“Alex, can I ask who Bemis is?” Jamie says after another couple of miles in relative silence.

“He’s a retired sergeant in the Sulis guard. When I was orphaned, he took me in and gave me a home. I’ve not seen him for more than a year, but one of my other friends told me he was still well a few months ago. As Pilar said, it’s been a long time since I was in the south.”

“Do you think of it as home? Sulis, I mean.”

“Perhaps. I certainly think of Bemis as family. But then I think of Bertran and Sidra as family as well. I’ve spent more nights in their inn in Tanis than probably any other single place in the last five years.”

Farmland is now slowly being replaced by broken woodland and pasture. There are many more sheep than cattle now as well. It’s almost impossible to tell, but they are slowly gaining altitude, the gently meandering road gaining height steadily as they progress and the vegetation is changing accordingly.

As noon approaches, Alex calls a stop at what appears to be a well-used clearing. There are recent cart-tracks leading on and off the road, but the spot is quiet and empty. “We’ll rest for an hour,” Alex tells everyone. “But two’s company.”

“What does that mean?” Jamie asks, even as the others nod in agreement and understanding.

“Sorry, it’s an old military saying. Any soldier or someone trained by one knows it’s meaning and how to act in response.”

“I see.”

“Simply put, don’t go off alone – for anything. It’s a rule we will be following without question from now on and applies to all of us.”

“For anything?”

“Just so. In fact, I need to piss. You just volunteered to keep watch for me. Come along.”

Sheepishly, with a little colour on his cheeks, Jamie follows Alex off to the edge of the clearing and slightly into some bushes.

“Actually, Alex calls over his shoulder as he releases his fly buttons and relieves himself. “Now might be a good time to give a lesson in camp etiquette.”

“Camp etiquette?”

“Well, in the absence of a better word. First, do you need to pee? Change places with me if you do.”

“I don’t think I can go with you here?”

“Well, you’ve not much choice right now. Relax. You’re not doing anything that we don’t all do. Nor are you special in any way beyond your upbringing.”

“You won’t stare?”

“No, and that’s the whole point. Standing here with you now, my job is to look out for your safety, not stare at your cock. Performing these necessary bodily functions puts any man in a vulnerable position. Taking turns is safe and discrete.” The sound of splashing liquid makes it clear that Jamie has got over his initial nervousness, causing Alex to smile to himself.

“Now, most soldiers and, by extension, guards and drivers, get used to moving their bowels in the morning. To an extent it is a matter of training and practice. There are two small spades and soft paper on one of the pack-horses. Dig a turf and cover up after you’re done. There’s nothing worse at a camp-site than stepping out in the night and standing in some lazy man’s shit.”

“This may be harder than anything I have faced so far!” Jamie’s nose wrinkles in disgust at the picture Alex is painting for him.

“I feared you might believe as much. Just remember, it is the same for all of us and we’re all just men. I know it’s slightly different for you, and the fact that Cato has travelled before leaves you as very much the odd one out.”

“Being a prince doesn’t really expose one to the realities of normal existence, does it?”

“Well, not if you have become accustomed to luxurious plumbing like you have in the castle, no. Soldiers and guards have always made do. Hell, in many farmsteads there are latrines with multiple seats, although often separate for men and women.”

“I can’t imagine such a thing. Being almost naked with others. I’ve never even spent time with people of my own age. Well, except for my brother.”

“Well, we’re all the same, aren’t we, so what does it matter? Sure some men are big and some are small, in body size, shape and endowment, but variety isn’t the same as being different. The main thing you’ll find is that nobody says anything. Look or don’t look, but keep your mouth shut.”

“I… No, forget it.”

“What is it, Jamie?”

“I was going to ask if you found that difficult. Forget I even thought about asking such a thing. It is both rude and intrusive of me.”

“Hey, relax. We have a very long journey together and you’ll end up knowing all about me. I’ve long-since come to terms with myself and my feelings. While it may not be considered normal by many, it is normal for me.”

The two of them have walked back towards the middle of the clearing, where the others have found a couple of fallen trees that have been dragged into position as makeshift seating. Alex chooses an empty spot, a little distance from the others and gestures for Jamie to sit next to him.

“Your princely life may have been far too well protected from normalcy. I’m just going to have to assume that you understand the basics of sex, as that’s a path I have no wish to walk.”

Jamie looks suitably embarrassed, but he nods his head slightly. “I’ve read the books in the castle library. They are quite comprehensive and include illustrations and descriptions.”

“May the gods preserve us!”

“What? Why?”

“I’m pretty sure that your books don’t even begin to describe the pleasure that the act provides. Actually, the pleasures that multiple different acts can provide. No matter. At least you understand that there are men and women and they are different yet compatible.”

“Of course. And I’m well aware of the pleasure,” Jamie adds with yet another blush.

“I’ve always believed that almost all people, men and women alike, are initially attracted to the physical. The young barmaid the other day was interested in you as soon as she saw you. She was physically attracted to your features and your athleticism, but that doesn’t mean that she had seen the whole package, if you see what I mean.”

“Our sight is a very powerful sense, but it is somewhat superficial. People know this, even if it isn’t entirely conscious. The barmaid again, she wore a dress that showed off her cleavage, an invitation to look. A very obvious attempt at attraction.”

“That physical attraction is often all that is needed to get a couple together, but over time, personality, prosperity and family come to be just as important, if not more so.”

“So, a pretty face or a pleasing body shape can catch our eye?” Jamie asks.

“Exactly. I may be attracted to men instead of women, but the criteria are basically the same. Like anyone else, I’m going to have a certain type that I’m more attracted to than others. Skin colour, hair style, body shape, whatever it is, we’re all different.”

“So, can you answer the original question. Do you find it difficult in situations where you are naked with other men?”

“Honestly, probably yes to some degree. I showered with the guards the other day, after practicing the sword at the castle. I wasn’t expecting to be in a large room with thirty naked men. That did, indeed, make me hesitate for a few moments, just long enough to reset my anxiety about the situation. Again, look or don’t look and keep your mouth shut.”

“I would be afraid that my body might give me away,” Jamie muttered.

“Indeed. Forget about it. Naturally, I don’t need to be thinking about sex to get aroused and I’m sure that is a universal fact, at least as far as men are concerned. There appears to be far more capacity than opportunity. It always comes back to the same answer. Say nothing!”

Jamie manages a nod, half in acceptance and half in understanding. Soon enough, the hour has passed and they continue on their way.