The Harem

Title: The Harem, part four
Author: Lady Snowblossom
Rating: NC-17
Status: incomplete
Disclaimer: Not mine!

Abu and Selim sat in Abu’s antechamber sipping thick sweet coffee and nibbling from an assortment of sweetmeats. The chamber wall’s were painted a soft blue color, and were trimmed in white. The floor was constructed of tiny tiles laid out in geometric shapes. There were rich carpets thrown about, and two couches were along one wall. Abu and Selim were sitting on large cushions on either side of a low table.

They were discussing the events of the last two weeks.

“So, Lord Ryo is still remaining in his quarters. One would think that he was in love with Lady Miriam, and was mourning her death; the way he’s acting. But, I think it was less her death, than the still birth of his son, that is upsetting him.” Selim said, sipping at his coffee.

“Yes, her and the baby’s death is unfortunate.” Abu replied. “However, it could work to our advantage.”

Selim raised an eyebrow, “How could the death of that poor woman be to our advantage?” Selim shuddered as he recalled how Miriam had died. The midwives had been unable to stop the bleeding after she gave birth, and Miriam had bled to death.


Abu smileLordLord Ryo doesn’t seem to be that interested in his two favorites.”

“He certainly hasn’t shown any interest in the harem, either. Or any of the ikbals, for that matter.” Selim interrupted.

Abu frowned at him, and resumed his observation.

“He hasn’t summoned them, since the day he returned to the Keep, and their servants tell me that they are becoming worried.”

“Isn’t that too bad.” laughed Selim.

Abu waited for Selim to stop laughing, before continuing.

“Well, old friend,” said Abu, as he chose yet another tidbit, and a new topic. “How are our three special ones doing?”

Selim leaned back on his cushions and stared into his coffee cup, reflectively. “They are doing better, than I expected from youths unused to our ways. Cy was extremely upset by Erol’s death, but his two friends have been helping him handle it, and they have begun to make friends with some of the other boys.”

“Good,” Abu said, pleased. “I want them to be happy! So, tell me what do their teachers have to say.”

Selim grinned at Abu, “You old schemer! I know what you’re up too! Ryo will have no complaints about those three. Their teachers all agree with me about their ability to absorb what they have been taught. And before you ask, I personally tested their sexual responses, and they were excellent. They should be exceptional now, that their senses have begun to awaken.”

Selim paused, a s a sip of his coffee, smiled a trifle ruefully and continued, “I wouldn’t want to be the one; who tested them though, all three of those boys have vicious kicks.”

Abu nodded, his face solemn, as he sipped his coffee,

“Selim, when is your oda next scheduled for their dancing lesson?”

“In two days, why?”

“I am going to arrange for our lord to be in the secret room that overlooks the classroom. I think its time, we showed him something that will interest him.”

“Do you think that is wise? I’m not sure they are ready for that, just yet.” Selim objected.

“We will just have to pray that they are.” Abu replied, quietly.

Selim frowned, but refrained from answering.

Ryo strode down the hall; the sound of his boot heels clicking on the marble floor was as sharp as the crack of a whip. His Aga Kislar had sent him an enigmatic note, a note that simply asked him to come to the secret room overlooking the dancing classroom.

He was not pleased, for the last two weeks, he had been staying in his quarters, and he still wasn’t ready to leave them. But, he figured; Abu must have a good reason for sending for him, otherwise he wouldn’t have. So, he reluctantly left his quarters. It wasn’t helping his temper any, to notice that none of the slaves in the halls would meet his eyes, as he stormed past. They simply continued their tasks, and acted like he wasn’t there.

The young lord was in a fine tearing temper, by the time he pressed the tiny button that opened the panel that gave access to the room, where Abu had asked him to meet him.

Abu rose from the chair, he had been sitting on, and bowed to his master. He gestured politely to the chair beside his.

Ryo walked forward and seated himself; he frowned, as Abu quietly sat down beside him.

“Well, Abu, I’m here! What is it you want?” Ryo demanded, impatiently, turning his head to look at his Aga..

Abu’s eyes widened, as he pretended confusion. “I? Want something, lord? I merely thought that you would like to see how well your three new slaves were doing. The ones you brought in from the city.”

Ryo frowned, “New slaves? I brought in new slaves?” Then, his eyes narrowed, as a momentary vision of purple eyes flashed across his mind. “Ah, yes. Now I remember, I handed them over to you for training, didn’t I.”

Inwardly, Abu smiled in satisfaction. “Yes, lord. I placed them in Selim’s oda, andtelltells me that while their training is not complete, they are doing well. I merely thought you would like to see for yourself.”

Ryo opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment the door to the hall opened and a small group of youths, all dressed in women’s clothing entered, shepherded by two men.

The boys quickly headed for the far side of the hall, all of them young and vital. Their sleek bodies were barely hidden by the sheer cloth they were clothed in, and they moved with delicious grace. The laughter that drifted up to the hidden men was gay. A couple of the boys were indulging in some horseplay.

Abu smiled down at the young creatures. He never failed to be charmed by the sight of the young things in his charge. Certainly, there were some he didn’t like; a few he had hated, but on the whole the inhabitants of the harem were good boys.

Ryo leaned forward in his seat, as four musicians filed in and took their seats along one wall. The man, who was teaching the class stepped forward and clapped his hands. The chatter among the youths stilled instantly, and they settled onto the wooden floor in a semi-circle and turned their attention to him.

Standing off to one side, Selim looked up covertly and wondered if Abu had managed to get lord Ryo to attend this session. He hoped so, in his opinion, Rowan, Cy and Sage never looked livelier, or more vital.

He looked at the three in question. Sage was dressed in a skirt of jade green, with a white top that bared his flat stomach, and a tiny gold vest. Rowan was wearing a skirt of silver, topped by a tiny top of midnight blue, that was really nothing more than a band, and barely covered his nipples. Cy wore a slashed-skirted dress of russet and gold. They had never looked more desirable. He smiled, as old Tut called the class to order. Tut had been bribed to put his three lovelies on display.

“Now, class! It’s time to begin! Rowan! Cy! Sage! I want you to show me, how well you remember last week’s lesson!”

“Yes, teacher!” said Cy, as the three sprang to their feet and made their way to the center of the room. Once they were there, they took their places and posed in the opening form of the dance. The musicians struck up a lively air, and they began to dance.

The three boys had the grace of gazelle’s and they undulated like serpents. Selim smiled, as they movraceracefully through the movements of the dance. As he enjoyed the living picture in front of him, Selim hoped someone more important was also watching. He would find out soon enough if that someone were indeed watching.

Ryo strained forward, as he watched the three below, his heart was beating rapidly in his chest, and his blood drummed so loudly in his ears, he wondered, if Abu could hear it.

Abu glanced over at his master; the look of concentration on Ryo’s face pleased him. “We have high hopes that those three will in time, become somewhat accomplished.” He said, blandly.

Ryo ignored him, as he watched the dance end and the three boys returned to the group.

Ryo leaned back in his chair and fought to get his voice under control, when he felt he could trust it, he issued the very orders Abu hoped to hear. “Abu, I want those three moved to the ikbal quarters today. Then consult the court astronomers as to when would be a lucky day to take one of them to my bed.” Ryo cast a quick glance at the dance floor, a slender boy, who looked to be either Spanish, or Italian was swaying in the steps of a new dance, he showed a lot of promise, as well. He definitely had to pay more attention to Selim’s oda, if this was the quality of the beauties to be found there.

He tore his gaze from the scene and stood. “I think I will go hunting. See that all is done, before I return, and tell....” Ryo paused, nodded his head, and resumed, “And tell the ikbal Carmine, that I will require his presence at nine tonight.”

Abu was more than satisfied with his orders. Carmine had caught Ryo’s eye, but had only been summoa coa couple of times, could this elevation of Sage, Cy and Rowan, in addition to the summoning of Carmine, mean that Yuli and Kento’s reign as favorites was over, only time would tell.

Ryo looked down at the boy whirling in a circle for a moment, then he turned and left the room, without a word.

Abu watched his lord leave. Well, he thought, as he rose to leave, the camel’s nose is in the tent, now we just have to get the rest of it in. Now, he had to see to arrangements, he would have to chose individual quarters for the new ikbals, assign them eunuchs, and alert Selim. Abu left the room in a satisfied state of mind.

The slave that Abu dispatched to fetch Selim found him overseeing his charges, while they bathed. The slave whispered in Selim’s ear, and he nodded. The slave left, with Selim following. No one noticed, they were all too wrapped up in having fun.

Cy, Sage, and Rowan were horsing around in the water. Sage splashed Rowan, who flicked water back at him. Cy laughed, then sank under the water’s surface, swam over and pulled their friend Masud under. Masud came up spitting water and vowing revenge.

The boys around the pool laughed, as another one collected a basket full of sponges, and started bombarding the bathers with them. Within seconds, a full-scale war had erupted between the boys in the pool and the ones out of it. Boyish laughter, along with various shrieks and battle cries rang.

The eunuchs in the baths watched on indulgently, as long as no one was being hurt, they wouldn’t interfere. Rowan took a sponge in the face and rifled it back at the offender. Sage had to dive to avoid one, came up with a sponge in each hand that he pelted a couple of the other boys with. Cy was dragged from the pool by Masud, and was chased around its’ edge, until he escaped back into the water.

The horseplay finally petered out, with some of the boys drifting off to various pursuits, or lessons. Some went to finish their chores, and others to find someplace quiet to take a nap.

Sage, Rowan and Cy stretched out on tables to be massaged. They had changed a lot from the frightened trio that had first arrived some weeks before. The lessons they had learned accounted for much of the change. But, most of it came from the boys, themselves. They were all thinkers, and they had come to realize that they could only obtain power in their new world-by adapting to it rules.

“Cy, do you think we ought to get back to the oda?” asked Rowan, as he donned a red robe; a slave was holding for him.

“I guess. It’s almost lunchtime. What do you think, Sage?”

Before Sage could answer the sound of excited voices reached them. A blonde-headed boy from their oda burst into the room; his name was Ismail. Ismail’s hazel eyes were wide with excitement. “Cy! Rowan! Sage! Selim says to come quickly! Lord Ryo has chosen ikbals from our oda, and we all have to be there to see who the lucky boys are!”

Cy and Sage slid from their tables, and hastily pulled on the robes, slaves held. Then the four boys ran for the oda. They ran through the corridors leading to their oda. When they reached it, they had to struggle through the crowd of excited boys, and squeeze past three palanquins that with their bearers were waiting in the hallway. The boys were slightly disheveled when they finally made it into the oda.

“Is it always like this, when lord Ryo chooses an ikbal?” Rowan asked.

“Yes, and wait till you see, what it’s like when he sends for an ikbal he hasn’t chosen before.” Ismail said.

Outside the racket subsided abruptly, as Selim walked in. “Well, my sons, I am pleased to announce that lord Ryo has chosen Sage, Rowan and Cy to be elevated to the rank of ikbal. Boys, you will now go out and take your seats in the palanquins. Don’t worry about your things, they will be sent after you.”

“Cho...sen?” Cy trembled.

Masud put his hand on Cy’s shoulder. “Cy, its a great honor. I’m very happy for you, Ro, and Sage.” Masud said. “Here,” he continued, “I’ll walk with you outside.” Masud led the scared boy out to one of the palanquins, and began to help him into it.

But, Selim said, “Just a moment, Masud. Boys, come here.” Sage and Rowan clustered around Selim, as he leaned close to them. He waved Masud away. “Boys, I will not be coming with you. The Aga Kislar will meet you at The Garden Court. This is the last bit of advice I have for you, beware of Kento and Yuli. If you are summoned by Ryo and please him, and become a favorite, they are going to try to get rid of you. Do not trust them for a second.”

He looked relieved, when they nodded in agreement. “Now, boys, its time. Farewell, mad bed be with you. Selim stepped back and Masud returned to Cy’s side. He gripped Cy’s elbow gently, and led him to the lead palanquin, and helped Cy into it. Sage and Rowan each chose a palanquin and stepped into them, Rowan in the middle and Sage in the last palanquin.

“Be happy, Cy” Masud whispered, as the three palanquins were lifted by the bearers and borne away. Selim and Masud followed them with anxious and worried eyes.

Word swiftly flew around the Keep, that there were new ikbals, and they were on their way to the Garden Court. Slaves, eunuchs, oda masters with their boy’s, all lined the way to the separate building that housed the ikbals. They chattered and speculated among themselves about these possible new favorites.

As the new ikbals were borne along, each had different reactions. Cy trembled and wished desperately that he were back in Selim’s oda. Rowan laughed and waved at the crowd, pleased at being the center of attention. Sage merely sat erect and looked neither to the right or the left, an aloof expression on his face.

Swiftly, they left the mass of bodies behind, and crossed a small garden, and entered a courtyard. The bearers set the palanquins down in front of a three level building. The building was constructed of marble. Its’ lower level was fronted by a portico with a line of columns supporting the upper levels. The many windows were latticed. The new ikbals dismounted from their conveyances and stared up in wonderment, as Abu stepped off of the portico, a broad smilehis his face.

“Welcome, my sons! Welcome to the Garden Court!” he waved the bearers and their burdens away, then beckoned the boys’ forward. He turned to lead the way into bui building, the boys following.

Inside the building, Abu turned left and waddled down the corridor; he led Cy, Sage and Rowan to a marble staircase and climbed it. At the head of the steps, the corridor spilt in two directions. Abu turned right, and proceeded down the corridor. He paused at an archway, and indicated it with the wave of his h

“Here, my sons, is the central room of the court. Here you will gather with the rest of the ikbals.” They looked in; several youths looked up, curiosity foremost on their faces. One smiled at them.

“Come, you will have plenty of time to meet everyone.” Abu said. At the junction of corridors just past the room, he turned left, and led them down the hall. At the end of this hall, two figures stood. “The favorites.” Abu said softly, his voice pitched, so that only the three with him heard.

Sage frowned. Rowan stared. Cy gulped nervously. This was the first time; they had seen the favorites, Kento and Yuli not being in the habit of mingling with mere slaves. Abu approached the two, and afforded them a half-bow. Rowan, Sage and Cy bowed deeply.

“Well, Abu! So, these are the new chickens, our lord has chosen!” Kento said, as he pushed past the Aga, and gripped Sage by the chin. He tried to raise Sage’s head, and frowned when he met resice. ce. Roughly, he released Sage’s chin, and narrowed his eyes, when Sage coolly raised his head, and stared blandnto nto Kento’s eyes. With ill grace, Kento spun around and returned to Yuli’s side.

Abu smirked inwardly. He had a feeling that Kento and Yuli had more than met their match in the cool blonde. Smoothly, Yuli stepped forward, and with a waxen smile on his face, said, “Welcome! I hope that you will be happy here. The Aga has chosen rooms for you on the third floor. I trust you will find them comfortable.”

He turned and led the way to another staircase. They all climbed the steps and Yuli motioned to the first three rooms on the right.

“These will be yours. The first room is Rowan’s. Cy, you have the one in the middle, and Sage, you are in the third. Each room is alike, in that they each contain a bedchamber, and a small room for your personal eunuch. We will leave you now, so you can get settled inYuliYuli and Kento turned and without a backward glance, left.

Abu dismissed the favorites from his consideration. He clapped his hands, and three young men, one from each room, approached the Aga and bowed, then they bowed to the boys. “My sons, these are your slaves, Sage, this is Arif, and he is yours.”

Sage studied the young man in front of him. Arif was taller than Sage, and heavier, but there was a look of gentleness about him. Arif had black hair and brown eyes; his skin was a warm coffee color.

“I will try to be a good slave, master.” Arif said, softly. Sage nodded at him, his eyes thoughtful.

Abu turned next to Rowan. He drew forward a youth with blonde hair, cloud-white skin and sky-blue eyes. “This is Kay. May he serve you well.”

Rowan smiled at the boy. “Good. You can be my first friend in this place.” A look of devotion flared in Kay’s eyes.

Abu smiled and waved forward the last youth. “Greet your new master in your native language, Wess.

“I hope to please you, master.” Cy’s eyes lit up. Wess was English. Cy’s sailor father had been English, and Cy spoke the language well. “How wonderful! You’re British, aren’t you?

Wess’s green eyes widened to hear his native language roll so easily off the tongue of someone in this desolate land, he had come to. He bowed his head, hiding the tears that sprang to his eyes, behind a curtain of black hair.

Abu was pleased. He had no doubts, that Rowan and Cy would gain loyal servants in their eunuchs. Sage would as well, but it would take him longer. “Well, my sons, I will leave you, now. Your slaves will help you find your way around and explain the rules of this place. Tomorrow, you will visit the master of the wardrobe, and get new clothes.”

“New clothes?” Rowan asked, turning from his inspection of Kay.

“Yes, it is hardly fitting that the clothes, you wore as mere oda members be worn here. You have a much more exalted position now. Well, my sons, I must go, but I hope to see you again, soon. When one of you have been summoned. May God watch over you.” Abu raised his hand in farewell, turned and left.

As the Aga descended the stairs, he heard the eunuchs urging their new masters to come and inspect their quarters. Abu didn’t see the figures standing in the shadow of the stairs, as he waddled away. Yuli and Kento stepped out of the shadows and stared up the stairs, neither looked happy.