Anyone in The Order seeing Jake and Paul leaving Ordinate Selig's quarters that afternoon would have known that it was a Mentor and his first-year Novice. Jake led the way. His light brown robe carried the distinctive wide red stripe around its sleeves and the bottom border. Paul followed one step behind and to Jake's left, head slightly bowed, with the single narrow yellow stripe denoting his first-year status sewn to his sleeves and around the bottom of his dark brown Novice's robe. Paul carried the package just as he had earlier. Unbeknownst to Paul, Jake had intentionally slackened his pace knowing that Paul's feet were hurting.

"You'll be punished for your misdeed, Novice Paul," Jake said as they walked across the courtyard to the building where all Mentors and their Novices - both first- and second-year - were housed. "Otherwise, you did well," he added after they had taken another dozen steps. Paul's spirits rose. He wanted so to please his new Mentor, more so than he did Ordinate Selig who, after all, did not have anywhere near the day-to-day influence on Paul's life that his Mentor did. That bit of praise from Jake, small as it was, but coming from his Mentor, did much to lift Paul's spirits which were sorely in need of lifting.

The soles of Paul's feet hurt, the back of his legs stung from the switch as did his buttocks. His anus was sore from the plug and the switching it had received. His leg, chest and arm muscles were stretched and sore. Worst of all he had horribly embarrassed himself by loosing control of his bladder and peeing on The Ordinate's carpet - with his Mentor watching.

When the pair arrived back at Jake's small rooms, Mentor William was waiting. He and Jake were contemporaries and friends, very good friends, in fact.

"How did it go," William asked.

"Better than I had expected," Jake said, "but not as well as I could have hoped."

"Selig did not like Novice Paul?" William asked in amazement. Jake did not answer. Instead he turned to his Novice.

"Go, Paul, and bathe yourself thoroughly. Leave nothing unwashed -- your hair, your private parts, your feet. Go! I will send for you in a twenty minutes' time. Have one of your peers assist in heating water but -- mind you -- tell him nothing of your ordeal." Jake pointed to the door leading to the common area back of the rooms on this floor where the toilet and bathing facilities were found.

"Yes, Mentor Jake," Paul said. He wanted so much to beg Jake's forgiveness for addressing him personally in front of the Ordinate. It was a monstrous blunder. But he knew not to speak of the matter - especially in front of another Mentor. He could beg -- and he knew he very likely would beg - for forgiveness later. He left the room quickly.

"Well?" William asked eagerly once Paul had left.

"I must go to Sub-Ordinate Burnam later for punishment. You know what that means. He will surely switch me severely. And worse, Ordinate Selig says he will attempt to be present. Which means Burnam will want to be even more strict and mean-minded. At least the Ordinate's presence will likely limit the places Burnam will have me place my mouth."

"But why?," William said. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"Paul -- under extreme pain -- addressed me personally in front of the Ordinate and I struck him in anger. He begged me to stop switching him. He knows better."

"Sub-Ordinate Burnam knows of this?" William asked.

"If not now, he soon will. He may be planning my ordeal now, as we speak."

"Burnam misses the days when he was a Mentor, when he could _f_u_c_k_ young Novices at his pleasure." William said with scorn. "I am sorry to use such language, Jake, but...."

"His tastes run more toward Mentors and junior Sub-Alterns these days, I hear. Which is as it should be. He is a handsome man, I must in honesty admit, he could have any of a dozen or more Pastors or Sub-Alterns or junior Sub-Alterns - and no doubt does. He very wisely keeps his distance from Novices. And I can think of no second-year Novice that wouldn't report him to their Mentor if he push himself on them uninvited." Jake said.

"Or a first-year Novice after being here a month." William added.

"But I suspect that he is, indeed, envious of we Mentors. He'll take some of his jealously out on me tonight. He dislikes all Mentors unless they happen to be receiving his _s_e_x_ual attentions at the moment. He'll surely plug me and switch my buttocks and legs till they bleed." Jake said. "I know his ways. He'll wish to humiliate me as much as possible - especially if Selig is present."

"Perhaps not, Jake. Perhaps Ordinate Selig will tell him what punishment to administer and perhaps it will be only a light switching without an anal plug. Your offense was not that great and it was prompted by Paul's misdeed."

"Perhaps," Jake said. "I only know that I need to spend time with young Paul tonight. His mind, William, is thirsty for knowledge. More so than any Novice I have ever seen. Being his Mentor for his first year will both a challenge and, I suspect, a pleasure. I find myself wishing to ravage his beautiful body one minute and wishing to start teaching him how to be a man and worthy member of The Order the next."

"The two desires are not that different, Jake. You are a Mentor. You must teach him to be happy with the exclusive company of other men on the one hand and how to function as an instrument of The Order on the other.

"He needs little instruction in satisfying his _s_e_x_ual drives with other men, William. I can assure you. He has been the object of _s_e_x_ual favors since an early age, I suspect. He was a catamite at Gxxxxxxxx. More than a catamite. He was one of Ordinate Kreuger's catamites. Only the very best of the best serve in that exalted role, as you well know. The brightest, most handsome and therefore most desirable young boys. It destroys many boys as they grow older. They do not do well once their pampered life is over. Paul is different. He has the sweet attitude of true humility."

"He knows, Jake, that he is one of a very few, that he is special. He would not have been selected to become a Novice if he were not. He knows that. Novices know that they are special, that they are selected from the best. It is a wonder, as you say, that most of them retain any humility at all."

"But, William, you surely don't forget that one of a Mentor's primary objectives is to force humility upon their Novices.

"No, Jake, I do not forget that."

"Why, the entire Initial Ordeal I just witnessed - and participated in - was a lesson in humility - and the ability to bear physical pain. And I must say that Paul comported himself well - except for his blunder. But he knows he will pay dearly for that."

"I suspect, Jake, that you will enjoy probing your new Novice's body as much as his mind," William said and smiled.

"I will enjoy _f_u_c_k_ing him, yes. As you will your new Novice. I do not hide my lust. Just as I freely admit that I enjoy sleeping in your bed, William. But my feeling for you is love, not lust."

"Well, Jake I love you as well. I love you with all of my heart. And I lust for you. You know that."

"It is all a mystery," Jake said.

"When must you go to Burnam?" William asked changing the subject.

"I'll be sent for. One of his secretaries will come and fetch me, I'm sure." Jake wanted to change the subject as well. "Has your Novice been prepared for his Initial Ordeal with Selig?"

"The barber will shave him tomorrow morning and I'll administer his enemas soon thereafter. His name is William also."

"Yes, so you told me. Unusual to have a Novice and his Mentor with the same name." Jake said. "You may want to change his name -- his novice name, that is."

"Or," William said, "we could exchange."

"An unlikely event my good friend. Paul is well suited to my particular likes. He is unusual in many respects as I said. Although, like you and me, he is an orphan, I strongly suspect that he has noble blood in him. His bone structure, his teeth, his almost perfectly formed anatomy all point to a noble birth with noble parentage. His intelligence alone is well above average and I say this having not even started his instruction yet. Even the Ordinate Selig remarked that he is brave and obedient. I know I'm not supposed to tell you of Selig's comments but it's true. Selig asked Paul if he were one of Kreuger's catamites. Selig knows that Kreuger's choosen few are special.

"Yes," William said, "I can - as you said -- attest to that since I was one of Kruger's catamites many years ago."

"Not so many, William." Jake said.

"Well, when I was fourteen, fifteen and sixteen years old. Some twelve years ago, then. He had six or seven catamites in those years. And he showed no favorites. He _f_u_c_k_ed at least one of us at least once a week and when he was unable to _f_u_c_k_ us himself, he watched as he had some of the younger Subalterns _f_u_c_k_ us. Many of the other Junior Novices were envious of our catamite status with Kruger but they had no reason to be. Ordinate Kruger was most often kind and caring. He protected us in an environment that could be very hostile to young boys. But he had his moments of unkindness as well. He was easily persuaded by some few others to inflict the most unusual and humiliating punishments."

"So you've told me," Jake said. "As have others."

"I do not mean to repeat myself, Jake." William said.

"No matter." Jake was quiet for a moment. "Ordinate Selig has ordered Paul plugged for the next several days, with instructions to the kitchen to insure the boy has a fully packed bowel and produces a large elimination in four day's time when Selig himself will witness it."

"In his chambers," William asked.

"No, here or in Paul's cell." Jake said. "I'm certain that the Ordinate will want to see him switched after the task."

"And witness you take the boy as well, I'll wager." William added.

"Perhaps," Jake said with a half smile on his face. "But I'll have at least once before Ordinate Selig witnesses it four days from now, I can assure you."

"How will you punish him for his indiscretion in front of Ordinate Selig?"

"I don't know. Perhaps I won't although I told him I would."

"Jake, you must. He expects it. You must start with him properly." William said.

"Then I may delay his punishment for another night. I am not inclined to switching or paddling him this night. I have other appetites I wish to satisfy." Jake said

"Delayed punishment is diminished punishment, Jake. I would, of course, take the task myself but it must come from you. You are the one who must suffer under Burnam's switch for Paul's mistake, you must be the one to administer the punishment. A severe switching if nothing else."

"It was my mistake, William. I am the one who struck Paul in anger."

"As you wish," William said resolved.

"What punishment would you have me give the Novice, William? You know the offense."

"Begin with a spanking over his Mentor's knee, of course, then I would switch him, then severely torment his testicles, Jake. Bind him so that he does not divert your attention and unduly prolong the procedure by thrashing his arms and legs about. Then gag him so that does not disturb the other Mentors and their Novices in the hall with his screams of protests and pain and then slowly but firmly massage his testicles," William said, describing one of his favorite punishments to inflict upon Novices.

"And for what period of time, William? That sounds harsh."

"The spanking and switching for ten minute's time, no less," William said. "It teaches him humility to place himself obediently over your knee and feel your hand hard on his buttocks. And the sting of the switch will remain in his mind. Squeeze his testicles in your hand until tears flow and then an additional five minutes," was William's immediate answer.

"Before or after I have him?"

"Before, Jake, before! It will make the taking of him that much more pleasurable, for you both." William said. "I will gladly assist you. I can help bind him and can assist in restraining him even further. I would ask that my new Novice witness Paul's ordeal. It would set the correct degree of respect in him. I would tell him: 'This, new Novice, is what happens to Novices at Bxxxxxxxx who speak out of turn.'"

"You would want Novice William to observe Paul's spanking and switching as well?" Jake asked.

"No, of course not," William said, "the spanking is best left solely between you and your Novice. Spankings should be private. You well know how I feel about that subject."

"I know your feelings, William," Jake said. "And I fully agree that spankings are - or should be - very private punishments. But you would not hesitate to have your Novice empty his bladder or bowel in front of an audience and yet you would only spank him in private."

"The two punishments are very different, Jake." William said defending himself. "A hand spanking for an eighteen or nineteen year old Novice is symbolic for the most part. The act of exposing himself and being taken over his Mentor's knee to have his buttocks spanked, his anus and genitiles exposed and doubtless touched is humiliating and teaches obedience, reverence and humility before his Mentor. It is a private matter. Performing bodily functions in front of his Mentor or others is less symbolic and strictly a humiliating punishment for misdeeds."

"I supposed, then, that a public switching is an equal mixture." Jake said.

"You well know it is true, Jake." William said. "When you are switched by Burnam later today, the switch will cause you pain it is true, but the act of being switch by Burnam himself with Ordinate Selig looking on, and having to expose your anus and genitals while being switched will be the element that you carry away with you."

"You're correct, of course, William. We use this knowledge with our Novice charges everyday don't we? And I have reached a decision. You and your new Novice will restrain Paul later tonight as I carry out his punishment which will be the one you suggested."

"You will punish him by squeezing his testicles?" William asked.

"Yes." Jake said. "His balls will ache for the remainder of the night. But I will minister to them."

"It is a wise decision, Jake." William said. "And I shall be most interested to see if Novice William becomes aroused at the sight of his fellow Novice being punished in this manner."

Just then, there came a knock on Jake's door. He opened it to see a member of The Order he knew to be one of Sub-Ordinate Burnam's secretaries. The Secretary looked into the room over Jake's shoulder. "Entry, my friend," Jake said. The man, a Sub-Altern about thirty years of age and therefore only a couple of years older than Jake and William, stepped into the room. He was also, no doubt, one of Burnam's several bed-chamber partners.

"Is you Novice present," he said looking around the small room.

"He is bathing in the back," Jake said. "And I thank you for asking. I know why you have come."

"You are to report to the Sub-Ordinate's chambers in ten minutes' time, Mentor Jake." He turned to leave. As he reached the door he turned to face Jake. "I would tell you as a friend to not be tardy."

"Thank you, brother," Jake said. The secretary left closing the door behind him.

"You know him?" William asked.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"He knew you to be Mentor Jake, without asking."

"I know him. I know him to be a good and true fellow. Ask no more."

"Certainly, Jake."

"I must talk with Paul. You should accompany me if you have the time." Together they went to the back of Jake's apartment where a communal bathing room and toilet area stood, shared by four other Mentor's rooms and several Novice cells. There they found Paul immersed in a large wooden bathing tub. Kneeling next to him was William's new Novice, William. The two were obviously talking together as Jake and William entered. The conversation stopped immediately and young William quickly rose upon seeing his Mentor. He stood with head bowed, hands clasped together.

Paul also began to stand. As he did his stiff erection became visible. He stood awkwardly trying to steady himself in the slippery tub, but it would not be proper for a Novice to be seated in a tub of warm water while being addressed by his Mentor until and unless given permission. He, too, bowed his head although he needed the use of his hands to steady himself.

"Turn yourself around, Paul," Jake said. "Do not embarrass Mentor William with your excited penis."

"Yes, Mentor," Paul said and he turned facing the wall. The water glistened on his back, buttocks and legs. William couldn't help but admire Paul's well-formed buttocks and the deep cleft running between them. He recalled Jake's earlier statement to the effect that Paul's anatomy was near-perfect. He could now see that he friend did not exaggerate.

"I can only guess what you two were discussing when we entered just now." Jake said. "I told you not to discuss your afternoon with anyone, Paul. Surely you were not."

"No, Mentor." Paul said, his head bowed, but back turned still.

William took his eyes reluctantly off of Paul's buttocks and noticed the ugly welts on the back of his legs. Paul had obviously undergone an ordeal recently. But this he knew; the ugly marks only confirmed the severity of Paul's switching. There was a brief silence.

"Lift your head, Novice William, William said to his Novice. As young William looked up, Jake saw a handsome dark-haired boy of Paul's exact age and closely matching Paul's stature. He had deep-set, dark eyes and a well formed mouth, a chiseled face. Mentor William looked at Jake. "This is Novice William, Jake. I believe Novice William and Novice Paul are friends. They are both from Gxxxxxxxx." William said. "Tell me, Novice William, what were you and Novice Paul discussing just now." William asked.

"May I speak, Mentor Jake?" Paul said before Novice William could answer.

"No!" Jake said loudly with an edge of anger in his voice. "Not just yet," he added in a softer tone.

"We were discussing what it feels like to have the hair around your balls, asshole and _c_o_c_k_ shaved, Mentor William," Novice William said keeping his head erect, his eyes now on his Mentor.

"You speak frankly," Mentor William said. "Were you allowed to use such terms before your Mentor at Gxxxxxxxx? You are not allowed to here and you shall be switched for it." Novice William immediately lowered his head. "Lift your robe," William said. Novice William immediately lifted his robe to reveal a full erection. "As I thought, William." Mentor William said. "Have you ever had your penis switched?"

"Yes, Mentor," Novice William said softly, bowing his head even lower. Jake could not help but look at the new Novice's large, fully erect penis. It, like Paul's, was circumcised and large. Jake thought of his friend William's predilection for performing fellatio - a partiality with which Jake was very well aquatinted.

"Did you enjoy it?" William asked.

"No, Mentor."

"You'll not enjoy it the next time either." Mentor William said as he grabbed the arm of his Novice and twisted it behind his back. Novice William slowly sank to his knees, his face contorted in pain as his Mentor twisted his arm more. "If you use those vulger terms again in front of me -- without my permission to do so -- I'll have you recite them each a dozen times out loud to me and your penis will be switched each time -- a full three dozen switches. It will be a long time before you utter those vulger terms in front of me without permission again, I dare say. Do you understand, Novice William?"

"Yes, Mentor," William said still in pain, sucking air in through his clenched teeth. "I didn't know, Mentor."

"What are the words? Say them!" William hissed in the Novice's ear.

"'_c_o_c_k_'....'asshole' and....'balls', Mentor." Novice William said, embarrassed. Now that his attention had been directed to the actual words, they did not flow so easily from his mouth, which is exactly why his Mentor had him repeat them out of context.

"Very well," William said releasing his hold of Novice William's arm and helping him rise.

Jake spoke, addressing the Novice. "I know you would not lie, Novice William," he said. "But I must -- with your Mentor's permission - ask how such as discussion as you say you were having would cause the two of you to experience full erections." William was at a loss for an explanation and only blushed deeply. Jake turned to Paul. "Explain, Novice Paul." He said still addressing the handsome backside of his Novice.

"I was describing how the barber spreads the soap in the area, Mentor." Paul said. "With his fingers, Mentor. And how -"

"That will do," Jake said interrupting him. "I must be on my way, William," Jake said. He turned to look at Paul's posterior once more. "You will complete your bath, Novice Paul," he said. "If Mentor William allows it, Novice William may further assist you."

"He may," William said to his Novice, observing the tell-tale "tent" William's erection made at the front of his robe.

Jake spoke again to Paul. "After your purges this morning I doubt you will have the need, but you are not to empty your bowel this evening. Nor for the next four days. Supper bell will sound inside an hour's time. You will eat in the refectory tonight with your peers. You will report to my room immediately after Vespers. You will be punished tonight for your error in judgement this afternoon. It will be a harsh punishment, as you will find out all too soon. When you have finished your bath, go directly to your cell and stay there until Supper Bell. You could spend the time well in silent prayer but I leave that to you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mentor." Paul said.

"Do you still wish permission to speak?" Jake asked.

"No, Mentor Jake." Jake looked at his friend William quickly and hurriedly left the room. Sub-Ordinate Burnam's room was a three minute walk away.