Miranda's Brother, Part 2


by Jim Piston <Jim_piston@hotmail.com>

[Author's note: To his surprise, Aaron found himself falling for Miranda's bratty sixteen-year-old brother Brandon. Cavorting on a slippery log after thumbing his nose at the guides' safety rules, the teenager had fallen into a canyon and almost drowned while on a hike up to a saddle overlooking the coastal glaciers. Aaron had jumped in after him and barely managed to rescue him, almost drowning himself in doing so. That night, Brandon had thrown himself at his saviour.

The near-fatal accident had been Brandon's fault. Brandon was sickened by the knowledge that his disobedience had been responsible for Aaron's near-death as well as his own. When his father blamed Aaron and demanded retribution, Brandon insisted that he, not Aaron, should be the one punished. He insisted on receiving the same punishment that an employee would, and had bravely taken a severe beating. He'd clung to Aaron afterwards, begging to be held and comforted. Aaron's heart had melted as the boy sobbed in his arms.

Thanks again to Tim and Jase for their contributions.

This story begins three days after Brandon's punishment.... ]

.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. Not life-threatening, anyway. They rode for two more days to get to the trailhead on Lake Chilko.

Schlegel had asked Rod to bring Aaron with them back to the ranch, so Jock and Rick took the horses back to the uplands camp. The rest waited for a boat to take them down the lake to where a road provided access. The trip would take a couple of hours, travelling down between the high mountains on each side.

It was a beautiful day, unusually warm. The lake was crystal clear, its flat surface reflecting the mountains. Aaron and Brandon lay in the sun on the bow of the boat as it sped down the lake.

"You're off soon" Aaron smiled ruefully. "I'm going to miss you, kid."

"I'll miss you too when I leave" Brandon nodded. He put his hand on Aaron's shoulder. "I'm going to miss you a lot."

"Oh, come on" Aaron laughed. "You'll forget all about me in a month."

"No way! Forget my rescuer? Come on!" He grinned. "I sure won't forget what your prick feels like."

"Hey, not so loud!" Aaron whispered.

"Don't be silly!" Brandon laughed. "No one can hear us."

Aaron glanced back uneasily. "Don't be so sure."

The man in the wheelhouse winked at them and grinned. "Don't worry, guys. I won't tell."

"F_u_ck!" Aaron whispered. "He can hear us!"

"So what?" Brandon leered. "Everybody but my parents knows what we've been doing."

"Sh_i_t! I hope not."

"I think they do. Rick and Jock do, for sure. Didn't you see Rick jerking off looking at us? Day before yesterday, when we'd climbed up above the camp. You remember the spot?"

"How can I forget? You were insatiable. Sh_i_t! He watched that?"

"Yeah. I didn't see him all the time, but that's what he told me afterwards."

"He actually talked to you about it?"

"Yeah" Brandon smirked. "I think he was hoping to blackmail me into doing it with him. As if I'd ever do anything with that slimeball."

"Oh, come on. He's not that bad."

"He is so far as I'm concerned." He glanced at Aaron scornfully. "How can you defend him? He's a creep. He lied about you, trying to shift blame onto you, remember? I wish he'd gotten a lot more on his _f_u_cking ass back up there for that. He really deserved getting his ass beaten."

"God!" Aaron grinned. "You're a bloodthirsty little bugger!"

"I am with someone that's trying to sh_i_t on you."

Aaron ruffled Brandon's hair. "Thanks, mate. I feel the same way about you." He gazed at Brandon fondly. "Sh_i_t! I know we shouldn't be doing this. But I don't want you to leave!"

"I don't want to, either. I'm going to ask if I can stay and work with you."

"You're kidding."

"No, I mean it. I talked to Dad about it last night. He said I could ask Mr Ames."

"What makes you think Ames will take you on?"

Brandon smiled. "With Dad an investor?"

"He's going to do that?"

"Yeah" Brandon nodded. "That's confidential. He wants to check some things out first, but he's pretty much made up his mind. He likes the idea of my working here. In fact, I think that's one of the things that made him decide to invest."

Aaron snorted. "You're sure making life complicated, Brandon."

"Too bad" Brandon laughed. "You'll just have to take it out on my ass."

"You know you'll likely get that if you work here, don't you?"

"F_u_ck, yes! That's one reason I want to stay."

"Now you ARE kidding!" Aaron laughed.

"No, seriously!" He looked at Aaron earnestly. "I want to be punished again, Aaron. I want you to see me take it."

"Sh_i_t, kid! I know you can take it. You don't need to prove anything."

"Yes, I do. I owe you big time for being so _f_u_cking stupid back there. Getting my ass beaten is one way I can start paying you back."

"Oh, come on. You don't owe me anything."

Brandon smiled and shook his head. "I owe you my life, man. And I'm not likely to forget that." He looked at Aaron impishly. "Besides, I kind of like getting it."

"You're having me on."

"No, I'm serious. It turns me on." He grinned. "Especially when you f_u_c_k_ me afterwards. You have no idea how turned on I was up there, when you did that after I got it. Feeling you pound into my red-hot ass was just so _f_u_cking incredible!"

"Doing that again at the ranch may be difficult, kid."

"For a smart cowboy like you?" Brandon snorted. "You'll find a way."

Aaron smiled. "How about I do that without you getting your ass beaten?"

"Will you?" Brandon whispered eagerly.

"You think I can stay away? Try and stop me!"

.

[21]

The van from the ranch was waiting for them when they docked. It took a couple of hours more to get to the ranch. When they got there, Mr Ames came out to meet them.

"You had a lot more excitement than you planned" Ames smiled wryly.

"We sure did" Schegel nodded. "But we were very fortunate." He looked at Aaron gratefully. "Thanks to Aaron here."

Ames smiled. "We're all grateful to you, boy. You did well."

"He did more than just well" Brandon chipped in. "He was a hero."

"Yes, he was" Ames nodded. "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Aaron. Your exploits have made you famous."

Just then Haempel appeared with Rod.

Ames smiled. "You're going to have a tough time managing our hero here, Haempel. After all the praise he's been getting, he's going to be impossible to control."

Haempel laughed. "Oh, I think we have the means to handle him." He glanced at Aaron. "From what I heard while you were out there, you have some more coming to you."

Aaron looked at him in surprise. "I hope you're joking, Sir."

Haempel smiled. "I never joke about that, boy. You should know that by now."

Brandon was astonished. "You surely don't mean to punish him, do you?"

Haempel laughed again. "We can't let praise go to his head, boy."

"I should think not" Mrs Schlegel sniffed.

"Oh, Mother!" Miranda said scornfully. "How can you say that? He saved Aaron's life!"

"Well, that may be so" her mother said archly. "But young men like him need discipline. Especially this one! His deportment out on the trail was quite scandalous."

Ames smiled politely. "You're definitely of the old school, ma'am."

Mrs Schlegel nodded. "I am. It's hard to find places that still foster discipline and respect, Mr Ames. I'm delighted that your establishment does so."

"We try." He glanced at Aaron in amusement. "You're famous for that incident with their daughter too, son."

Aaron sighed with an embarrassed grin. "I know, Sir. It was a lapse."

"It certainly was."

"What the boy did was unforgivable" Mrs Schlegel snapped. "You really must do a better job of training your boys, Mr Ames. I realize you have no alternative but to hire ill-mannered local boys, but that's all the more reason to take care in training them."

"We will pay more attention to that in the future, ma'am." He smiled at Aaron. "Mr Haempel will certainly ensure that this one knows how to behave."

Brandon turned to his father. "You can't let them punish him again! That's totally unfair!"

Schlegel shrugged dismissively. "It's not for me to interfere in ranch discipline, son."

"Don't worry" Ames smiled. "He'll be treated fairly."

"Of course" Haempel nodded. "We'll not do that right away, anyway." He smiled at Aaron grimly. "The boy just needs to know that he's not immune."

"I'd never assume that, Sir."

"Good." He gestured to a young man who'd come out with Ames. "Benson can show you all to your accommodation."

.

[22]

Later that day, Brandon met Ames.

"Your father tells me you'd like to try working here."

"Yes, Sir. I'd like that very much, Sir."

"You realize you'd be subject to ranch discipline, just like all the other workers."

"That's one of the reasons I'd like to do it, Sir. I know I'd benefit from that."

"Well, I suppose you know what you're doing. You've already experienced it."

"Yes, Sir. I deserved everything I got, Sir."

"I'm sure you did. Do you realize why we are so strict about discipline?"

"To build character, Sir?"

"Well, that too, I suppose. But that's not the principal reason. Work here is potentially dangerous, son. It's important for everyone's safety that you obey orders, and do so instantly. If you don't, you increase the danger for your fellow workers. That's why we view obedience as so crucial."

"Yes, Sir, I can understand that. I think I learned that lesson already, Sir."

"I certainly hope so. You almost lost your own life."

"More important, I almost caused Aaron to lose his. And risked Jock's life, too." He looked at Ames grimly. "I deserve a lot more punishment than I got for that, Sir. What I did was unforgiveably stupid."

"Well, if you've really learned that, boy, you've learned a lot. I think your feelings of guilt are enough punishment."

"No Sir, they're not. If Aaron's going to be punished again for what he did, I should be punished again too."

"Well, we'll see about that" Ames said curtly. "The first thing you've got to learn, boy, is that you don't tell us what to do."

"Yes, Sir. But ..."

"No buts, boy. Mr Haempel and I make those decisions. I'll pass your request on to Mr Haempel. You can talk to him about it."

"Thank you, Sir. I'd appreciate that."

Ames looked at Brandon in amusement. "You may not want it quite as much once you're feeling it."

"I know" Brandon grimaced. "I found that out already, Sir. What I got out there was really bad."

"Well then, don't be in too much of a hurry to get it again. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to experience ranch discipline once you work here." He took a couple of papers from his desk. "You'll need to sign this release. Read this letter from your father first."

Brandon took the letter and read it. "Good!" he grinned, looking at Ames. "He's approved everything."

"That's right. He's asked us not to hold back anything in punishing you, should that be necessary. He wants you treated just like any other worker, in spite of your young age. I think you should be aware of that."

"Yes, Sir, I saw that."

"You realize what that means?"

"Of course, Sir. That's great, Sir! Exactly what I want."

Ames smiled at Brandon's youthful enthusiasm. "You won't feel quite so enthusiastic when you get it, boy."

"I'm sure you won't give it to me unless I deserve it, Sir. I'll take anything you or Mr Haempel feel you should give me."

"You certainly will" he snorted. "You won't have any choice about that."

"That's just fine, Sir. I don't want a choice."

"Fine. You'll get it from others, too." He handed Brandon the second paper. "You'll need to sign this release."

Brandon took the release and signed it.

"Read things before you sign them, boy."

"I know what it will say" Brandon shrugged.

"Don't be a smart-ass! Read it!"

Brandon scanned it and shrugged. "Nothing unexpected." He handed it back to Ames. "I told you I need discipline, Sir. I don't want anything held back."

"It won't be" Ames smiled.

"Good."

"One more thing. You realize this is a trial apprenticeship. You'll earn nothing but room and board."

"That doesn't matter. I don't need the money. I just hope you'll hire me next summer, too."

"Well, that'll depend on how you work out, Brandon. You'll need to see Mr Haempel now. He'll have some forms for you to fill in. You'll start tomorrow, after your family leaves. The engagement will terminate at the end of August."

"Excellent."

"You're of course free to change your mind about this before your parents leave. After that, you're bound by the contract you just signed. You're not fully of age, boy, so you'll not be allowed to leave on your own. You won't be able to run away from punishment. I presume you realize all that."

Brandon nodded. "Yes, I do, Sir. I won't change my mind, Sir."

"Good." Ames stood up and extended his hand. "Welcome to our staff, Brandon. I look forward to hearing good reports about you."

"Thank you, Sir. Thanks for giving me this opportunity."

.

[23]

Later that evening, Brandon had a long talk with his father.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Brandon."

"Oh, I do, Dad. I really do."

"This should be a valuable experience for you. You've grown up a lot on this trip, Brandon. But you've still got a fair bit of growing to do."

"I know" Brandon nodded. "I've been a real brat, haven't I?"

"Well, yes, at times you have, Brandon. But you're maturing fast if you realize that."

"Oh, I do. That's one reason I want to work here. I know being a smart-ass won't be tolerated. I think that will help, Dad."

"I think so too. I wasn't too keen on leaving you on your own here at your age. A place like this can be risky for young men like you. But I've asked Mr Ames to keep you with Aaron. Thanks to that incident out on the trail, we know he's perfectly normal."

"Normal?"

"Well, maybe a little over_s_e_x_ed, but certainly no homo_s_e_x_ual. His reaction to Miranda proved that."

Brandon laughed nervously. "You're worried about that?"

"Any father would be, Brandon. Mr Ames has arranged it with his foreman. You'll bunk with Aaron, starting tonight. He'll protect you from anything like that, I'm sure."

Brandon giggled.

"What are you laughing at?"

Brandon thought quickly. "I just think it's funny that you'd be worried about that."

Schlegel smiled. "You're still very innocent, son. You and Aaron will be put in a separate cabin, so the two of you will have some privacy and be safe from others. I know you look up to Aaron, so hopefully being with him will work out well. He should be a good influence on you."

"Wow!" He couldn't believe his good fortune. "Thank you, Dad!" He smiled at his father as sincerely as he could manage. "I like Aaron a lot."

"Good. I don't mind telling you, I'm very impressed by him. I thought initially he was just another over_s_e_x_ed and irresponsible country boy, but he's considerably more mature than I realized. You'll learn a lot from him."

"I know" Brandon nodded. "He's a really neat guy."

"Courageous, too. It took a lot of guts to jump in after you, back up there."

"Don't I know it!" He looked at his father soberly. "It wasn't just Aaron that saved me, Dad. It was Jock, too."

"I know. I've arranged with Mr Ames for everybody on that crew to receive a special bonus for what they did for you." He bit his lip. "You have no idea how shocked and scared I was when I saw where you fell, Brandon. We came so close to losing you ...."

Brandon blinked back tears. "I was just so _f_u_cking stupid!"

"Hopefully you learned something, Brandon."

"I sure did" he sighed. "I was being a smart-ass, Dad, disobeying orders to show off. I figured I knew better."

His father smiled bitterly. "We spoiled you kids too much, Brandon."

"Yeah, I guess maybe you did. I need that beaten out of me, Dad. I really do."

"Well, this should be a good place for that."

"I think so" Brandon nodded. "It's kind of like joining the Marines, isn't it?" He laughed curtly. "It's strange to be looking forward to punishment. But I know I need it."

His father observed him in amusement. "Don't be too keen, son. You know what it's like."

"Yeah, I know" Brandon sighed. "I'm not signing onto this in ignorance."

"You know Aaron will share any punishments you get, don't you?"

"He what?"

"That's what I'm told. He'll be your mentor, which means he'll be responsible for ensuring you learn your job properly. If you make mistakes, he'll be punished too."

"You're kidding! That's hardly fair."

"It's apparently the normal arrangement here, son. Mentors are held responsible if their trainees screw up."

"Wow! That's awful!" He looked at his father anxiously. "I'm sure I'll screw up sometime, Dad. Couldn't you get them to just punish me?"

Schlegel shook his head. "I wouldn't presume to interfere with their disciplinary process, Brandon."

"That's really bad!"

"Well, I'm sure they have good reasons for what they do. You'll just have to deal with it, Brandon." He glanced at his watch. "I need to do some things before the three of us leave. We leave early tomorrow morning to catch the boat to Prince Rupert from Bella Coola."

"Thanks for letting me stay, Dad."

Schlegel laughed. "It wouldn't be my choice, son. You're giving up a fantastic trip."

"I know I am, Dad. But it'll be worth it."

"I think so too" Schlegel nodded. "I certainly hope so." He reached out and hugged Brandon. "Do well, son. I'm proud of you for choosing this."

"Thanks." Brandon hugged his father hard. "I'll miss you."

His father rumpled Brandon's hair. "We'll say goodbye in the morning."

.

[24]

After the Schlegels left the next morning, Haempel called Brandon over to him.

"I understand from Mr Ames that you want more punishment for what happened out there on the trail."

"I believe I deserve it, Sir."

Haempel smiled scornfully. "Sounds like they must have been too soft on you. They probably took it easy on you because of your father."

Brandon looked at him warily. "What I got was no picnic, Sir."

"That's what you say. You'd better realize that punishments will be different here, now that you're working on my crew. You won't be favored just because you're your father's boy."

"I don't expect to be, Sir."

"All you rich kids do. You think you deserve special treatment."

"Well, I don't" Brandon said hotly. "And I resent your assuming that Id want that."

Haempel narrowed his eyes. "You resent it, do you? Well, let me tell you, boy, I don't give a _f_u_c_k_ what you resent. You may think you're special because of your fathers status, but I assure you you're not. I expect exactly the same obedience and respect from you that I get from everyone else. You'd better learn that fast."

"All I'm saying ..."

"I'm not interested in what you have to say, boy."

"Im just trying to say that I dont expect privileges."

"You don't need to tell me that" Haempel sneered. "You won't get them."

"Good!"

Haempel looked at Brandon balefully. "You're way too forward in telling me things, boy. Do you really think you can tell me when to punish you, too?"

" Im not trying to tell you anything" Brandon said in exasperation. "I just ...."

"Shut up! You're being provocative and disrespectful, boy. Maybe it's time you found out what a real thrashing is like."

"That suits me just fine" Brandon said contemptuously. "Go right ahead!"

Haempel smiled at this teenage bravado. "Right, then. Take those clothes off."

Brandon glared at him in disbelief. "You cant beat me just because I try to tell you something."

"I can do what I _f_u_cking like, boy. Do what I tell you, before I really lose my patience."

Brandon lost his temper. "You want to do this, dont you?" he jeered. "You get off on this!"

"Insolence and disobedience are just going to get you more punishment, boy. I told you to take those _f_u_cking clothes off! So do it! Now!"

Brandon tore his clothes off, throwing them down angrily. "F_u_cking sadist!" he muttered under his breath.

Haempel glanced at him disdainfully. "Youre lucky I didnt hear that, boy." He looked around. "Benson!" he shouted. "Find Goodman and bring him here!"

"Yes, Sir!"

"And find Brown. Tell him to bring a switch."

Benson looked at Haempel and Brandon in surprise. "A switch?"

"That's what I said. Tell him I want one that will teach this kid a good lesson. Make it fast!"

"Yes, Sir!"

Benson ran off, returning in a couple of minutes with Aaron. "I'll get Brown right away, Sir."

Aaron looked at the naked teenager in surprise. "What's happening, Sir?"

"What's happening is that this boy you're responsible for is about to get his ass whipped. He's going to find out what it feels like."

"With respect, Sir, he already knows. He took a pretty severe punishment out on the trail."

"Not severe enough, obviously. Take him back behind the barn. Brown and I will join you there." He smiled at Brandon grimly. "You're lucky, boy. Normally we don't administer punishment here at headquarters. But we don't have any guests here today, so we can deal with you right away."

"Good!" Brandon smiled scornfully. "I'd hate to keep anyone waiting."

Haempel smiled. "You'll change your tune, boy." He gestured to Aaron. "Take him there now."

"Is this really necessary, Sir?"

"Are you questioning my judgement?"

"He's only sixteen, Sir. He's just a kid."

"Is that supposed to excuse insolence and disobedience? Do what I tell you!"

"Yes, Sir" Aaron nodded. He looked at Brandon and sighed unhappily. "Let's go, kid."

"Should I take these?" Brandon asked, pointing to his clothes.

"Leave them" Haempel snapped. "You're not going to need them today."

.

[25]

Aaron turned to Brandon when they got to the barn. "What the _f_u_c_k_ did you do to piss Haempel off?"

"He's a _f_u_cking bully!" Brandon said hotly. "And he insulted me!"

"Really?" Aaron sneered. "And that's worth getting your ass beaten?"

"He said what I got from Rod and Jock for screwing up out there obviously couldn't have been much, that they must have held back if I asked to get more."

Aaron's mouth dropped. "You actually did that? You asked for more?"

"Yes. I asked Mr Ames, actually. He passed it on to Haempel."

"You're out of your _f_u_cking mind!"

Brandon shrugged. "I told you I'd do that, out on the boat."

"I didn't think you were serious."

"Well, I was. And I am." He looked at Aaron earnestly. "I want to show you I can take it, Aaron. I want you to give it to me too."

Aaron laughed in disbelief. "I presume you're kidding about that!"

"No, I'm not! Every time I look at you, I see you almost drowning out there because of me. I feel so _f_u_cking guilty, Aaron. I deserve a lot more than I got."

Haempel came around the corner of the barn just then, followed by a young man in his mid-twenties.

"What's that about deserving it?" Haempel snorted. "You finally smartening up, boy?"

"He was saying he wants more for what happened out on the trail" Aaron explained.

"I know" Haempel snorted. "He thinks we're playing games. He needs to learn what a good whipping feels like."

Brandon looked at him disdainfully. "I know that already, Mister."

"Well, we'll just make sure of that. You're getting punished for your insolence, boy. We'll see if you still want more after that."

"F_u_ck you!" Brandon said under his breath.

"I didn't hear that, boy. Are you asking for more?"

"No, I'm not. Why should I?"

"Sir. You address me as 'Sir', boy. Show some respect!"

Brandon couldn't help reacting. "For you?" he sneered. "That's a laugh."

Haempel smiled. "You really are asking for it, aren't you?"

Brandon shrugged and didn't say anything.

"You've obviously got a lot to learn, boy. From now on, you show respect for me and for anyone else in authority, or you'll really get your ass punished. Get yourself over those fence rails. You're getting half a dozen with that switch from Brown."

"Just half a dozen?" the young man asked in surprise.

Haempel shrugged. "He's just a teenager, Brown. He'll get more if he doesn't shape up."

Brandon still hadn't moved. "He sure hasn't learned obedience" the young man grinned.

"No, he hasn't" Haempel nodded, smiling at Brandon ominously. "He'll get more in about five seconds, if he's not over that rail by then."

"I'll go" Brandon said quickly. He went to the fence and bent over a rail.

"I don't think you two have met" Haempel said to Aaron.

"Hi" the young man grinned, extending his hand. "Phil Brown."

"Hi" Aaron smiled, shaking his hand. "Aaron Goodman."

"Brown replaced your friend Bill" Haempel explained.

"Oh, okay" Aaron nodded, taking in Phil's powerful arms and shoulders. "You from around here?"

"Yeah. I've worked on ranches around here for a dozen years, ever since I was fifteen."

"You two can make conversation after we're done" Haempel interrupted. He pointed to the switch in Phil's hand. "You know what to do with that, Brown."

"I sure do" Phil grinned. "Still just half a dozen?"

"Right. Plus an extra two every time he jumps up." Haempel looked at Brandon scornfully. "Give it to him hard, Brown. The kid thinks he's a man and can take anything. Let's find out."

"Okay."

Phil went to the fence and took off his T-shirt. As he draped it over the fence, Brandon realized fearfully that he was at least as powerfully built as Jock.

"You ready for this?" Phil asked, brandishing the switch.

"Any time you are." Brandon was trying to pretend he didn't care, but his voice quavered.

This was going to be good, Phil thought to himself, looking at the kid's _s_e_x_y ass. The kid was just asking for punishment, holding an ass like that up in the air. Maybe asking for more than just punishment. He wondered if the kid was spreading his legs apart like that deliberately. That ass sure was provocative. It looked like it was just begging for a prick.

"You going to do it or not?" Haempel asked drily.

Phil snapped out of his daydream. "Sure, Sir. Of course."

Brandon looked at the three-foot switch apprehensively as Phil took it out to his left. It looked at least as bad as what hed experienced out on the trail. He gripped the fence rail tightly.

Phil reached back. Brandon closed his eyes and tightened his grip.

WHIPPPP!!!!

Brandon arched up in shock, biting his lip to keep from crying out. Phil's crotch swelled up even more as he saw how Brandon clenched his buttocks in reaction. The kid's ass looked even _s_e_x_ier when he did that.

"You didn't hit him hard enough" Haempel jeered.

"Oh, he got it good" Phil laughed. "Just wait! You'll hear him bawl."

"No _f_u_cking way!" Brandon retorted grimly.

Phil laughed again. "You trying to be a challenge?" He grinned at Haempel. "I guess you're right after all, Sir. I didn't hit hard enough."

"Then youd better give it to him over again." Haempel looked at Brandon in disgust. "Dont you swear at your punisher like that again, boy. Not unless you really want more."

"Oh God!" Brandon moaned, clenching his buttocks again as he felt the pain stab out from where the first blow had landed.

He tensed as Phil reached back, gritting his teeth in fear.

"Start over?" Phil asked Haempel.

"Yes, do that. Im tired of this kids gutter talk and insolence."

"Oh, please!" Brandon begged. "Please, Sir! I wont be insolent!"

"Youd better not be, boy. Or youll get a lot more than just half a dozen." He looked at Phil. "Give it to him, Brown."

"Oh Jesus!" Brandon sobbed. Looking back, he saw Phil swing and closed his eyes, gripping the rail in anticipation.

WHIPPPP!!!!

The pain from that one was even worse than from the first. Brandon hung on, desperately gripping the rail. The pain was really bad.

"Still not hard enough" Haempel challenged.

Phil smiled. He'd seen how the kid's torso had jerked up. "The next one or two will do it."

He waited a full minute and then reached back.

The wait was excruciating. Phil twice started to swing, only to reach back again when Brandon flinched in anticipation. Finally he swung. And swung hard.

WHIPPPP!!!!

"Oh God!" Brandon wailed, sobbing in spite of himself. That one had really hurt.

"Beginning to get to you?" Phil smirked.

Brandon shook his head defiantly, gripping the rail even tighter. But he didnt dare speak. Phil was right. The punishment was really getting to him. Phil was really slashing in hard, harder than his memory of what the cane had been like out there on the trail. Brandon couldn't see his buttocks but could imagine what they must look like. He could feel the welts burning.

"Never mind, this one will."

"Oh, Sir!" Brandon pleaded.

Haempel glanced at Phil. "Give it to him hard, Brown."

Phil smiled as he nodded. "Yes, Sir."

He touched Brandon's buttocks with the cane, feeling his hard-on swell as Brandon flinched. This kid was even more of a turn-on than he'd expected. He touched Brandon's buttocks again.

"Oh Jesus!" Brandon whispered. He was quivering in fear as he waited for the next blow, becoming more and more fearful as he realized what he was facing. He tensed in anticipation as he saw Phil reach back, gripping the rail tightly as he saw Phil reach back again.

WHIPPPP!!!!

Brandon couldn't hold it in any more. "OH GOD!!!" he cried. "OWWHHHH!!! F_U_C_K!!!"

That one had slashed across the underside of his buttocks, leaving a white-hot line of fire.

"OH GOD!!!!" Brandon wailed. He was really feeling the pain.

Phil was really laying it in hard. Aaron watched with growing concern as he saw the welts raised by each stroke on Brandon's buttocks. Brandon was sobbing frantically now, twitching and jerking as he held himself down.

WHIPPPP!!!!

"AIEEEEOOOOWWWHHHH!!!!" Brandon shrieked.

Brandon barely held on, dancing and jerking on his feet. He was beside himself now, totally consumed by the pain.

"Hold still, boy!" Haempel demanded.

"I CAN'T, SIR!" His feet were still dancing from the pain. "IT _F_U_CKING HURTS!"

"I should bloody well hope so!" Haempel snorted. "Hold still!"

"Oh God!! It hurts so much, Sir! It really hurts!"

"Do what I tell you, boy! Or youll really get your ass whipped."

WHIPPPP!!!!

"AIEEEEOOOOWWWRGHHHH!!!!" Brandon shrieked. He hadn't seen that one coming. He jumped up in shock and grabbed his ass. "JESUS!!! _F_U_CKING JESUS!!!" He danced in agony, holding his ass in a vain attempt to alleviate the pain. "F_U_C_K!!!"

"Stop dancing around!"

"I CAN'T HELP IT, SIR!!!" The pain from that blow had really been searing. "OH GOD!!!! _SH_I_T!!! _F_U_CKING _SH_I_T!!!!"

"Stop swearing, boy! And get down! What's wrong with you? Can't you take this like a man?"

"It hurts, Sir!"

"So what? It's supposed to hurt, boy. That's the only way we get through to kids like you."

Brandon was sobbing in agony. "I can't take this, Sir. It's so _f_u_cking brutal!"

"You'll take whatever we give you, boy. Why aren't you back down? And didn't I tell you not to swear like that? You're chronically disobedient, boy. You're going to have to be punished for that."

"Oh, Sir!" Brandon wailed. "I couldn't help it!"

"Give him another two?" Phil grinned.

"Yes. And that one doesn't count. Get back down, boy!"

"OH PLEASE!" Brandon begged. "PLEASE DON'T GIVE ME ANY MORE, SIR! PLEASE!!!! I CAN'T TAKE IT!!!"

"F_u_cking wimp!" Phil sneered. He was enjoying this.

Brandon was still dancing in agony as he pleaded. "I'M SORRY I JUMPED UP, SIR! PLEASE DON'T GIVE ME MORE!!!"

"He's still disobeying you" Phil grinned hopefully.

"I can see that" Haempel said testily. "I told you to get down, boy. Why are you disobeying again?"

"OH, SIR!!!"

"Get back down immediately! Now!! Or you'll earn yourself another two!"

Brandon dropped back down and grabbed the rail. "Oh God!" he sobbed. "God!"

"How many is that now?" Haempel asked Phil.

"That would have been the next-to-last one, Sir. He's got four more coming now."

"Oh Jesus!" Brandon moaned.

Phil smiled as he reached forward to touch the kid's ass, seeing the kid's buttocks flinch. He did it again, grinning to himself in anticipation as he saw how Brandon was quivering. What a turn-on, he exulted. This round would really get to the kid. He wondered if he could make the kid jump up again.

Brandon saw Phil reach back again. This looked like the real blow coming. He gritted his teeth and gripped hard, tensing his entire body. Nothing happened. He gradually relaxed.

Then suddenly... WHIPPPP!!!!

Brandon jerked up as the blow fell. The cane slashed into him with searing pain. Somehow he managed to hold on, taking that blow without crying out. He broke on the one after that.

Phil held back again for some seconds, waiting to let Brandon stew. He waited until Brandon's buttocks finally relaxed, reaching back to swing down on Brandon just when he didn't expect it.

WHIPPPP!!!!

"AIEEEEEOOHHHHH!!!!" Brandon almost let go of the rail.

That one had slashed into him right where his buttocks met his thighs, cutting into him with especially searing pain. Brandon shrieked in agony as the pain mounted, jerking and dancing on his feet in a vain attempt to mitigate the pain.

This time, Phil didn't wait for him to stop moving.

WHIPPPP!!!!

"AAAOOOOWWWWRGHHHHH!!!! OH JESUS!!! _F_U_CKING JESUS!!!"

Brandon shrieked as the cane slashed into him, dancing in agony and just barely managing to hang on. That slashed into the underside of his buttocks, just slightly higher than the one before.

"F_U_C_K!!!! OH GOD!!!!" The pain stabbing out of his ass was like knives cutting into his brain.

Phil was hitting as fast and powerfully as he could, trying hard to make Brandon jump up again. He reached back and slashed down almost instantly.

WHIPPPP!!!!

"AIEEOOOOWWWWHHHH!!!!" Brandon jerked up, barely holding on. "OH F_U_C_K!!!! OH PLEASE!!!! _F_U_C_K!!!!" He was dancing in pain, jerking up and down as he kept gripping the rail.

He tensed his body for the next blow, tightening his grip on the rail. And then realized nothing had happened. He looked back and was surprised to see that Phil hadn't reached back.

"That was four" Phil said to Haempel. "You want me to give him more?"

Haempel shook his head. "He's had enough. Stand up, boy."

Brandon couldn't believe it was over. He sobbed as he held onto the rail, sure that they must be playing with him. The pain was blinding. It just seemed to keep growing, stabbing out from all over his ass every time he moved. He closed his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to control himself.

"Stand up, boy."

He slowly stood up, still sobbing raucously.

"Turn around and look at me" Haempel ordered.

Brandon turned to face the men, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"You want more of that?"

"No, Sir" Brandon sobbed fervently. He put his hands on his buttocks and felt their heat. He could feel the raised flesh where the welts crossed.

"Youll get more if youre insolent again. Understand?"

Brandon nodded. "Yes, Sir" he sobbed. "I'm sorry, Sir. I was stupid to talk to you like that. Ill not do that again, Sir."

"You'd better not!" Haempel glanced at Aaron. "Was he insolent out on the trail?"

"Well, he was a guest, Sir." Aaron looked at the sobbing teenager. "I think he's learned his lesson, Sir."

"I certainly hope so." Haempel gave Brandon a long searching look. "That's what punishment will be like here every time you screw up, boy. I hope you realize that now."

"Yes, Sir" Brandon sobbed.

What he'd just received was like nothing he'd ever imagined. Maybe the memory of what he got out on the trail had simply attenuated with the passage of time, but it somehow seemed much less in retrospect than what he'd gotten right now. There was no way he could take punishments like that.

He looked at his hands, surprised that they looked perfectly normal. His palms were totally white. He'd thought they'd look different as a result of holding his burning ass, but there was nothing, other than a single small trace of blood. He looked at the men fearfully.

"You want to get that punishment now for what happened when you were out on the trail?"

"Right now?" Brandon looked at Aaron in despair.

"He's had enough, Sir" Aaron said grimly, knowing he was risking his own buttocks. "This was worse for him than what he had before."

"Well, whether it's enough is up to him." Haempel smiled at the sobbing boy. "That was a lot worse than you expected, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Sir" Brandon sobbed, nodding fervently. "Much worse."

"They did hold back out there, didn't they?"

Brandon nodded again as he sobbed. He hadn't thought so at the time, but there was no question that this was worse. He'd never imagined a punishment could be so terrifying.

"Good. Have you changed your mind about getting more, boy, now that you know how it feels?"

Brandon sighed. "I already knew it would be bad, Sir."

"Does that mean you still want it?"

He started to shake his head and then checked himself. "Yes, Sir" he sobbed hopelessly. "I've got to, Sir." He didn't know how he could take it, but he couldn't give up on that. Not and keep any self-respect.

"Well, you've got courage" Haempel sighed. "I'll give you that. But you didn't answer my question, boy. Do you want it now?"

Brandon looked at Haempel in dismay. "Could I take a break first, Sir? I don't think I can take it right now."

"Oh, sure" Haempel nodded. "I wouldn't give it to you right now, even if you did ask for it. You've had enough for a while. And enough for you to know what it will be like if you do get more. I want you to think very carefully about this before you ask for that again."

"I said I'd take it, Sir. I won't go back on that."

Haempel glared. "Didn't you listen to what I just said, boy? Do you want another caning for disobedience?"

Brandon looked at him fearfully. "No, Sir."

"Then shut up and don't say anything. I don't want to hear anything more on this until tomorrow morning. You can tell me then, if you still think you want more."

"Yes, Sir" Brandon nodded.

Haempel looked at Aaron in irritation. "You're responsible for this boy. Take him away and see if you can knock some sense into him."

Aaron nodded. "I'll try, Sir."

"You'd better do a lot more than just try. I'll talk to both of you about this tomorrow. If I'm not satisfied with the boy's attitude and obedience, both of you will get the strap. Understand?"

"Of course, Sir. I understand perfectly, Sir."

"I don't" Brandon said angrily. "Why the hell should Aaron get punished if I screw up?"

"Because you're his responsibility. Were you not told that he was your mentor?"

"Okay, so I was. So what? How does that make it fair?"

Haempel glared at Aaron. "How long is it since you were assigned to him?"

"Since last night, Sir."

"Then there is no excuse for this boy's ignorance. Nor for his continued lack of respect. I'm holding you responsible for that, so strip and get over that fence."

"Yes, Sir."

Aaron took off his boots, glancing at Brandon bitterly.

"What are you doing?" Brandon asked in disbelief.

Aaron stripped off his jeans. "What the _f_u_c_k_ do you think I'm doing? I'm getting punished for your stupidity."

"But ..."

"Shut up!" Aaron yelled. "Don't make it any worse!" He tore off his T-shirt and grabbed the fence rail.

"How much?" Phil grinned.

Phil could feel his prick getting hard again as he looked at Aaron's trim buttocks. For some reason, doing it to both of them was even more of a turn-on. He wondered if Aaron and the kid were making out. They both looked _s_e_x_y, that was for sure.

"Give him what you gave the boy" Haempel told Phil.

"With the cane?" Phil asked.

"Yes."

Phil picked up the switch. "Ten?" he asked hopefully. "That's what the boy got altogether."

"That'll do just fine."

Brandon was open-mouthed in astonishment. "You can't do this! You can't punish Aaron!"

"Oh _f_u_c_k!" Aaron flared. "Brandon, can't you shut the _f_u_ck_ up?"

"I can't let them punish you!"

Haempel smiled grimly. "If you don't shut up, boy, your mentor will get even more."

"You can't mean that!" Brandon protested.

"Fine" Haempel nodded. "Make it a dozen, Phil." He turned back to Brandon. "Every time you open your mouth before this is over, your mentor will get another two. Understand?"

Brandon looked at him in disbelief.

"UNDERSTAND?" Haempel yelled.

"Yes, Sir" Brandon whispered, beginning to sob.

Brandon looked on in shock as Phil reached back and slashed the switch into Aaron's buttocks.

Aaron took the caning much better than Brandon had. But Brandon could see him flinch each time, tensing as he strove to keep himself under control. By the time Phil had given him half a dozen, Aaron couldn't help crying out in pain each time the cane slashed into him.

By the time Phil finished, a dozen welts left by the cane covered almost all of Aaron's buttocks. Brandon knew how hard Phil could hit. He knew it must have been bad.

Brandon was sobbing in guilt as Aaron stood up. "Oh God, Aaron, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Aaron looked at him in disgust, wincing as he pulled his jeans up.

"Get these two out of here!" Haempel told Phil curtly.

"What do you want me to do with them?"

"I don't really care. Take Aaron and the boy out on a gallop. See if the kid can ride."

"Any place in particular?"

"Not really. Take them up Meer's Hill. That'll be as good a test as any." He looked at Brandon disdainfully. "Have you ever done anything on horseback, boy, other than just trail-riding at a leisurely pace?"

"I can ride" Brandon said sullenly.

"We'll see. Test him, Brown. You can tell me if he's lying about his ability when you come back."

"You're _f_u_cking insulting!" Brandon flared.

Haempel smiled grimly. "You trying to provoke another beating on your ass, boy?"

Aaron punched Brandon's shoulder before he could reply. "Don't be a f_u_cking idiot, Brandon! Apologize! Show some manners!"

Brandon glared at him angrily.

"You want me to beat your ass too?" Aaron snapped. "Apologize to Mr Haempel! Apologize right now!"

Brandon nodded curtly. "I'm sorry, Sir" he said to Haempel. "I shouldn't have talked to you like that. But I don't lie, Sir. I'm not a liar."

"You'd _f_u_cking well better not be!" Haempel fumed. He gestured to Phil. "Get him out of here!"

"What about his clothes?"

"F_u_c_k_ his clothes. He's bound to get his ass beaten again for being a smart-ass out on the trail, so he might as well stay naked." He looked at Brandon balefully. "Either of these men can beat your ass, boy. Understand? Got that?"

"Yes, Sir" Brandon nodded sullenly.

"How about boots?" Aaron asked.

"Fine, sure, he better put those on. Nothing else, though. Just socks and boots."

.

[26]

Galloping on horseback was like another beating for Brandon. Every time the horse's hooves hit the ground and leaped forward, his ass hit the saddle hard. Plus it was hot. By the time they'd saddled up and moved out, it was high noon. The sun was strong and the leather of the saddle absorbed heat like a sponge.

They galloped for several kilometers, finally slowing to a walk as they entered a path through trees. Coming out on the other side into a meadow beside a brook, they stopped there and dismounted to let the horses drink.

"You okay?" Aaron asked.

Brandon smiled wanly. "I've been better."

"You'll be a lot worse if you don't shape up" Phil said scornfully.

"Phil's right" Aaron nodded. "You almost got yourself another beating back there with Haempel."

"He's a _f_u_cking asshole" Brandon said petulantly.

"Fine. He's also your boss. He has a perfect right to beat the sh_i_t out of you if you're disobedient or disrespectful."

"What a _f_u_cking prick! Taking this job was a _f_u_cking mistake!"

"Oh really?" Aaron said scathingly. "What happened to all that desire to learn discipline? I'm beginning to think that you're as much of a spoiled brat as your sister."

"That's really hitting below the belt" Brandon sulked.

"Well, maybe the truth hurts."

"I thought you were my friend."

Aaron glared at him in exasperation. "F_u_ck, Brandon! Of course I'm your friend! I wouldn't bother trying to keep you from being such a stupid ass if I weren't."

"Oh, I'm stupid now, am I?"

"Yes, you are" Phil sneered, looking at Brandon scornfully. "You're an idiot if you don't listen to what Aaron is saying. He saved you from another beating back there at the ranch, so just listen. He's giving you sensible advice."

"That's right, gang up on me!"

"Oh, _f_u_c_k_ you!" Aaron flared. "Go dig your own bloody grave, if that's what you want to do. Just don't come to me looking for sympathy!" He turned to Phil. "Let's keep going."

"Suits me" Phil shrugged. He swung up onto his horse. "Let's go."

.

[27]

The trail from the meadow to the hill ran up beside the brook through more woods. They climbed in silence until they came out into an open area.

They paused for a moment looking down on the ranch.

Phil suddenly looked at Aaron. "You're this kid's mentor, aren't you?"

"I guess I am" Aaron said bitterly. He glanced at Brandon. "Unfortunately."

"Oh, _f_u_c_k_ you!" Brandon said sullenly. "I wish we'd never met."

"Well, that certainly would have simplified things" Aaron shot back. "I sure never expected you to be like this."

"Well, if thats how you feel, I'm going back," Brandon turned his horse, "I dont care if Haempel whacks me again. It's better than being with you."

"You'll do no such thing!"

Brandon ignored him, kicking his horse forward.

"Brandon! You hear me?" Aaron was furious "Come back at once!"

Brandon just answered with a two finger salute.

"He's going to drag you down with him if you don't do something about this" Phil cautioned.

"You're right," Aaron nodded curtly, only too aware of the stripes he was sitting on.

He turned his horse and cantered after Brandon till he caught up with him. "Listen, Brandon! That's enough. Turn around and come back with me. Thats an order."

Brandon stopped. "And if I dont?"

"You'll get an extra thrashing on top of the one youve already earned yourself."

"Yeah, of course" Brandon sneered. "I can see your friend Phil salivating already. The _f_u_cker really gets off on that, doesn't he?"

"I don't give a _f_u_c_k_ whether he does or doesnt. The fact is that he's the senior guy here and can blister both our asses if he wants. You're certainly doing your best to give him plenty of reasons to do that."

"Well, he's not beating my ass" Brandon snapped angrily, starting downhill. "I'm going back."

Aaron grabbed his reins. "No _f_u_cking way! Not before I've tanned your hide, that's for sure."

Brandon looked at him in shock. "You wouldn't!"

"Oh, wouldn't I? You think you can piss all over me without my doing anything about it? Like you did back there with Haempel, getting me punished too? Maybe I should get him to assign someone else to be your mentor, someone who'll really beat the sh_i_t out of you. I'm _f_u_cked if I want to keep doing this."

"I - I wasnt pissing over you, Aaron." He looked at Aaron unhappily. "I you made me so angry - - "

Aaron laughed bitterly. "I made you angry?"

"Yeah, comparing me with Miranda and stuff. That was so unfair!"

"Unfair? Don't sh_i_t on me, boy! You signed that bloody contract, didn't you? You came here to be treated like a grown up, and you're still acting like a _f_u_cking spoiled brat." Aaron was furious. "Can't you see what you're doing, kid? What happened to all that resolution to grow up?"

Brandon stared down on the ground sullenly. "Maybe I am being a bit of a brat" he admitted unwillingly. "But I still think it's unfair."

"Think what you like. What do you want to do? Come back with me to take your discipline like the man you want to be? Or keep on acting like a dumb rebellious teenager?"

"I'll come" Brandon suddenly decided. He turned his horse around and rode back ahead of Aaron.

When they reached the opening again, he stopped and looked back. "You're really going to whip my ass?"

"You can bet your bare ass I am!"

"You? Not him?" Brandon moved his head to indicate Phil.

"Me, definitely. He will too if you keep misbehaving. He'll probably give it to me as well if he does that, seeing as how I'm supposed to be responsible for you." He looked at Brandon sourly. "I suppose you think I enjoy that."

"No." Brandon bit his lip. "No, I don't want that."

They rode closer to Phil, dismounted and tied up their horses.

Phil had already done that. He was lying in the grass, eyes half closed. "So you finally got him."

"Yeah, he didnt get far."

"Needed a bit of persuasion, did he? Or what took you so long?"

"Well, let's say we talked it through and he is going to try harder from now on." Aaron looked at Brandon, who nodded and even managed a little smile.

"You'd better teach him a lesson about his behaviour. Otherwise ...."

"Yes, Phil" Aaron laughed curtly. "No need to remind me. He already knows what he's in for." He pulled a pocket knife out of his jeans. "See those young trees over there, Brandon? Go cut me a switch."

Although he knew it would be coming, Brandon was still surprised. "You're going to do it right now?"

"Yes, I am. Phil's right. You need another lesson, this time from me."

"But ...."

"Do as he says!" Phil said grimly. "Don't argue, or you'll get an obedience lesson from me first."

"Okay" Brandon sighed resignedly. "I'll do as you say."

He took the knife and walked over to the trees, followed both sets of eyes. Aaron could feel his crotch swell as he watched Brandon cut a switch. The kid was just so cute. He glanced at Phil and saw to his surprise that Phil was adjusting his crotch too.

Brandon brought the switch back. "Is this okay?" he asked bitterly.

Aaron took it and whipped it through the air. "It'll do. Bend over and hold your ankles."

Brandon was blinking back tears. "You're really going to do this?" He still couldn't quite believe Aaron would actually punish him.

"Of course, I am. You think I'm joking?"

"Even you?"

"Absolutely."

Aaron couldn't help feeling sorry for the kid. But he was determined to teach him a lesson. "You simply can't keep on being a spoiled brat, Brandon. You asked to work here. You agreed to live by the rules. You've got to learn to do that and do it with respect and courtesy. So bend over!"

Brandon was crying now. He bent over and clutched his ankles, watching with growing horror as Aaron took the switch out to his left and reached back. He yelped in fear as Aaron swung.

"OWWWHHHH!!!!"

That had hurt! Aaron hadn't held back. Brandon looked at Aaron in shock and fear as he reached back. He'd never thought Aaron would hit that hard. He jerked up in fear as Aaron swung.

"AOOOWWWHHH!!!! OH PLEASE, AARON! PLEASE!!!!"

"Get down! And stay down!"

"Oh, Aaron!"

Aaron swung again.

"OWWHHH!!! _F_U_C_K!!!! THAT HURTS, AARON! IT REALLY HURTS!"

Brandon was sobbing hard now, as much from the fact that Aaron was beating him as from the pain. He realized Aaron hadn't hit quite as hard as Phil had, back down behind the barn. But it was almost as bad.

Aaron reached back and hit him again.

"PLEASE, AARON! I'LL DO BETTER! PLEASE! I PROMISE!"

Aaron lowered the switch. "Do you mean that? Will you really try, Brandon?"

"Yes, I will" Brandon sobbed. "I'm sorry, Aaron! I really am."

"Okay. Come here." He opened his arms.

"Oh, Aaron!" Brandon flung himself at Aaron, sobbing as Aaron hugged him.

"It's okay, Brandon" Aaron smiled, holding onto the sobbing boy. "But you've really got to do better, mate."

"I know" Brandon bawled, burying his head in Aaron's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'll try to act better, Aaron. Honest!"

Aaron looked across Brandon's head to Phil. "Do you mind giving us some privacy for a few minutes?"

"Sure" Phil nodded. "Call me when you want me back."

He started to walk away, grinning to himself as he saw how Aaron was comforting the kid. He was sure now that there was something going between the two of them.

"Oh, Aaron!" Brandon sobbed. "I'm sorry to be such a sh_i_t!"

"You're not a sh_i_t, Brandon. But you've really got to smarten up."

"I will" Brandon nodded. He looked up and smiled ruefully. "Do you still love me?"

"Sure I do" Aaron grinned, ruffling his hair. "But don't go unzipping my jeans, hotshot. Phil is looking at us."

"I'll wait" Brandon grinned. He looked at Aaron and laughed. "Sh_i_t, man! I never thought you'd beat my ass."

"Well, I'll do that again, kid. You'll get that from me every time you screw up from now on."

"Oh wow!" Brandon laughed again. "Will you screw me afterwards when you do that? I'm going to screw up a lot, Aaron."

"You _f_u_cking horny teenager!" Aaron laughed.

"I'm not the only one" Brandon grinned. He moved so his body shielded Aaron's body from Phil's view and reached down. "You're a sadistic bugger! Doing that got you hard, didn't it?"

"Maybe it did" Aaron grinned. "All the more reason to give it to you when you deserve it." He hugged Brandon and waved to Phil. "Hey, Phil!" he yelled. "We're okay now!"

"Thanks, mate" Aaron smiled when Phil came back. "All's fine now, I think."

"Good" Phil laughed. "He got you in hand now, kid?"

Brandon nodded sheepishly. "I think so. Thanks for getting Aaron to do that. I guess I needed it."

Phil laughed. "You sure did, kid." He looked at Aaron and grinned. "You'd better keep that switch with you. You're going to have to use it a lot on this kid."

Aaron grinned. "I think you're right." He picked it up and tied it on the back of his saddle, grinning at Brandon as he did so. "Your name is on this, kid. Your ass is mine!"

"I'm scared!" Brandon grinned impishly.

"You'd better be" Phil said, suddenly serious. "If you don't learn what Aaron teaches you, your ass will be hamburger. And so will Aaron's. You saw what happened to him earlier."

"Yeah, that was awful" Brandon nodded. He looked at Aaron guiltily. "I really feel awful about that, Aaron."

"He'll get it again if you cross Haempel like you did this morning, kid. You were really stupid to be so defiant."

"He's right" Aaron nodded. "I found that out myself, the hard way, when I first arrived."

"Did he give you a lot?" Brandon asked.

"Yes, a hell of a lot." He looked at Brandon and grinned. "I was a smart-ass, too."

"You still are" Brandon grinned.

Aaron smiled. "To you, maybe. Not to Haempel. Believe me, I learned my lesson." He looked at Phil. "We'd better go back."

"Yeah" Phil nodded. "We'd better. Let's go."

They swung up onto their horses and started back.

"The horses know the way" Phil grinned. "Let's make time!"

He kicked back. His horse lunged forward. "Yahoooooo!!"

.

[28]

They galloped most of the way back to the ranch, ducking branches in a wild ride as the horses careened through the forest. After that, the horses flew over the meadows like in a cavalry charge.

"Wow!" Brandon was exhilarated when they pulled up. "That was some ride!"

"Especially with no protection for your ass" Phil said with a broad grin. "You must be feeling that."

"Oh yeah!" Brandon rolled his eyes. "That saddle is _f_u_cking hot!" Then it struck him. "That's why you made us gallop all the way!"

"Of course" Phil grinned. "It shows if you've got the right stuff, kid."

Brandon grinned at him _c_o_ckily. "I do, don't I?"

Phil laughed. "Yeah, I'm beginning to think you do." He looked at Brandon quizzically. "Your ass will be even hotter if you stick to what you said before about taking that punishment. You still intend to ask for that?"

"Yeah" Brandon nodded, suddenly serious. "I guess we'd better get that over with."

"No way!" Aaron said firmly. "You heard what Mr Haempel said. You're to think about it between now and tomorrow morning. You'll tell him then what you want."

"Oh _f_u_c_k!" Brandon sighed. "It's even worse thinking about it."

"You really still want to take that?" Aaron asked gently. "You don't have to, you know."

"Yes, I do" Brandon said quietly. "I made a promise to myself, Aaron. I owe it to you."

"No, you don't. Don't do it for me!"

"Oh, it's not just for you. It's mostly for me. For my own self-respect."

"Okay" Aaron sighed. "You won't enjoy it."

"Don't worry" Brandon grimaced. "I have no illusions about that. Especially after this morning."

Phil looked at him curiously. "I'd better report to Mr Haempel."

He came back almost immediately, followed by Haempel.

"I don't want to see you two until tomorrow morning" Haempel told them.

"Any tasks, Sir?" Aaron asked.

Haempel shook his head. "No, take the rest of the day off. Your only job is to tell this boy the score." He suddenly grinned at Brandon. "Brown tells me you're not a bad rider, boy. Maybe you'll be useful after all."

.

[29]

"Wow!" Brandon grinned. He and Aaron had flopped down on the grass beside the pond they'd just swum in. "This isn't so bad after all!"

"Provided you smarten up" Aaron smiled. He was tracing a line down from Brandon's navel. "What's this springing up down here?"

"That's my flag" Brandon laughed, pushing up as Aaron grabbed it. "It's a patriotic thing. Everybody's got to raise their flag."

"Yeah? Mine's more like a pole. It's looking for a place to push in."

"How about this?" Brandon bent down and took Aaron's prick in his mouth. "Mmmmmm!"

"Sh_i_t! You'll make me cum if you do that."

Brandon lifted up his head. "Cum inside me!"

"Not here, kid. Let's go to our room."

"Let's do it now! I'm so _f_u_cking horny I can't wait!"

"Someone might come. Pull your jeans on, boy. That's an order."

"Yeah?" Brandon grinned impishly. "What'll you do if I don't obey?"

Aaron laughed as he pulled on his jeans. "I'll get a switch and beat the sh_i_t out of you. Pull your jeans on and let's go."

.

[30]

The following morning, they met Haempel and Phil behind the barn.

"You're sure you want this?" Haempel asked.

"Don't I deserve it?" Brandon shrugged.

Haempel shrugged. "In my book, you do."

"Fine. Let's do it."

"Okay" he nodded. "You're the one asking for this, so you'll decide how much you get. Brown and Goodman will alternate, giving you six at a time with this strap. I assume you'll want at least a couple of rounds from each of them?"

Brandon looked at the strap fearfully. "I guess so. If I'd been working for you when I did that, you'd have given me more than that, wouldn't you?"

"I'd have given you a lot more than that." He looked at Brandon grimly. "I'd have fired you, too. That was no laughing matter, boy. Your disobedience and defiance almost caused two deaths."

Brandon shook his head. "Three. Aaron, Jock, and me."

"Okay, then, three. Even worse! Do you really think a whipping is enough punishment for risking that?"

"No Sir, I don't. But at least it's something, Sir. What I got before wasn't enough."

"What do you think you should get?"

"I don't know, Sir. I don't think any amount really can make up for what I did."

"Well, you're right about that."

"May I say something, Sir?" Aaron asked. "In private?"

"Of course."

"Why can't I hear?" Brandon asked petulantly.

Haempel glared at him. "You'll hear if we want you to hear, boy." He and Aaron moved some distance away.

"What is it, boy?"

"Don't let him choose his punishment, Sir. He's consumed by guilt for what he did. He'll ask for too much."

"Oh, I can see that, Aaron. Don't worry. I'll limit it."

"He really is a good kid, Sir."

Haempel smiled. "I think so too" he nodded. "That's all you wanted to tell me?"

Aaron nodded.

Brandon looked at them in concern as they returned. "He's been interceding for me, hasn't he?" he asked Haempel.

"That's none of your _f_u_cking business, boy!"

Brandon shook his head. His gut told him he needed to be punished hard before he could live with himself again. He didn't think Aaron fully understand that.

"It is if you listen to him, Sir."

"Now listen, son" Haempel said ominously. "There's something you'd better understand. Nobody except the boss tells me what to do."

"Sorry, Sir."

"Right, then. Strip!"

"Sir?"

"You deaf or something? Get your clothes off. NOW!"

Brandon quickly obeyed.

"Now listen to me carefully, boy. I understand your wish to pay your debt, and I approve. But I am also responsible for your well-being. As a consequence, I'm going to put a limit on what you might consider appropriate punishment."

"I knew it!" Brandon spat in disgust.

"Shut up and bend over! NOW!"

"Sir?"

"I said bend over!!"

"Yes, Sir." Brandon did as he was told, scared by Haempel's tone.

Haempel handed the strap to Aaron. "Four good ones to teach him to keep his mouth shut and listen until I ask for his opinion. Do it properly unless you want to feel it yourself."

Aaron unhappily took the strap and slashed it four times in quick succession across Brandon's backside. Brandon gritted his teeth, yelping only after the last stroke.

Standing up again, facing them while rubbing his bum, he listened to Haempel's decision. "You may not think so, boy, but I do know how you feel. I understand your wish to expunge your debt with physical pain, and it's a good sign. It means you're growing up and ready to take responsibility for your actions. But getting your ass beaten is not all there is to it. I want you to learn from this, and learn fast. You've got to stop being a selfishly immature boy very quickly if you want to become part of our team."

"Yes, Sir, I understand all that, Sir, but . . . "

"What did I just tell you about keeping your mouth shut until you're asked? Do you need a reminder?"

"No, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir."

"I will agree to your being punished severely. But I'm going to put a limit on it. Not because you dont deserve more, but because I want you to concentrate on redeeming yourself by how you act in the future. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What kind of punishment did you have in mind?"

"As I said, Sir, I wish you would determine that."

"I will. But you should at least have an idea."

Brandon shrugged. "I really dont know, Sir. Three or four sets from each of them?"

"That's a respectable target, boy. But if you take that much well split this up into two punishments. It's up to you. You don't have to take any of this, you know."

Brandon nodded grimly. "I know."

"Okay." Haempel looked at him appraisingly. "I'm not going to let you take that much all in one session, especially after what you got yesterday. You can have a dozen from each of them now. If you still want more after you get that, you can get them tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Sir" Brandon nodded, looking at the strap again.

"Okay, then, get down in the position you had before. Brown will start."

Brandon sighed again and got down over the fence rail, sobbing in fear as he looked at the strap in Brown's hand. The memory of how much it had hurt was razor-sharp in his mind.

"Let's get this over with" Haempel told Phil and Aaron. "He wants it to be hard, so hit him as hard as you can."

"Sir?" Brandon asked.

"What is it, boy?"

"I should get the switch too. May I ask that you give me that afterwards?"

Haempel looked at him in surprise. "I beg your pardon? You want the switch as well as the strap?"

"Yes, Sir. I think they should alternate between that and the strap."

"As you wish" Haempel shrugged.

"Sir!" Aaron objected. "It's too much!"

Brandon shook his head. "No, it's not" he sighed. "Thanks, Aaron, I know you're trying to help. But I owe it to myself to take this, okay? Don't ease up, okay?"

Aaron looked at Haempel. "He's not being smart about this, Sir."

Haempel shrugged again. "He's right to take it, Aaron. I respect his attitude. You should, too."

"I don't like it."

"He's got to get out of this guilt trip and put this behind him, Aaron. Let him take what he feels he should. I'll make sure it's within reasonable limits."

"Okay" Aaron shrugged unhappily.

Haempel contemplated Aaron appraisingly. "Do him the honor of taking him seriously. Don't hold back. He'll know if you do, so hit him hard."

Aaron looked at Brandon. "You sure you want this, scout?"

"Yes, I do" Brandon nodded, sobbing in anticipation. "I've got to, Aaron." He looked at Brown, who was holding the strap. "Please, Phil. Start giving it to me, okay? The wait is worse than the punishment!"

"Do it" Haempel nodded. He looked at the sobbing boy. "Don't try to bottle this up, boy. We all know you've got courage. You don't need to prove anything to any of us."

Brandon nodded as he sobbed, gripping the rail tightly as Phil took his position. He closed his eyes and steeled himself as Phil reached back.

WHAAAPPPP!!!

It took only a few blows before Brandon was sobbing from the pain. The blows kept slamming into his buttocks, causing an intensity of pain that was almost impossible to take. Brandon closed his eyes, gripped the rail, and somehow made it through the first half dozen. By the time Phil finally paused, Brandon's sobs were frantic.

"Okay, Aaron. It's your turn now."

Aaron looked at Brandon's ass as he took the strap, blinking back tears at the obvious pain of the shuddering boy. Phil had hit all over Brandon's buttocks and upper thighs, leaving them a flaming mixture of scarlet and crimson hues.

"You really want me to do this?" Aaron asked Brandon.

"YES!!" Brandon screamed in frustration. "DON'T DRAG IT OUT, GOD _d_a_m_n_ IT!! _F_U_CKING DO IT!!!"

.

[31]

Aaron sobbed quietly as he cradled Brandon, gently stroking his hair. Brandon was still moaning in pain, lying with his head on Aaron's crotch. Brandon was holding onto Aaron desperately, sobbing as he burrowed his head into Aaron.

Haempel had told him to take Brandon to the bunkhouse and to take the rest of the day off.

Phil had helped Aaron carry Brandon there and stretch him out, face down, on the bed. He'd found some cooling Aloe Vera gel and helped Aaron spread it over Brandon's buttocks. Then Brandon had begged for comfort, hugging Aaron with feverish intensity. Phil had quietly left, leaving Brandon in Aaron's arms.

Brandon had taken a lot from the two of them. Hed insisted on getting the switch after the first half dozen from each man. He'd shrieked and sobbed in agony as Phil and Aaron took turns slashing it across his buttocks. Both men had held back when they did that, but the nerves in Brandon's buttocks were so sensitized that even a feather would have been painful.

Haempel had intervened, insisting that Brandon stop after getting three with the switch from each man. Brandon had insisted on taking another half dozen with the strap from each man afterwards. But when he insisted on getting another round with the switch after that, Haempel had intervened again.

Hed shaken his head. "You've taken enough, boy. You've paid your debts with your courage. You dont need to prove anything more. You just need to show responsibility from now on."

"Oh, I will, Sir!" Brandon had sobbed, alternating between guilt and relief. He'd not argued when Haempel told him he'd get no more, either that day or the morning after.

After a while, Aaron realized Brandon had fallen asleep. He carefully extracted himself and let Brandon sleep, stroking Brandon's hair when the sleeping boy moaned.

.

[32]

That afternoon was glorious. The sky was clear of clouds and deep blue, a true northern dry sky.

Aaron was still holding Brandon when he stirred, reaching up to grab Aaron's arm. Brandon opened his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Two thirty. Time for a swim."

"How long did I sleep? I'm famished!"

Aaron smiled. "You were pretty wiped out, kid. You slept a good three hours."

"Wow!" He looked up and grinned. "I did it, Aaron. I took the punishment!"

Aaron looked down on him fondly. "Yes, you did, little man. You sure did. You're a brave kid."

Brandon's grin broadened. "Do I get my reward now?"

.

[33]

"I want it again."

"God!" Aaron laughed. "Don't you ever give up?"

They were lying beside the pond again, grinning at each other as they held each other's pricks. They'd _f_u_cked on the bed in their bunkhouse. And again, here by the pond after swimming. That was fifteen minutes ago.

"Your prick feels so _f_u_cking good!" Brandon grinned. "I need it bad, Sir!"

"We shouldn't be doing this. Not here, anyway."

"Oh, _f_u_c_k, don't give me that. We just did it. We can do it again." He grabbed Aaron's prick and rolled over on his back, pulling Aaron on top of him. "Please, Aaron! No one's around. I really need it!"

Aaron was too horny to resist.

"Oh, Jesus, kid!" Brandon's asshole held him like a glove. "You're so f_u_cking good!"

Aaron lay on top of Brandon for some minutes afterwards, still held tightly by Brandons thighs. Suddenly they heard voices.

"Look at that! They don't even have the decency to do it in private."

Aaron scrambled off, rolling to the side. He looked up in shock to see Phil and Buz standing above them.

"Buz!" Seeing Buz was the biggest shock. "How come you're here?"

"I work here too" Buz shrugged.

"His group just returned" Phil explained.

"Sh_i_t!" Aaron was mortified. "I'm sorry, Buz! I can explain."

"What the _f_u_c_k_ is there to explain?" Buz glanced at Brandon, who was watching this with a curious detachment. "How old are you, kid?"

"Nearly seventeen." He looked at Aaron suspiciously. "Who's this guy? What's he to you?"

Aaron blushed in embarrassment. "A friend. He was my mentor when I first got here."

Brandon looked at their expressions. "Just a friend?"

"If that" Buz sneered. He looked at Aaron in disgust. "You're really robbing the cradle, aren't you?"

"I'm of age" Brandon shrugged. "It's not your business what we do."

"It sure as hell is if you do it in public like this." Buz turned to Phil. "Who's the kid? Is he a guest? Or what?"

"His dad's an investor" Phil smirked. "The kid's here as an apprentice. Aaron is his mentor."

"Some mentor!" Buz sneered. "Seducing a _f_u_cking teenager."

Aaron couldnt help laughing.

"Its not funny" Buz said indignantly. He looked at Phil. "Think we should report this? Or just punish them ourselves?"

"Maybe both" Phil laughed.

"Why don't you just _f_u_c_k_ off?" Brandon bridled.

"No way, kid." Phil had a feral smile. "You want Mr Ames to report this to your dad?"

Brandon paled. "You wouldn't do that!"

"Why not? Don't you think your dad ought to know about what you and your hero have been doing?"

"No!" Brandon pleaded. "Please don't do that! Thatll _f_u_c_k_ up everything!"

"I dont know, kid. I think its our duty."

"Please, Phil! I'll do anything you want if you don't do that. Anything!"

"Yeah?" Phil jeered. "Anything at all?" He grinned at Aaron. "He as good a _f_u_c_k_ as he looks?"

"That's none of your _f_u_cking business!" Aaron glowered.

"I think it is. Thats what youre offering, kid, isnt it?"

Brandon shrugged. "If thats what it takes. How do I know you wont tell them anyway?"

"Look at that!" Phil grinned. "He's offering us his ass, Buz, if we don't tell Ames and Haempel. What do you think? How do we know if he's any good?"

Buz looked at Phil disdainfully. "Let's just beat their ass for doing it here."

"Oh, we'll do that for sure. I just was ..."

"I know what the _f_u_c_k_ you were doing. That's between you and them." He started undoing his belt. "You two get down on your hands and knees. Im not interested in _f_u_cking your ass, kid. But Im sure as hell going to beat it."

"We both will" Phil shrugged. He undid his belt too. "Which one do you want?"

"Let's alternate. I'll start with the kid. You start with Aaron."

.

[33]

"Jesus, that was bad!" Brandon sobbed. He and Aaron were back in their cabin now. "That Buz guy really laid it into me. Into you, too. Why does he resent us so much?"

"That's a long story" Aaron sighed. "We were lovers, if you really want to know."

"You were?" Brandon looked at Aaron in astonishment. "I figured he was homophobic."

"No, just jilted. I feel really like a sh_i_t, Brandon. It was bad enough to be caught like that while making out in public. If it had just been Phil, that wouldn't have been so bad. But to be caught by Buz was just _f_u_cking awful."

"Did you know he was around?"

"No. I'd heard he was out on a pack trip with a group of guests. I never figured he'd get back so soon. They must have come back early for some reason."

Brandon grimaced. "I guess we were lucky not to be found by the guests."

"You're _f_u_cking right, kid. If you think what Buz and Phil gave us was bad, it was nothing compared to what Haempel would have given us if guests had complained about us _f_u_cking like that out on the grass." He glanced at Brandon. "Not to mention the trouble if this got back to your dad."

"Yeah, I know" Brandon nodded. "That would mean the end of me here, for starters." He grimaced again. "Do you think Phil will carry through on his threat to tell Haempel?"

"I don't know" Aaron shrugged. "I guess that depends in part on you."

"You think he was serious when he talked about _f_u_cking my ass?"

"I guess you'll find out. He's coming up the path right now."

Phil pushed through the door. "Clear out, Aaron."

"What do you want?" Brandon asked fearfully. Phil was carrying a switch.

"What the _f_u_c_k_ do you think I want?" he grinned. He gestured at Aaron. "I said out. Do I have to burn your ass again with this to make you do what I tell you?"

Aaron hesitated, looking at Brandon. "I think I should stay."

"Okay, you asked for it. Take off those jeans and bend down over that bed."

"Oh, _f_u_c_k, Phil! Come off it!"

"I gave you an order, boy. Are you questioning my authority? Maybe you'd both like to come with me to Mr Haempel and see what he thinks about you guys _f_u_cking each other in public."

"You know we can't do that."

"Then do what I told you."

Aaron dropped his jeans, stepped out of them, and bent down over the bed. Phil went behind him, reached back, and slashed the switch into Aaron's ass. Aaron bit his lip and stayed in position.

Phil beat Aaron hard, slashing the switch all over Aaron's buttocks. Aaron tried to take it without crying out, but his resolution faltered after the eighth blow. The pain of the blows was just too much.

"You going to do what you're told now?" Phil finally asked him after a dozen blows. "Or shall I just keep going?"

Aaron bit his lip. "I'm not leaving Brandon with you."

"Okay, your decision." He reached back to start beating Aaron again.

"No!" Brandon intervened, grabbing Phil's arm. "Stop it, Phil!" He turned to Aaron. "You're the one being the fool now, Aaron. Do what Phil says."

Aaron shook his head. "I can't just leave you with him."

"Of course you can" Brandon smiled grimly. "This is between me and Phil, okay? What we do is none of your business."

"What do you mean, it's none of my business? I'm responsible for you."

"Come on! I'm supposed to be an adult here, aren't I? Isn't that what you told me yesterday up on that hill?"

"Well, yes. But that was different."

"Yeah? How?"

Aaron looked at him with mouth open.

"Well?" Brandon asked curtly. "I'm supposed to face up to consequences, aren't I?"

"Yeah, but not this." Aaron looked at Phil's feral grin. "Not him."

"Why not? Getting _f_u_cked by him is a hell of a lot better than having my dad find out about this." He looked at Phil's trim body and feral grin. "F_u_c_k! He's not bad looking. He may even turn me on!"

"You can't mean that!" Aaron said in shock. "You're really going to let him blackmail you?"

"Yes. And I'd like him to do what he wants in private, okay? So do what he told you. Get the _f_u_c_k_ out of here, okay?"

Aaron looked at him with a hurt expression. "You're really going to do it with him?"

"I don't think what we do in private is any of your business" Phil smiled.

"That's right" Brandon nodded. "It's not. So just go, okay?"

Aaron shrugged in confusion. "Okay, I guess." He stumbled out of the cabin.

Buz was outside. "I heard the sound of the switch" he said to Aaron. "Was that you getting it?"

"Yeah" Aaron nodded miserably. "And now they've thrown me out."

"I gather." Buz looked at him sympathetically. "How about you and me going somewhere where we can talk?"

"Okay" Aaron shrugged. "You want to go back to the pond?"

Buz smiled. "I was thinking of somewhere more private."

.


More stories by Jim Piston