Tobias was a big, strong, and hairy. He was an excellent hunter, and trapper, and lived in the rugged Canadian outback in the eighteen-fifties. He had built his log cabin on his own and made a good living from the pelts and meat that was able to trade. The only thing missing from his life was tenderness. He wanted a person who would love and care for him, and most importantly, succumb to his primal needs in the warmth of his bed.
Tobias had always been socially awkward around women and yearned for the tenderness of a pretty young man, in an age where homosexuality was heavily frowned upon. Tobias knew that he would have to select the youngster with great care. Thus far, he had not been successful, but that all changed one fortuitous day when he was returning home after a successful hunting trip.
A day away from his home, Tobias spotted a log cabin where he envisioned seeking refuge for the night. His Huskies had performed brilliantly, as always, and he needed to rest them up before their final stint home. After approaching the owner of the cabin, Luther, he asked for sanctuary for the evening. Luther unhesitatingly and graciously agreed before Tobias was introduced to Luther’s family. Luther had four sons and a wife. The three older sons were big strapping lads like their dad, but the youngest boy was small, timid, and pretty like his mother. Benjamin, the youngest boy, had the most mesmerizing blue eyes that Tobias had ever seen.
Tragically, ten years before when Benjamin was six, he had become mute after almost being killed by a pack of wolves. Benjamin’s affliction was not physical, but merely mental. Resultantly, he was shy and withdrawn and unceasingly hovered around his mother.
Luther generously invited Tobias to sup with his family that evening. After their meal, Tobias, Luther, and the three older boys remained around the table, while Benjamin and his mother cleaned up. Not long after, all four boys and their mother decided to turn in for the night.
Intrigued by Benjamin, Tobias now began to ask Luther more about his younger son. Luther expressed his concern about the boy, bemoaning the fact that he was useless doing ‘men’s work.’
“We already have a woman in the house and we don’t need a second one,” Luther informed Tobias.
“I’ll give the boy a job,” Tobias offered, candidly.
Tobias then went on to inform Luther that he needed someone to cook and keep house for him. He further added that given the remoteness of his cabin and the fact that he was away from home frequently, he actually believed a male housekeeper would be more suitable to his needs. Having planted the seed, Tobias awaited a reaction from Luther. He could clearly see Luther’s mind working overtime as he deliberated the unexpected proposition. These were hard times and taking care of a surplus mouth to feed was a burden.
After a prolonged silence Tobias decided to sweeten the deal. “Luther, I know that raising the boy was not cheap. Naturally, I’m willing to compensate you for the expense you have incurred thus far.”
“What do you have in mind?” Luther contemplatively probed.
Firstly assuring Luther that the boy would be properly paid, clothed, fed, and accommodated, Tobias then offered a generous deal, consisting of pelts and meat that he had procured on his trip.
Luther fought hard to conceal his delight. He loved Benjamin and was delighted at the prospect of finding him reliable employment. Luther also prided himself that he was a good judge of character, and instinctively felt that Tobias was a decent man.
The offer was very generous and Luther further reasoned; that getting some additional benefit out of this arrangement would be a welcome bonus.
After a very short contemplation, Luther replied, “The boy will be ready to leave with you in the morning.”
The next morning things happened seamlessly. Tobias was not sure whether Benjamin’s mother had been properly consulted in this matter, but in the paternalistic era they were living in, he highly doubted it. Before long, he and Benjamin were sitting back to back as the sleigh pulled away from the cabin. With Benjamin facing backward at his past, Tobias transported them forward into Benjamin’s future. The farewells had been fairly restrained, except for Benjamin’s mother, who weeping furiously, quickly re-entered their cabin. Strangely, Benjamin had kept his emotions in tow. As the sleigh moved further and further away, Benjamin observed his childhood home becoming more diminutive by the minute.
When the image finally vanished from sight, Benjamin did let his tears flow. Oddly, he was not afraid of what lay ahead and had instinctively taken a liking to Tobias. Benjamin was aware, however, that he had become a liability to his family, and sensibly felt relieved that he would now be able to stand on his own two feet.
Hours later, when they finally arrived at Tobias’ cabin, Benjamin was very impressed by what he saw from the outside. Before going into the living quarters, however, all the meat and skins were securely locked in a store room adjoining the main structure. After the Huskies were taken care of, they entered Benjamin’s new home. Throughout this procedure, Benjamin was fascinated by the way that Tobias spoke to him. There was an incredible kindness in Tobias’ voice that Benjamin found very comforting. Luther, his father, had always been somewhat brusque with him.
Once inside, the cabin was spacious and much nicer than the one he had grown up in. The entire space was open plan, not like the claustrophobic home with the scanty partitions he had come from. In a short time, there was a roaring fire on the go as supper was being prepared. Benjamin was also amazed by how quickly Tobias had picked up on how to communicate with him, comfortable with Benjamin’s hand and head gestures.
With bedtime approaching, Benjamin wondered what the sleeping arrangements in the cabin would be. There was only one enormous bed in the cabin, luxuriously covered by a fur throw. As Tobias began undressing, he invited Benjamin to follow suit.
“We’ll be sharing my bed,” Tobias informed him, carefully looking at the expression on Benjamin’s face.
There was no look of terror on the boy’s face, only one of shy acceptance. With both guys only wearing their union suits, the all in one undergarment fashionable at the time, they climbed into bed.
Tobias did not turn out the oil lamp as they lay in bed. Watching the boy, he was intrigued by Benjamin’s body language. Benjamin was curled up in a foetal position facing away from him, and virtually hanging off at the edge of the mattress. Was this fear? Tobias pondered. Much as Tobias wanted to make love to the boy, he knew that he would initially have to restrain himself. He did, however, decide that a bonding between them needed to be established immediately.
After extending his arm, Tobias’ hand moved onto the boy’s stomach and rested there.