THE HAPPY WANDERER V
PYRAMIDS, TEMPLES, and TOMBS
© 2008
BY: GERRY YOUNG
ASSISTED BY: TICKIE
[To Drew in Yorkshire, England, my LOVE and THANKS for all the hours he has spent working and re-working the grammar, punctuation, and points-of-view, particularly making me aware that once or twice or thrice again, Ive gotten into some characters head, other than Gerrys, when I oughtnt to have done so; perhaps SOMEDAY Ill learn. Perhaps!]
CHAPTER SIX
Precisely at 4:00 A.M., the most god-awful, hellacious noise at least to Gerry's ears assaulted their much-needed rest in their nearly sound-proofed room. They jerked awake and sat bolt-upright in bed.
"What the hell?" exclaimed Ted.
"What the shit?" Gerry echoed.
Looking around the darkened room and then at each other, they simultaneously exclaimed, "What the fuck's going on?"
The noise continued. It seemed to be coming from outside. "Could it be a fire alarm?" Gerry asked.
"An air raid warning?" Ted asked.
They sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the glass wall they flew like a flash, tore open the drapery, and threw open the slider. When what to their wounded eardrums should come, but the electronically amplified bombardment of
Far away, the burning, flickering reddish-gold globe of the rising ancient, yet eternal, sun-god, Ra, had just appeared on the eastern horizon; his benevolent rays, shrouded by the haze of modern day smog blanketed the city.
"Oh my God! I forgot," Gerry began to explain as he buried his aching head into his raised hands.
Before the trip, he had been reading everything he could find about Egypt, and he remembered what it was that had suddenly awakened them.
"What? What'd you forget?" Ted, with worry in his voice, shouted above the irritating noise that would continue for fully two minutes more!
Gerry waved them back into their room before closing the slider; he flicked on the desk lamp. The noise was softened by at least ninety percent, but still could be heard.
"It's the morning uhhh what's the word uhhh " He scratched his forehead, and then suddenly it came to him. " Azaan Adhan " he proclaimed, " the morning Islamic call to prayer. We'll hear something like it, five times a day."
"Oy vey! Oy gevalt!" Ted exclaimed, eyes closed and shaking his head. "Ya mean, every morning at sunrise, we have to "
"Yeah! Oh, yeah! Every morning at dawn, and then again at noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and at the darkest of the night, we'll hear them. They're anywhere from two-and-a-half to five minutes each. But Ted " his voice turned to warning, " ya gotta be careful not to use those Yiddish terms around here." Gerry chuckled. "They don't like'em at all."
"Arrrgh," Ted groaned, "you sound like a bloody tour director. Let's go back to bed." Just then, the cacophony ended, and silence reigned once more. "Thank God for big favors."
Sleepily, and with no regard to neatness, they both stripped, tossed each piece of clothing across a chair, on the floor, wherever the clothes they'd been in for nearly forty hours threw back the covers and collapsed again, Ted's back spooned to Gerry's front. Instantly they were in the arms of Morpheus, dreaming of wondrous things to come on their trip of a lifetime.
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Two-and-a-half hours later, at seven o'clock, they were awakened again not by the blaring of an electrically enhanced prayer-call, but by a persistent knocking at the door.
"Go away; we're still sleeping," Gerry yelled, his rampant piss hard-on pleasurably slipping back and forth between Ted's pre-cum-slickened thighs, spooning against his groin.
"Ohhhhhhh," moaned Ted, countering his moves against Gerry's.
Whether the throaty sound was brought on by early morning passion or by annoyance at the bothersome racket from the doorway, Gerry could not determine, nor did he even want to. He needed to piss in the worst way, but Ted's sensual, warm, moist flesh had captured his pent-up desires upon waking from his much-needed sleep.
Ted reached back to Gerry's ass and finger-walked his way to the flexing ass-crack. He then grabbed hold of Gerry's butt and pulled his lover tighter against his back.
The knocking continued.
"Just ignore it," Gerry whispered; "they'll go away." He then took Ted's ear completely into his mouth, swathing it with his tongue and spit. Ted shivered with apparent excitement.
With his arms around Ted, Gerry tweaked, first, one hard nipple and then the other.
Other moans. Another series of knocks.
"Awww, fuck!" Gerry cursed. "Stay right where you are. Don't go anywhere," he said, jumping backwards out of bed.
Ted looked back over his shoulder and grinned. "I ain't goin' nowhere."
Quick as a flash, Gerry was at the door of their hotel room. He jerked the chain-bolt away, then threw the door open, one hand gripping the jamb, the other, the edge of the door, blocking the entrance. "WHA ? YOU AGAIN? What do you want? I thought "
"Who is it, Ger?" was heard from the bed.
"Forgive my intrusion, kind Sir," Muti said as his eyes scanned down Gerry's naked body and stopped upon seeing the engorged erection with a slight upward curve pointing at him. A sensual smile grew across his face as he gently tugged at the 'dog-collar around his neck, and swallowed deliciously.
Gerry quickly tried to cover his nakedness with one hand. "Oh, excuse me; I'm sor "
Muti swallowed again, then quickly raised his eyes. "This is from my Master if you would be so kind, Sir."
There, in his extended hand, was an envelope on which Gerry could see the embossed Ramses' logo in the upper-left corner. With an exasperated sigh, he stepped back and said, "All right! Get in here and let's get this over with."
When Muti entered, Gerry closed the door, and turned to walk back to the desk and the lamp, but bumped into Ted who, unknowingly, was right behind him.
"Oops!" Gerry responded in shock. "I thought I told you to stay in bed."
"You didn't answer when I " Ted began as Gerry jumped back in surprise, only to stumble and land in Muti's arms as Gerry reached out to grab Ted to keep from falling.
But a tangle of arms and legs and torsos and two wilted penises landed on the carpeted floor. Gerry's bladder exploded, releasing some of it's long-held urine as it sprayed both nude men. Miraculously, not a drop dampened Muti's street-attire, a somewhat sheer white Galabeyah.
As quickly as it had begun, Gerry stopped the flow of the warm, pale golden liquid.
Righting themselves, the three struggled free from each other and stood. Muti dashed to the bathroom and returned with towels, patting at the golden droplets on both men.
"Ahhh, shit!" Gerry exclaimed, yanking the towel from Muti's hand. "I can do that my fuckin' self," he mumbled as he headed to the toilet, dropping the envelope on the foot of the bed, as he went.
With his morning piss-hard-on arching only a little less than true vertical, Gerry had to bend from the waist over the toilet and ease his pained penis toward the water. 'Woulda been easier if I'd just pissed in the shower,' he silently mumbled to himself. But succeed, he did. 'Who the fuck is this Muti, and how the hell can we get rid of him?' he wondered as the stiffness softened and he was able to stand more upright.
Shaking free the last golden dribbles, he flushed the toilet, wiped his hands on a towel, turned, and headed back. Once through the doorway, he froze in place, shocked at the scene just to the other side of the bed.
Muti had knelt in front of Ted, his hands on Ted's ass, his mouth enveloped around Ted's tumescent cock, thrusting and retreating again and again. Ted's eyes were closed, his head thrown back, and deep moans of passion were issuing from his throat.
"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON THERE?" Gerry yelled, compelled to rush to the two, but frozen in place, seeing them.
Ted jumped back, jerking his arousal from Muti's ministrations; his hands covered his deflating cock.
Muti stood, wiping the spit and precum from his lips with the back of his hand. His posture and attitude gave no indication of guilt. He bowed his head and said, "Your servant is only following Master's wishes, good Sir."
"I'm not your " he began, and then changed the object of his ire; "Did you ORDER him to "
Ted quickly shook his head in silent response, but Muti attempted to explain. "If you will, Sir please read Master's letter." It was only a statement no pleading, no begging for forgiveness.
Gerry heaved another exasperated sigh, shook his head in frustration, and snatched up the envelope. In the dim light, he could see the hand-written, simple address
G.A. Young ~ and ~ S.T. Young
He went to the light of the desk and sat, ripping open the envelope. He pulled the letter out, shook it open, and silently began to read as Ted hurried behind the chair and began to read over his shoulder.
Gerry read aloud:
Salam aleykum. Hello, my friends.
Please accept Muti as my gift to you during your stay in Al Qahira Cairo, as you call the city. He will see to your every comfort, your every need, and, should you choose your every pleasure. To serve, is the joy and purpose of his life your every wish is his command. Be kind to him, and I know that your stay will be filled with happiness.
Remember this Muti is no threat to you. He will not harm you in any way. If he does, he knows that he will be punished with the forfeiture of his own life. For the time being think of him as your protector and your benefactor. He is well-known in the city.
Before you leave for Luxor, we shall meet in person; you have my promise.
Daimann Always,
A friend
While Gerry and Ted were reading, Muti knelt to his knees with the towel, sopping up from the carpet what remained of Gerry's urine.
'Protector? Benefactor?' Gerry wondered; 'What the hell does he mean by that?' "Well, Muti, what are we supposed to do with you, now?" he asked.
Muti stood, holding the soiled towel. "Sirs," he began, "if I may be so bold " Gerry and Ted nodded their permission; " you missed the Welcoming Cocktail Party last evening. Your schedule for today will begin with a breakfast at eight o'clock and it is now " he looked at the Egyptian brass clock on the wall, " seven-thirty. I would be happy to assist both of you in the shower, and then shave and dress you "
Ted was smiling, but Gerry shook his head. "No, no, no. You don't have to do that; just just SIT there, " he pointed at one of the other chairs in the room, "and we'll figure out what we'll do with you later."
Muti smiled, closed his eyes for a moment, and nodded his head.
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Running a little late, all three Gerry, Ted, and Muti soon found themselves exiting the elevator into the Ramses' rooftop restaurant, thirty-seven stories above the desert floor. The Youngs were both wearing the name tags provided by the tour company.
"Sabah el Kheer. Good morning, gentlemen," Tariq Pasha greeted them. "We missed you at last night's Welcoming Cocktail Party."
"We were bushed!" Ted remarked, feigning exhaustion, while at the same time Gerry was saying, "After thirty-some hours without sleep, we just collapsed and hit the sack after we got rid of " He thumbed toward Muti who was standing behind them.
With a slight smile, Tariq turned and nodded his head, acknowledging the Egyptian and simply said, "Muti."
" Sabah el Kheer, good Sir," he replied with the salaam greeting.
" 'Bushed'? 'Hit the sack'?" queried Tariq, returning his attention to the two others.
Ignoring the simple questions, Gerry asked, "You know him?"
"Sorry," they both then said to each other.
"Muti prepare plates for " Tariq looked at their name tags, " for Master Gerry and Master Ted while we talk."
"Sir, yes, Sir," Muti replied courteously, bowing from the waist toward Tariq. "By your leave, good Sirs," he added to the two others, with a nod of the head to each, and then hurried to the buffet tables.
"Come," Tariq directed, "let's go out to the observation deck while we talk."
Soon, the three were standing at the outside railing overlooking the city below. Across the Nile (on the western side) could be seen the three Great Pyramids and their herald, the Sphinx. Everywhere (north, east and south), date palms grew abundantly, towering over homes and small shops, and lined the streets in business and residential areas.
"Tomorrow, we'll be going over there," Tariq said, pointing to the Pyramids.
"I can't wait," Ted excitedly commented, his eyes sparkling as he took in everything possible.
"Whew!" Gerry exclaimed. "I didn't realize Cairo was so spread out. But I thought the Pyramids would've been bigger."
"The distance fools the eye, Gerry. They are farther away than you would imagine. Just wait until you're standing at the base of Khufu's Pyramid. I think you'll change your opinion," Tariq then chuckled, as did Ted.
Gerry shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe." Then he changed the subject. "I'm curious, though."
"Yes? About?" Tariq questioned.
"Muti," came Gerry's simple answer.
"And what about him?"
Ted glanced back and forth between the two men as they spoke.
"You KNOW Muti? A friend of yours? And what about his his 'Master'? What's going on? What's happening?" Gerry asked in a single rushed, inquisitive, non-stop breath.
"Ahhh, I see," Tariq replied, smiling.
"Well?" Gerry asked, seeking the answers to his questions.
"Do I KNOW Muti? Yes," Tariq began, "but not as a friend he is more like an acquaintance an acquaintance who, someday I would like to get to know better," he commented with a wink and a grin, "if you know what I mean." He chuckled as he seemed to adjust something in his trousers.
"And, yes, I know his Master or OF him, I should say. Coincidentally, we talked on the phone last evening HE called me. But uhhh " He paused for a moment, obviously determining what he could or SHOULD say. Then he went on; "he asked that I NOT identify him."
"Why not?" Both Gerry and Ted asked at the same time, their voices a little louder and stronger than normal conversation.
Tariq held up a hand as if to tell them to keep their voices down. "He did say that he would make himself known to you before you leave Cairo, and asked that you allow Muti to be with you at all times "
"WHAT?" came the two other voices as one.
" to be your personal sss SERVANT," he seemed to correct himself, " a great honor in this country." Gerry and Ted looked aghast at the suggestion, their mouths falling open. "Please accept his gift, guys, a gift that very few visitors are afforded."
"But but why? Who are we to him the the Master, I mean?" Ted asked of Tariq, though he then looked to Gerry before finishing the question.
"Why are WE being singled out?" asked Gerry. Ted nodded.
Tariq smiled. "I am sure that you will find out in a few days. Now let's go back inside. I am also sure that your new servant has arranged for your first Egyptian culinary delight. Remember this you can trust Muti with your lives; he is greatly respected here."
As they were walking back into the restaurant, Tariq added, "You both of you will come to love Muti."
"Oh, I doubt that, Tariq," Gerry rebuffed as he winked at Ted.
Nearing the table beside which Muti stood at 'present and rest' a proud and noble stance Tariq stopped and held Ted and Gerry from going any farther.
"Let me just say this. With the respect the tour company holds for for the Master AND for Muti arrangements have already been made for him to accompany you during your entire experience in Egypt. AND a monetary sum is, at this moment, being transferred to your joint account in the Palm Springs area to refund you both for all expenses incurred to date."
On hearing that some stranger, very likely a foreigner at that, had access to his and Ted's financial accounts, Gerry's pulse, blood pressure, and respiration increased, his hands clenched into fists, a frown furrowed across his brow, and he began to demand, "HOW ?"
"He has his sources, Gerry; and he has enough how shall I say 'piastres? pounds? dollars? money? NOT to need to confiscate yours and/or Ted's. Do not worry yourselves, my friends; he is a very generous man."
Ted excitedly jumped in. "What'd we do? Win the lottery or something? I didn't buy a ticket or fill out a a a contest form or anything like that. Did you, Ger?"
Gerry shook his head.
"Now just relax," Tariq spoke softly as he physically turned Gerry toward the table where Muti was standing. He began a slow massage on Gerry's shoulders.
At his soft, rather sensual, kneading, Gerry felt a spark of electricity surge through him not the static kind, but a warm tingling that raced through his taut muscles. There was something rather hypnotic about it. His eyes seemed heavy; he wanted to close them and lean back against Tariq's calmly heaving breast, but dared not.
"Just breathe easy " Tariq gently urged him forward; his steps and words were slow, and his tone, though soft, had become deep and resonant, soothing Gerry to the very core of his being. " come on, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth that's right; that's right and accept your good fortune. Indeed, Mother Nile and this ancient land of ours, are filled with mystery and intrigue. Just let the old gods pour out on you the benevolence that you both are due. And remember your destinies are about to be fulfilled."
Even walking through the restaurant, Tariq and Ted had been looking into each other's eyes during the entire short time of the shoulder massage and little breathing exercise. They stopped at the table.
Ted must have heard Tariq's last statement, because he was frowning and had cocked his head to one side. Gerry came out of his brief reverie. Surprised at Tariq's words, he spun around and stared at him.
"What?" the tour guide inquired.
"That sounded so familiar " Gerry's words drifted off as if a light had suddenly been switched on. He turned and gazed through the glass walls at the Pyramids across the river. Then quietly, almost as if in a whisper, he uttered a single name "Michael." * A smile, brought on by a flood of loving memories, grew across his face. The whisper continued, "Suddenly, I feel that I'm home."
"Huh?" was all that Ted could say.
Tariq only studied the man whose back was turned to him.
"Long story," Gerry answered his love. "I'll tell you later."
"Good Sirs," Muti finally spoke up, motioning to the two chairs that had already been pulled back, "your breakfasts are ready."
I have to go over there, Tariq." Gerry pointed toward the Pyramids, apparently ignoring Muti's words. "I have to see something."
"What is it, Hon? What's wrong?" Ted inquired, stepping toward Gerry and affectionately putting a hand on his shoulder. Immediately, his other hand flew up to cover his own mouth as an expression of fear or embarrassment spread across his eyes and face.
"It's all right, Ted," Tariq assured him with a wink; "I understand completely, and " he turned his attention back to Gerry. " we'll be going over there tomorrow "
"But will we be there long enough for me to go up into the King's Chamber? I've got to go in there. And I'd like to go by myself "
"What?" Ted interrupted.
" or with Ted," Gerry corrected himself. "Is it possible for just the two of us to do that, Tariq? I've just got to go in there. I just HAVE to! I know the way ... the lay-out of the different chambers and passageways "
His words came fast. He sounded desperate, almost frantic in his 'need'. With a quizzical look, Tariq studied him more.
Gerry continued. " I've read lots of books on the Pyramids, and memorized the diagrams of the Great one. Is there any way ANY way that I errr TED and I " his words were coming faster than he could think them clearly, " could get permission to spend time, alone, in the King's Chamber? Please. PLEASE!" he begged.
"Well," Tariq began; "it's not a common practice, but it CAN be arranged." He thought for a moment and then asked, "How would the morning of day after tomorrow be VERY early in the morning, even before Ra appears on the horizon?"
Gerry's gaze darted here and there, seeing everything yet grasping nothing, for his consciousness had moved forward nearly forty hours into the future, thinking, contemplating. He closed his eyes, and after a deep breath and a long, very satisfying sigh, he looked back at Tariq and answered, "That would be fine."
Tariq then redirected his attention to Muti and simply said, "You know many of the Mast GUARDS over at Giza," he corrected himself once again. "Make it so."
"Yes, Master Tariq," he replied with a nod; then with another, he added, "By your leave, good Sirs." He turned and was gone.
"MAS-ter Tariq?" the duo turned and questioned together.
He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Muti likes to be polite. What can I say?" Quickly he changed the subject. "Gerry. Ted. Sit! Enjoy your breakfast. I have to greet others in the tour group." He looked at his watch. "We'll all be going to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in about an hour. You might want to eat and then go back to your room to freshen up a bit, before we leave."
They turned to their Egyptianized American breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, flaky croissants with fava bean paste filling, honey (still in the comb), several unknown delectables, and of course different coffees and English and Indian teas and a delicious, red, hibiscus herbal drink that would become Gerry's favorite in all of Egypt.
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Elsewhere in Cairo, part of a telephone conversation could be heard.
"They're in Al Qahira, now. In four days, they'll be in Luxor. Start preparing the aircraft Shokran. Thank you."
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At the very next table to the duo, sat four men, having their morning coffee. Each was attired entirely in black leather, including their biker's caps and dark sun glasses. After Muti and Tariq had left, one of the men turned and asked, "Gerry? Ted? Is that you? Thought it was you guys. How're they hangin', buds, and what the hell are you doing here?"
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To be continued...
* FOOTNOTE: 'Michael': See Part II, 'Life Goes On', all chapters; Part III, 'Go West', Chapters 1, 3, and 5; and Part IV, 'Casa Cielo', Chapters 1, 3, and 4.
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Comments welcome, please drop the
author a note:
Posted: 07/25/08