Making the royal guard

"Morning already?" Alex mumbled, his eyes squinting against the bright alien sun peeking through the curtains of his chamber. Delilah's shimmering blue form stirred beside him, the subtle movement causing her skin to ripple like the surface of a moonlit pond. Ava, with her creamy skin and tantalizingly rear lay beside him breathing softly.

They had been celebrating well into the night, their bodies tangled in a dance of passion. Delilah's throat had worked him to completion time and time again, her inner mouth an eager co-conspirator in his pleasure. Ava's ass had been a canvas for his desire, her sphincter a maestro of tightening and releasing, creating a symphony of sensation that echoed through his body. The air in the room was thick with the scent of their mingled sweat and the faint sweetness of alien pheromones.

Alex swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet finding the plush floor of the chamber. The coolness of the material against his bare skin was a stark contrast to the warmth that still lingered between his legs from the night's activities. He couldn't help but admire the view of the two alien beauties sprawled before him, their curves and contours a testament to the boundless diversity of life in the galaxy.

He walked over to the window, the heavy fabric of the curtains brushing against his bare chest. As he pulled them back, the light flooded in, illuminating the sprawling village below. The buildings were a mix of organic growth and gleaming metal, a stark reminder that this world was not his own. The villagers moved about their daily routines.

Alex felt a twinge of hunger in his belly. He turned to the large doors that led to the hallway, a grin spreading across his face as he thought of the day ahead. He hadn't felt this alive in a long time, and the excitement of a new challenge thrummed through his veins.

Opening the doors, he stepped into the hallway, his bare feet making almost no sound on the cool, metallic floor. Two guards, females with scales shimmering like opals and armed with gleaming spears, snapped to attention. They had the same awe-filled expressions that he had grown accustomed to over the last few days. "Where do you lovely ladies live and eat?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

The guards looked at each other, unsure of the protocol for such a casual question from their king. The taller one, with a mane of emerald hair, spoke up. "We have quarters and a mess hall in the palace, Your Highness. But breakfast for the high members is usually served in the royal dining hall."

Alex chuckled. "I know where the royal breakfast is, but I want to eat with the real warriors of this place." He winked at them, they blushed, their scales darkening slightly. "I want to see how the guards of my kingdom live, share some food and stories with you."

The guards, though surprised, couldn't help but be charmed by his easy manner. The shorter one, with sapphire hair and piercing silver eyes, looked down and cleared her throat delicately. "Your Highness," she began, her voice tinged with a gentle reprimand, "it's customary for royals to be dressed before walking among the common folk."

Alex glanced down at himself, then back at the guards with an amused smirk. "Ah, I see," he said, running a hand through his messy hair. "Be right back, oh and can you send word to get my friends in here some breakfast."

The shorter guard nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Of course, Your Highness." She turned and whispered something to the emerald-haired guard, who quickly dashed off down the corridor.

He stepped back into the chamber, grabbing a silk robe hung by the door. The material was a soft, pale gold that whispered against his skin as he tied it around his waist. The robe had been a gift from one of his new subjects, a token of their gratitude for his victory over the Nightstalker. It was a strange feeling, being revered like this, but he couldn't deny the thrill it sent through him.

As he followed the guards through the labyrinthine halls of the palace. They passed through archways that opened into grand courtyards, their steps echoing off the high walls. The air was filled with the scent of exotic blooms and the distant sound of alien melodies.

The dining hall was a grand affair, with a long table that could seat fifty, all made from a wood that shimmered with iridescent colors in the light. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and hunts, and the high ceiling was painted with scenes from the planet's history. Alex took his seat at the head of the table, watching as the guards filled their plates with a variety of alien foods. The smells were both tantalizing and foreign, a smorgasbord of spices and flavors that tickled his nose.

He picked up a piece of fruit, its skin a deep purple and covered in tiny bumps. As he bit into it, a burst of sweet juice filled his mouth, and he couldn't help but groan in pleasure. The guards watched him with curiosity, their eyes wide. It was clear that the idea of a king who enjoyed simple things was as alien to them as the food was to him.

"So," he began, swallowing the last bite, "what's the deal with this Nightstalker?" The room grew tense, the guards exchanging nervous glances. "It's not just a beast," the emerald-haired guard spoke up, her eyes serious. "It's a creature of legend, one that only appears when the balance of power is threatened."

Alex leaned back in his chair, his interest piqued. "And what does that mean for me?" He took a sip of the steaming, amber liquid in his goblet. It had a bitter taste, but it warmed his throat pleasantly.

The guards shared a knowing look before the sapphire-eyed guard spoke. "It means, Your Highness, that you're not just any male. You're a king, and with that comes great responsibility. The Nightstalker recognized your strength and accepted you as its master. It's a sign that you are destined to lead us and protect our world."

Alex raised an eyebrow, his mind racing with the implications. It was all so surreal, yet he felt a strange sense of belonging that he hadn't felt since he was a child.

The conversation grew livelier as the guards shared tales of their battles and the creatures they had encountered. Alex listened intently, his mind piecing together the puzzle of this new world.

"So, tell me," he said, leaning forward with genuine curiosity, "how does one become a guard?"

The emerald-haired guard set down her fork and took a deep breath. "The selection process is rigorous, Your Highness. We are chosen from a young age for our physical prowess and intelligence. We train from sunrise to sunset, honing our skills in combat and strategy. Our training is both mental and physical, and we are taught to be swift and decisive."

"I see," Alex said thoughtfully, his gaze drifting out the window to the lush forest beyond the palace walls. "I think it's time I saw these skills for myself. This morning I'm going to the forest to spend some time with charlie. I want you all to meet me at noon, you can show me what you're capable of." The guards' eyes widened in surprise at the mention of the Nightstalker, and he couldn't help but smirk at their reaction. "Don't worry," he assured them, "No need for concern, I will keep Charlie out of the village."

The room erupted in laughter, a rare moment of levity in the stoic guards' lives. They nodded in understanding, eager to prove themselves to their new king.

"Thank you for the meal and the company," Alex said, pushing his plate away and standing up from the table. He felt a swell of appreciation for these females who had accepted him so readily. "Can someone show me where the palace Kitchen is?"

The guards led him through the bustling kitchen, where a symphony of alien cooking was taking place. The air was thick with the smell of sizzling meats and exotic spices. Alex's eyed a large, juicy slab of meat, hanging from a hook. "Perfect," he murmured, his eyes gleaming.

"What do you need, Your Highness?" the head chef asked, her tentacles fluttering nervously.

"Just this," Alex said, pointing to the slab of meat. "It's for a... new friend of mine." He winked at her, she nodded, handing it over with a curious smile.

The grasslands outside the village were a vibrant tapestry of greens and purples, the tall blades tickling his legs as he made his way through them. The air was crisp and clean, a stark contrast to the stuffy, formal atmosphere of the palace. The sounds of the village faded into the background as he approached the edge of the forest.

Alex took a deep breath and let out a low, clear whistle that echoed through the trees. The forest grew still, and for a moment, he wondered if he'd imagined it all.

Then he heard it. A low, guttural growl that seemed to resonate with the very air around him. The sound grew louder, closer, until it was right beside him. Alex could barely make out massive form of the Nightstalker in the the shadows, its white eyes gleaming. The beast's deep purr rumbled through the underbrush, sending a shiver down his spine.

For a split second, doubt flickered in his mind. What if the creature had forgotten him? What if it had reverted to its feral state? But as the creature leaped out of the trees, his fears were laid to rest. The Nightstalker's jaws were wide, not in a snarl, but in what could only be described as a canine smile. It landed on Alex with surprising grace, its weight barely registering as it licked his face enthusiastically.

The alien beast's tongue was rough, almost like a cat's, and it left a trail of sticky saliva across his cheek. Alex couldn't help but laugh, his hand automatically reaching up to pat the creature's massive, furry head. The tail thumped against the ground with excitement, sending up little clouds of dust and leaves.

"Alright, buddy," Alex said, holding out the slab of meat. The Nightstalker took it with surprising gentleness, its teeth sinking into the flesh with a crunch that made Alex's eyes widen slightly. It swallowed the chunk whole, then looked at him with a hopeful expression. "Easy now," he chuckled, breaking off another piece.

Alex threw bits of meat into the air for the creature to catch. Its reflexes were astonishing, its jaws snapping shut with a precision that belied its size. It was like playing fetch with a giant, overgrown puppy, except this puppy could crush anyone else with a single paw. They romped around the forest and grasslands, the creature's enthusiasm infectious.

As the larger sun began to climb in the sky, casting its warmth over the land, Alex looked up and realized that it was almost noon. "Okay, Charlie," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "Time for me to go. You stay here and keep the forest safe, yeah?" The Nightstalker whined, dropping the last piece of meat. Alex ruffled the fur on its neck, feeling the powerful muscles beneath. "I'll be back tomorrow."

The creature's eyes seemed to understand, and it loped off into the forest, the sound of its tail fading into the distance. Alex watched it go, a strange fondness swelling in his chest. He turned and made his way back to the village, his thoughts already racing ahead to the training session with the guards.

The training hall was a large, open-air structure, the walls made from the same iridescent wood as the palace. The floor was a mottled mix of dirt and grass, perfect for sparring. As he approached, he could hear the clang of metal and the grunts of effort.

The shorter guard with sapphire eyes spotted him first and called out to the others. They stopped what they were doing, their chests heaving as they stared at him with a mix of awe and determination. "Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly.

Alex grinned, his teeth flashing white in the alien sun. "Ladies," he greeted them warmly, "I hope you're ready to show me what you've got."

The guards straightened, their eyes lighting up with excitement. They had been preparing for this moment, eager to prove themselves to their new king. They formed a semi-circle around him, each one holding a weapon that was a mix of organic growth and gleaming metal.

"We're ready," the emerald-haired guard said, her grip tightening on her spear. "We will demonstrate our battle formations and tactics."

Alex nodded, his gaze sweeping over them. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "But remember, I'm not just watching. I want to learn from you."

The first formation was the Crescent Moon, the guards moving in a graceful arc, their spears pointing outward, creating a protective barrier. They flowed into the next, the Star Burst, where they fanned out, each one a point of light ready to converge on a central enemy. Alex watched, nodding in approval as they moved in unison, their bodies a dance of deadly precision.

"Impressive," he murmured, his eyes taking in every detail. "But what about close combat?"

The sapphire-eyed guard stepped forward, a smirk playing on her lips. "We've got that covered," she said, her spear vanishing in a blur as she demonstrated a series of lightning-fast strikes that would make any opponent think twice before getting too close. Alex felt a stirring of arousal as he watched her, the way her muscles rippled with each movement, the confidence in her stance.

The other guards took turns, showcasing their skills with a variety of weapons: swords that hummed with energy, nets that could entangle the most agile foe, and even a whip that cracked through the air with a sound that made him flinch. Each one was a master of their craft, and he could see the respect they had for each other, the bonds of sisterhood forged through battle.

"Now," Alex announced, "it's time to take things up a notch. I need to know who's truly ready to stand by my side. I'll be forming a personal guard of ten females, the elite of the elite. The first test will be a mock battle."

The guards' eyes lit up with excitement and a touch of competitiveness as he continued. "You'll split into two groups, and we'll set the weapons to stun. The objective is simple: defeat the other team. It's not about brute strength, but strategy and teamwork."

They nodded eagerly, already dividing themselves into two groups. The air grew tense as they took their positions, each one eyeing the others with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Alex couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation, his heart racing in his chest. This was what it meant to be a king: to lead and to inspire.

The battle began with a flurry of movement, each one bringing their unique talents to the fight. The air was filled with the scent of ozone as stun bolts flew, the smell of sweat and adrenaline mingling with the alien flora. The guards moved with a grace that belied their ferocity, their bodies weaving in and out of danger as they struck at their opponents.

Alex watched with a keen eye, noticing who took charge and who followed, who protected their comrades and who took unnecessary risks. He saw strategy unfold, the smarter females using the terrain to their advantage, luring their enemies into traps. The battle was fierce but fair, each side giving no quarter, yet never crossing the line into true malice.

As the last stun bolt hit its mark, the guards fell to the ground, their bodies twitching with the aftereffects. Alex strode into the center of the arena, a smile playing on his lips. "Well done," he called out, his voice echoing through the training hall. "You've all proven yourselves worthy of serving in the palace guard."

The females picked themselves up, their chests heaving with exertion. They gathered around him, their eyes gleaming with pride and anticipation. "Now," he announced, "for the final test. We'll play a game called 'Capture the Flag.' It's a simple concept: two teams, two flags. The goal is to take the enemy's flag and return it to your base without being incapacitated by the opposing team."

The guards looked at each other, a mix of confusion and excitement crossing their features. They had heard of such games from ancient texts but had never participated in one themselves. They quickly divided into two groups of 10, each one claiming a flag that had been planted at opposite ends of the training ground.

The game began with a shout from Alex, the guards sprinting towards the center line. The first few minutes were chaotic, with guards darting in every direction, their scales and fur glinting in the sunlight. Some of the aliens were incredibly agile, leaping over obstacles with ease, while others relied on their brute strength to bulldoze through the underbrush. He noticed a trio of females with serpentine lower bodies, their tails flicking as they slithered through the grass, their spears held high. They moved with a grace that seemed almost unearthly.

As the game progressed, strategies began to emerge. Mrya, with her sharp mind and quick reflexes, proved to be a formidable scout for her team. She would sneak into the enemy's territory, dodging through the shadows, her golden tan skin glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leaves. Her emerald eyes never left the prize, the enemy flag fluttering in the breeze.

Zilpah, on the other hand, was a brute **** to be reckoned with. Her powerful, serpentine tail slithered behind her, providing balance and propulsion as she tore through the underbrush. Her green skin blended with the foliage, making her nearly invisible as she stalked the opposition. Her teammates knew that where there was chaos, Zilpah was not far behind, ready to pounce on the first sign of weakness.

The game was a symphony of tactics and instincts, with aliens of all shapes and sizes using their unique abilities to outwit and outmaneuver each other. The ones with enhanced hearing picked up on the faintest of whispers, alerting their comrades to an impending ambush.

In the end, it was a nail-biting finish. Mrya had managed to snatch the enemy's flag, her lithe body weaving through the defenders like a snake. Zilpah, seeing her chance, charged through the melee, her tail lashing out to knock aside any who dared stand in her path. Together, the two of them sprinted back to their base, the enemy hot on their heels.

The other guards erupted into cheers as Mrya leaped over the final hurdle, planting the flag into the soft earth. Zilpah followed close behind, her chest heaving from the exertion. The two of them turned to face the stunned opposition, their eyes locked in a fierce, triumphant gaze.

The other guards swarmed around them, congratulating and praising their king's new elite. Mrya and Zilpah shared a knowing smile, their bond stronger than ever. They had proven themselves not just as individuals, but as a formidable duo capable of turning the tide of battle.

As the cheers died down, the emerald-haired guard stepped closer, her gaze lingering on Alex's toned physique. "Your Highness," she began, her voice low and sultry, "we are not just your protectors. We are also here to serve your... other needs." The implication hung in the air, thick with desire.

Alex raised an eyebrow, a grin playing on his lips. "Is that so?" he said, his voice filled with amusement. "What kind of service are we talking about here?"

The females exchanged glances, their eyes dark with lust. "The kind that keeps a king satisfied," the sapphire-eyed guard purred, stepping forward to trace a clawed finger down his chest. "We know what you like, Alex. We've seen it in your eyes when you watch us."

The other females murmured in agreement, their bodies moving closer, their eyes hungry. Alex felt his cock twitch in his robe, his mind racing with the possibilities. He had been enjoying the challenge of being a king, but the thought of these powerful, skilled females at his beck and call was intoxicating.

"Very well," he said, his voice husky with arousal. "But lets take this to a more intimate and comfortable place."

The guards looked at each other, then back at him, their expressions a mix of excitement and determination. They knew just the place.

They led Alex through the palace, the cool stone of the hallways a stark contrast to the heat of their bodies. They arrived at a chamber that was a marvel of natural architecture. The ceiling was open to the night sky, revealing the three moons in their majestic dance. Their soft, ethereal glow bathed the room in a silvery light that made the moss that covered the walls and floor seem to glow. In one corner, a small waterfall trickled into a clear, inviting pool.

Alex's breath hitched at the sight. It was a sanctuary, a place of beauty and tranquility. The guards had chosen well.

The emerald-haired guard stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with desire. "Let us cleanse you, Your Highness," she murmured, her voice a seductive purr. She reached for the tie of his robe, her scales shimmering in the moonlight.

With a slow, deliberate motion, she undid the knot, letting the silk fall away to expose his toned chest and the trail of dark hair that led to his waist. The sapphire-eyed guard stepped up next, her hands trembling slightly as she traced the outline of his cock, still soft from the cool air. "You truly are a god among men," she whispered, her voice full of awe.

Alex felt a thrill at their words, his cock swelling in response to their touch. He watched as they each took their turn, their eyes drinking in his form, their fingers exploring every inch of his body. They marveled at his size, their own desires mirrored in their expressions.

The guards began to strip away their own armor, revealing their various forms beneath. Some had scales, some skin, others fur, but all had one thing in common: a fierce loyalty and a hunger for their king. They approached the waterfall, one by one, allowing the cool water to cascade over their bodies, washing away the dirt and sweat from their training.

The sight of these powerful females, now **** and sensual, was almost too much for him to bear. He felt a primal urge to claim them, to show them what their king was truly capable of.

After the last guard stepped through the waterfall Alex stepped into the pool, the water cool against his skin, the moss beneath his feet providing a cushion that made him feel like he was floating on a cloud.

The guards watched him, their eyes dark with want. He knew they were his to command, their bodies his to enjoy.

He reached out to the nearest one, her fur a soft brown that matched the earth. He pulled her into him, her wet body sliding against his. He kissed her deeply, tasting the water and the sweetness that was uniquely her. Her tongue danced with his, and he felt her melt into him.

The other guards closed in, their hands exploring his body, their lips and teeth leaving trails of fire across his skin. He knew this was just the beginning, the first taste of what it would be like to truly rule this land. And as they sank into the water, their limbs entwined, he knew that he had found his place in this strange, alien world.

Alex lifted himself out of the pool, water cascading down his muscular frame. The guards followed his lead, their own bodies shimmering with droplets that caught the moonlight. They lined up before him, each one a vision of beauty and strength.

He took a moment to drink them in, his eyes lingering on the curves and planes of their bodies. The emerald-haired guard had the most perfect ass, round and soft, begging to be gripped tightly as he thrust into her. The sapphire-eyed guard had a sleek, muscular form that spoke of power and agility. And the furry brown one... her ass was a masterpiece of nature, plump and inviting, her tail flicking with anticipation.

They turned in unison, presenting their backsides to him. He felt his cock swell to its full size, a testament to his excitement. They bent over, spreading their cheeks with their hands, revealing their tight, puckered assholes to him. It was a sight that would make any man's knees weak, and Alex was no exception.

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to touch the first one in line. Her skin was cool to the touch, but it warmed as he slid a finger into her, her muscles clenching around him. He moved down the line, each one eagerly offering themselves to him, their moans and gasps music to his ears.

The sight was intoxicating, each one of them displaying their most intimate part for his pleasure. Alex took a deep breath, his hand resting on the last guard's hip. The room was thick with desire, the air charged with the promise of what was to come.

He started with Mrya, the sly scout with the golden tan skin. She was quick and nimble, and her tight, muscular ass was a challenge he couldn't resist. He positioned himself behind her, his cock sliding against her wet asshole. She gasped as he pushed inside her, her body arching with pleasure. He gripped her hips tightly, his thrusts deep and powerful, her moans echoing off the cavern walls. Her body tightened around him as she climaxed, her nails digging into the moss beneath her. He didn't stop, feeling the power of her orgasm ripple through her.

Zilpah, the brute **** of the group, couldn't hold back anymore. Her eyes on fire, she slithered over to Alex and Mrya, her powerful tail undulating behind her. "Your Highness," she purred, her voice thick with lust. "Mrya is quite... thorough. But I wish to feel your power inside me."

Alex grinned, his teeth flashing in the moonlit chamber. He pulled out of Mrya's tight embrace, her ass quivering in protest. Before she could recover, he bent and, with a show of his surprising strength, scooped Zilpah into his arms. She yelped with surprise and delight, her green scales glinting in the soft light as he effortlessly lifted her.

Her serpentine lower body coiled around his waist as he positioned himself, the head of his cock nudging at her entrance. He took a moment to admire the view: Zilpah's massive breasts bouncing in the air, her eyes closed in ecstasy, and her pink, puckered asshole just waiting for him.

With one swift motion, he impaled her, driving his cock deep into her tight, welcoming heat. She let out a scream that was part pleasure, part shock, her eyes flying open to meet his. He could feel her inner walls clamp down around him, her muscles quivering with the effort to adjust to his size.

The other guards watched, their own arousal clear on their faces, as Alex began to move. His strokes were slow and deliberate, savoring the feel of Zilpah's tight ass around him. She threw her head back, her mouth open in a silent cry, her body moving in time with his rhythm.

Mrya, not one to be left out, slithered closer, her emerald eyes gleaming with mischief. She reached up and took his cock in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the base as he fucked Zilpah. The combination of sensations was almost too much for Alex to handle, his body straining against the limits of his control.

The other guards, unable to contain themselves any longer, descended upon him like a pack of hungry beasts. Hands and mouths touched him everywhere, their alien features contorting in expressions of pleasure as they begged for his attention. He lost count of the number of times he switched between them, each one eager to feel his cock inside her.

One by one, the females climaxed around him, their bodies shaking with the intensity of their pleasure. They were like stars in the night sky, each one bright and beautiful, and Alex was the constellation that connected them all. He felt his own orgasm building, a crescendo that threatened to overwhelm him.

With a roar, he pulled out of Zilpah and thrust into the next guard, her fur standing on end with anticipation. He came for the first time, his seed spilling into her, the **** of his release making her buck and scream with pleasure. He didn't stop, moving on to the next and the next, filling each one of them until his orgasm was done.

The females looked at each other with a mix of shock and excitement. They had heard of the legends of the males who could give so much pleasure, but to experience it firsthand was beyond their wildest dreams. They had never felt so filled, so claimed, but they wanted more, they wanted his cum too.

Alex chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "That was just the warm-up," he said, his voice low and husky. "Now, for the main event."

They watched, their bodies trembling with need, as he strode over to a low bench that looked like it had been carved from a single piece of the glowing moss. He sat down, his cock still hard and glistening with their combined juices. "Take turns," he instructed, his voice firm. "And remember: no one leaves until every single one of you has felt the full **** of your king's power."

The guards looked at each other, their eyes gleaming with excitement. They had never been with a male who could give them so much, who could take them to such heights. They eagerly lined up, each one eager to be the next to ride his cock.

The brown-furred guard, her tail flicking in excitement, was the first to straddle him. She took his length in her hand, her eyes widening at the feel of it. With a grin, she lowered herself onto him, her asshole stretching to accommodate his size. Alex groaned as she sank down, her tightness gripping him like a vise.

The other females watched, their own arousal building. They had never seen anything so erotic, so raw and primal. They could feel their own assholes clenching, **** for his cock.

The night went on, a never-ending symphony of pleasure and pain as Alex claimed each one of them in turn. Their moans filled the chamber, the sound echoing off the walls like a chorus of the most beautiful music. He fucked them hard, in many different ways, his cock pounding into them stretching them wide.

Each time he came, it was with a ferocity that left them trembling and gasping for breath. And with each orgasm, their assholes grew more and more pliant, more and more open to his demands.

When the last guard had collapsed, her body boneless with exhaustion, Alex stood up, his cock still erect and dripping wet. He looked around at the scene before him: the guards lay scattered across the floor, their assholes gaping open, their bodies slick with cum and sweat.

He felt a sense of satisfaction, a power that surged through his veins. He had claimed them all, marked them as his own. And as they looked up at him with adoration in their eyes.

The guards, their bodies still trembling from the intense pleasure, looked at each other with a newfound camaraderie. They had shared something profound, something that bonded them in a way that no battle ever could. Alex lay down among them, his cock finally beginning to soften. They curled around him like a litter of kittens, their bodies a warm, panting mess.

The waterfall provided a soothing lullaby as they all drifted off to sleep, the cool mist caressing their flushed skin. In the quiet of the night, Alex felt a peace that he had never known before. These alien females, these fierce warriors, had accepted him not just as their king but as their lover, their protector. The weight of his newfound responsibilities was heavy on his shoulders, but it was a burden he was more than willing to bear.