were right, Ken and Colin were in grave danger.

"I must go and warn them," I told James. "If I am not back here in half an hour try to make contact with the others and warn them what we suspect, but whatever you do don't take any risks. If Chris is playing a double game, he knows all our hiding places and they will simply wipe us out. Above all, don't attempt a rescue until you have made contact with at least some of them," I added bravely, although I didn't feel so!

I silently slipped out of our ditch and using the undergrowth and dense shrubs for cover crept silently towards our base. I knew James was an excellent shot with a water pistol and was well able to look after himself.

Arriving at last at our base camp I peered out from my hiding place and was horrified by what I saw. Colin and Ken were both struggling on the ground, their hands tightly bound behind their backs, and their ankles lashed together.  Both boys were securely gagged. Colin was already hog tied and Mark, one of the opposition was in the process of completing the same operation on Ken, lashing his wrists and ankles together so tightly that his fingers were brushing his heels. Mark was accompanied by Andrew who was watching Mark's work approvingly. As I watched, my brother sidled out of the bushes opposite and congratulated our two enemies! They were not in the least surprised to see Chris and told him delightedly how easy it had been to shoot my two buddies before either was aware they were being watched.

"You had better get these two back to your base as quickly as possible and get them well trussed up," laughed Chris.  "I don't think my brother and his pals suspect a thing so we should be able to finish this in no time at all! I've caught Stuart and have him trussed up and hidden away but I'm a bit worried that I was unable to find James and my brother. They were supposed to be together but neither was where they said they would be. When you have these two back at camp can you collect Stuart too?"

He looked at Ken and Colin struggling on the ground and said, "Don't expect to be rescued - your mates will heed my advice and keep well clear of our stronghold for the time being.  You will be well guarded anyway, but all being well we will have some more company for you shortly!"

All was blindingly clear and James's suspicions were fully confirmed - Chris had been in league with Mike's team from the beginning and would betray us all if he had the chance. What had happened to filial devotion? I already knew the answer to this one - Chris would delight in capturing me even more than my mates! I would have to try to warn them immediately and then launch an attack on their base with the aim of rescuing Ken and Colin (and Stuart).

Meanwhile, Andrew had released Colin from his hogtie, while he told him that he would be escorted back to their base and not to make any trouble. He began to untie his ankles and I decided the time had come to move out. This I did silently but as I moved away I carelessly trod on a dry branch which cracked like a rifle shot. I dived for cover pulling out my water pistol which was tucked into the top of my shorts as I did so. I heard someone trampling through the bushes and whipped round, but too late. A body dropped down on top of me none too gently, pushed me over onto my stomach, pinned me down with a knee in the small of my back and twisted my right arm up painfully behind my back. I let out a yelp of pain and a hand clamped tightly over my mouth.

"Aha, a spy! You really should be more careful, little brother," a voice said cheerfully. "I guess you have worked out what is going on! Lie quite still and don't struggle and I will ease your arm a little." I complied with my captor's request and the pressure on my arm eased.

"Now, stand up slowly and walk into the clearing." I felt his knee removed from my back and had no option but to do as I was told as he pulled my arm upwards, all the while keeping his hand tight over my mouth. In this undignified way I was brought the few yards into the clearing in front of our own tents. Then I was forced down onto my stomach again...

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