New Horizons

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually. . If you are looking for sex on every page, then this is not the story for you. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, then why are you here?

NOTE: Special thanks to Matthew for his time and efforts proof reading and editing the chapters. Without his support, this story would not be nearly as interesting.

Chapter One-hundred Sixteen: New Horizons

Walking down the hall, Danny looked in through the open door and spotted Daniel sitting at a table. Wherever Danny had been going was quickly forgotten as he turned and walked directly towards Daniel. Daniel was not aware of the young boy's presence until he felt sharp elbows digging into his thigh. Daniel quickly reached down and picked the boy up, saving himself from further pain, and set the boy in his lap. It was immediately obvious that Danny had both of his little hands full of something.

"Little man, what are you holding?" Daniel asked.

"Fruit Loops," Danny answered, holding both hands up to show Daniel.

"Didn't you have breakfast?"

"Yes," Danny answered while nodding his head. "I had a bowl of Fruit Loops 'n toast 'n orange juice. But, I wanted some like this ta eat. Want some?" Danny offered, holding both hands up again.

"No, thank you. Those are your Fruit Loops to enjoy. Who gave them to you?"

"Sean. He said for me ta hold my hands out like this," Danny put his fists together and opened his fingers. Daniel had to react quickly to avoid having Fruit Loops spill onto the floor. "He poured 'em in."

"Where is Sean?" Daniel asked.

"He's teachin' them new boys what we do on KP back home," Danny answered while trying to concentrate on not losing any of his Fruit Loops.

"You mean Sean's on KP? I thought when Sean was on KP, you were, too?"

"Uh-huh. Sean said I had ta come back before lunch and show some of the other new boys how we set the salt 'n napkins on the tables and stuff."

"Well, that is important, right?"

"Yeah. Sean says spesh'ly if somebody gets sloppy and spills somethin'."

"Well, we all know that everyone's favorite TV star wouldn't spill anything, don't we? At least, not on purpose," the governor interjected as he joined Daniel and Danny.

Danny looked at the governor and smiled, also showing him his two handfuls of Fruit Loops.

"You know, I wish I could please all my constituents as easily as I pleased you with those Fruit Loops."

Danny didn't understand what the governor said, but he kept smiling anyway.

"Daniel," the governor's tone turned more serious. "Our guests should be arriving shortly. Also, I received a call that Elizabeth's station is sending their chopper to pick up Randy. My guess is they'll be bringing more cameras in, also."

"Did we have any response to the special invitation you sent out?" Daniel asked.

"My secretary called and confirmed acceptance. He's been one of our more outspoken opponents, so I think this could be interesting."

• • • • The guests invited by the governor were members of the legislature, and their families. The governor had told them where he was and about the visitors from South America. The idea was to entice the invitees with positive media coverage surrounding the return of the kidnapped boys.

Several members of the group were either outspoken opponents of New Horizons and the program supported by the governor, or were what was generally known as fence sitters. Twelve members of the legislature were expected; all holding highly influential positions.

While waiting for their guests to arrive, Daniel and the governor approached the ambassador.

"Mr. Ambassador," Daniel greeted the gentleman as they approached, "could we have a moment and the benefit of your knowledge? Given what will transpire here later today, we want to be sure that we follow the expected protocol."

"It will be my pleasure to assist you in any way I possibly can," the ambassador replied.

"Are there any special requirements or limitations, such as age or gender, on who may observe the ceremonies?"

"Gender? Yes. Women are not allowed. This is a very strict male-dominated society. Also, I believe that many members of the feminine gender could find the ceremony offensive. You see, as we previously explained, it is highly sexual in nature.

"As to age restrictions, I don't know of any such restrictions. Remember, the first test is given when the boys are very young. The males are exposed to, and taught, sexual activities from a very early age. The Maya believe it is a gift to be shared and boys should be taught to appreciate the experience very early."

"I believe that basic activities were explained to us yesterday," Daniel commented. "I've been told by my associates that my tendency to want to protect the younger boys and keep them innocent, so to speak, is somewhat like the old saying of closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped."

"In my country," the ambassador responded, "we have always thought it odd how Americans can think of themselves as being progressive while denying many of the most natural acts of men and boys. It wasn't that long ago that you passed laws allowing the boys who have yet to become young men to expose themselves. We have allowed, and encouraged, boys to expose themselves for many decades. To us, a boy seen in his natural beauty bestowed by the supreme powers is a gift to be appreciated. We also feel it allows them to be comfortable with themselves and builds their, how do you say, . . . self esteem?

"Here, you call slaves the lowest of animals and tell them they are not fit to wear clothes, yet it is acceptable for boys to go clothes free and they are not animals. What is the difference, except one may choose and the other not? We do not understand much of the thinking in your country."

Daniel and the governor looked at one another, appreciating what the ambassador had said.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Ambassador, you are correct," the governor commented. "It has only been relatively recent that we have been willing to acknowledge the beauty of the boy child and encouraged families to share that beauty with all. In the past we have allowed too many parties with goals far less than protecting our most valuable asset, our children who are our future, to treat the child as a thing. It is now our hope to be able to protect that child. To that end we have invited guests who could be key figures in our efforts to undo many of our past mistakes. With your consent we would like for them to talk to your boys, and possibly the chief and priest, and learn."

As the men spoke, they heard the sounds of cars arriving. Turning, they saw three cars pull into the parking lot. As the occupants exited their vehicles, two more cars drove in. Daniel and the governor noticed that getting out of the fourth car was Gerald (Jerry) Karrington, the current Speaker of the House, and staunch opponent of New Horizons or any bill addressing slavery that could have a negative economic impact on the large business interests in his district.

Accompanying him were his wife and young son.

Daniel and the governor looked at one another, both knowing it was show time. Excusing themselves, they approached the new arrivals to welcome them to the meeting. As the legislators were greeted, more cars arrived. Soon, all of the invitees, many with their wives and sons, had arrived. Before all were greeted, the helicopter carrying Randy and additional news people appeared on the horizon.

"Gentlemen, it appears that a photo-op has presented itself," the governor commented. "What say we all gather together and allow our public to see us in the paper?"

The governor was well aware that part of being a politician was to keep one's face and name before the public, in a positive way, as often as possible. No self-respecting politician ever turned his back on a good photo-op. Amos Crawford, Ron Wilson and Dr. Thompson joined the group. As the group followed the photographer's instructions, Danny came running up to Daniel.

"You want your picture taken, little man?"

"Okay," Danny answered as Daniel lifted the naked boy up into his arms.

Danny wrapped one arm around Daniel's neck and twisted every way possible to see what the other people were doing. Danny stared at some of the boys that had just arrived; the new arrivals stared at Danny.

Danny turned to whisper to Daniel. "They's wearin' clothes. They been bad?"

Everyone who had heard Danny laughed. His innocence and sincerity were priceless.

"No, it's just that no one has told them it's okay to make themselves comfortable around here,"

Daniel answered honestly.

When the photos had been taken, Daniel turned back to Danny.

"Did you come running up here just to get in the picture?"

Danny shook his head. "Me and some of them other boys want ta play and Sean said I had ta come ask you if it was okay."

"Let me guess, you want to play mud monsters. Right?"

Danny's response was a big smile. Daniel looked around and, spotting Sean, walked towards the older boy.

While Daniel handled Danny's pressing issue, one of the legislator's sons had an issue.

"Mom, all the boys here get ta go without clothes. Can I?"

"JR, you know better," came the angry voice of the boy's father. "No son of mine is going to run around naked like some slave."

"But Dad, these boys aren't slaves. You said so comin' over here."

"Maybe they aren't technically slaves now, but . . . ."

"But nothing," the boy's mother interrupted. "Every young boy in our neighborhood runs around without clothes except for our JR because you're afraid of what people might think.

Well, it's high time to face the fact that he's a boy just like all the others and he wants to enjoy himself just like the others. Ralph, you and I have had this discussion before and I've always been willing to let you have your way, but not this time. The law says boys his age can run free in public and it seems to me that most of them do. JR is going to be able to run around and play just like the other boys whether that's wearing a tuxedo, jeans, shorts, or nothing. He's a beautiful child that I'm proud to call my son and I don't want him thinking otherwise."

"He's my son, too! You seem to forget that a man in my position must keep appearances, Catherine; his family, too. Just because the law says it's alright, doesn't make it so all the time."

"He's a boy, Ralph Simmons. His responsibility now is to be a child and not worry about what any politician thinks is appropriate. Let him be a child for the few short years that God gave him. No one's asking you to take your clothes off!"

Ralph took a deep breath and blew it out. He took another deep breath and saw the people around them looking at the spectacle. He knew his wife well enough to know that he wasn't going to win this one.

"Gentlemen," the governor's voice interrupted. "Shall we all go inside and talk? Ladies, Elizabeth Risler is here with us and would like to invite all of you to join her in a discussion I believe all of you may find interesting."

"What about the children?" one lady called out.

"Some of the staff are organizing games for them now. There will be soccer games for those interested. For any boys young enough and with their parent's permission, there is also a game of mud monsters starting shortly." The governor grinned, knowing that the ladies as mothers to young boys at one time or another, were most likely familiar with the game and how the boys would look within a few minutes.

The boys turned to look at their parent or parents. With a nod or smile from the parents, the boys quickly shed their clothes, piling them under a tree, and ran off. JR was leading the pack.

• • • • "Randy, did anyone tell you what was happening here?" Daniel asked the boy.

"No, sir, not really. I was just told that somethin' was happenin' with the twins and my brother and cousins and you wanted me here. I didn't ask much. I figured if you needed me here, I was gonna be here. That helicopter flight though was a little different; I'm not too sure I liked that too much. Is there somethin' wrong, Mr. Dan'l?"

"No, there's nothing wrong. However, I think I must tell you that things will be changing a little.

You see, the twins' family has been located and they'll be going home."

Randy stopped walking and turned to look at Daniel.

"We didn't think they had any family 'cept us."

"I know," Daniel answered, understanding the boy's surprise. "However, it's been confirmed with tests that they are who these people claim. The twins are actually from South America, and there's quite a story that goes with them. Let's find Evan and the other boys and we'll talk about it. Also, the twins' family wants to honor the four of you for what you did for the boys. I'll explain more in a few minutes."

• • • • The governor had escorted the legislators into a meeting room. It was time for politics.

"Gentlemen. First, I want to thank all of you for accepting our invitation. When I say 'our invitation' I'm including not only myself, but Amos, Ron, Dr. Thompson, whom I believe all of you are acquainted with, Grandpa, again whom I believe all of you are acquainted with, Daniel who heads New Horizons, and the boys that we currently have here.

"You will notice that there are three other gentlemen with us. They are Victor Owens with the state department, Thomas Franklin with INS, and Carl Hendrix, a federal marshal. Their roles in this matter will be explained as our story unfolds.

"In a few minutes, you will be introduced to an ambassador from South America and two other dignitaries. These additional dignitaries are very high-ranking representatives of the Mayan people. We have determined that two of the boys that New Horizons has been caring for were actually victims of a kidnapping several years ago. The boys are from South America and are Mayan. They will be returning home in two or three days."

"Excuse me, governor," one legislator spoke up. "I'll assume that the boys' identities have been corroborated. However, what does that have to do with us being here today?"

"I'm trying to get to that part now," the governor replied. "As you know, recently, a raid was made on several businesses in this area, businesses that relied on the services of young boys.

The reason for the raids was that we believed the businesses were sequestering young boys that had been ordered surrendered to authorities. During the raids, we discovered four additional boys, all Mayan, that were also victims of kidnappings.

"You gentlemen are invited to participate in the ceremony turning all the boys over to the South American dignitaries and all the favorable publicity associated with the transfer.

"I won't insult you by pretending that's the only reason you were asked here today. There is more to the invitation than merely assisting with returning the boys and allowing you to present a positive image to your constituents. We will pass out to each of you a folder that contains historical facts, time lines, and other data of interest relative to the current state of affairs surrounding slavery in our home state. All of you know, or should be aware, that gathered in this room, at this moment, are all the key personnel needed to successfully pass legislation that would have a profound effect on slavery in our state. All of you are invited to participate in drafting legislation that will correct the injuries imposed by greed. But first, I want to give you a history of how we got to this point."

"Excuse me, Governor," another legislator interrupted. "Are you aware that most everyone in the room is a strong supporter of our current system? Do you really believe that we will back any bill designed to go against the big business interests in our respective districts?"

"Gentlemen, a very famous man in our history once said 'The best deed in the world, after creating human life, is saving human life.' I think it's interesting that the declaration was made relative to abolishing slavery. The speaker, by the way, was Abraham Lincoln. When you see what we have to present to you, we believe you will not only support the change, but openly push to have the bill approved as soon as possible. The first thing I am going to ask you to do is leave this room and wander these grounds. Talk to the boys you see. Ask them about their experiences. Ask them about their families. Above all, ask them about their hopes for their future. We will have lunch with the boys, and then the first ceremony involving the Mayan boys will take place. Afterwards, we'll begin our work in earnest."

• • • • "Ladies, I'm afraid we are going to find ourselves in the position of being second class citizens this afternoon; we are truly unwanted." Elizabeth was addressing the wives of the legislators.

She tried to smile and convey a message that, while true, should not be interpreted as demeaning.

After introducing herself for the benefit of any who might not know who she was, Elizabeth spoke to the ladies, explaining about the twins, and then the additional four boys that were recovered during the raid. She also explained, as delicately as she could, the test and ceremony the young twins would be subjected to. While a few of the ladies reacted as though they were startled, or even offended, several of the ladies had trouble hiding their smiles.

"Boys will be boys," someone in the room commented, causing an outburst of laughter.

"How true," another lady offered. "And sometimes it doesn't seem to matter how old they are!"

"Yes, but that shouldn't mean that we have to observe their actions!"

"Oh, Jessica, stop being such a prude," another lady admonished. "My boys have been at your home and have come back and told me some of the things that go on at your place. Why do you think they like coming over so much? Everyone in here knows that not only do your boys run around nude, your whole family is nothing but closet nudists. Are you going to tell me you and Ron haven't had a little fun in the sun yourselves?"

Jessica's only response was to act a little shocked and then blush while trying to hide a smile.

Elizabeth was relieved that the ladies had felt relaxed enough to express their thoughts and share a light moment with the group; it was apparent most of these ladies knew one another. She stood quietly for a couple of minutes, allowing the ladies to settle down.

"Ladies, a few of you I know from either seeing you in the news with your husbands, or attending various functions. Others, I have not had the privilege of meeting, but hope we do get to know one another before this visit ends.

"One of the reasons you have been asked here is to discuss, both as wives and as mothers, the same subject the men are discussing in another room. I want to be fair with you; therefore, I need to tell you that I will be making a report on our discussion today. However, unless you specifically authorize me to use your name, my report will only say that a group of ladies met to discuss our topic. We do not want to put anyone on the spot or in an embarrassing position. It is my hope that by making this promise to you, that you will feel free to openly share your thoughts."

"May we ask what the topic is?" Jessica asked.

"My God! Not only is she a prude, she's dense to boot!"

"Ladies, please. A little civility. We don't need to make one person a target." Elizabeth needed to calm the group before a cat fight erupted.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the offending lady responded, sounding sincere. "It's just that it's so obvious.

Let us ask you a question. Do you expect us to have some kind of influence with our husbands on this subject? I've always made it a point to try and stay out of the political discussions."

"Since when!?" The declaring lady stood and looked around her; the other ladies became quiet and returned her look. "Maybe it's time for a little more honesty, ladies. We all know one another. We've had many luncheons where the topic of conversation was our husband's politics and how we don't always agree with them. I doubt there's one person in here who hasn't admitted to not agreeing with their husband at one time or another. All of us have also admitted to sitting on our backsides and being the good little political wife, i.e. keeping our mouths shut and doing what is expected of us. I, for one, am willing to admit that my husband has been a strong supporter of slavery and supported all the amendments that have gotten us where we are today. I'm personally embarrassed to say that includes selling children as property. I'm embarrassed for only one reason – I didn't have the gumption to tell him he was wrong and he should tell those big business supporters of his to take a hike!"

"You're damn right, Lissie! Just because our husbands don't have the balls to speak up for what's right doesn't mean we have to stay silent. One of those bastards tried to come after one of my boys, I guarantee I know where to kick him where it'll hurt! I'm a mother first and a politician's wife last."

"Ladies. Ladies, please." A matronly woman stood and looked at the ladies gathered in the room. "All of us know the language. Is it really necessary that we become vulgar? All of us know what this is about, and we're all equally guilty. Most of you know that we had a boy slave in our house. He was a servant for our son. In time he became a sort of playmate and friend to our son. All of you have heard why we had to get rid of him. Maybe it's time you hear the truth."

Elizabeth looked around the room. When this lady spoke, the other ladies listened. While never having been personally introduced, Elizabeth knew this was Jeanne Baker; her husband was the senate whip. There was an air about her that demanded respect. The natural leader for this group had stepped forward. Elizabeth remained sitting in her chair and let events unfold.

"Like most boy slaves, ours was the son of a family that found itself in financial trouble. He was sold, maybe sacrificed would be a better term, to keep the parents and a couple of siblings from being enslaved. Many of you know the size of our home and the grounds. We acquired the boy to assist with landscape maintenance and anything else that needed to be done around our home.

Another consideration was to place him under the supervision and care of our son. We thought our son could learn valuable lessons about responsibility and decision making.

"The story everyone knows is how unruly the boy was and that we sold him to a commercial farming enterprise where he would work in the fields and not be able to cause trouble. That was the story that was told; it wasn't the truth.

"The boy's name was Dillon. Our son's name is Ronald, or Ronnie. Our plan seemed to be working well and we were pleased with Dillon. What we didn't know was that Ronnie and Dillon were not just master and slave. The boys became friends and Ronnie allowed Dillon to do things most masters forbade. At first, I didn't think there was any real harm. The violations were simple things like Dillon talking with Ronnie, just speaking up without asking permission to talk. Sometimes, I would hear both boys laughing and I enjoyed the sound. Unfortunately, my husband didn't feel the same way.

"One day he heard the boys laughing and decided to investigate. Both boys were sitting on Ronnie's bed talking and, I guess, just horsing around like boys are prone to do on occasion.

When my husband walked into the room, Dillon jumped off the bed and assumed the present position, but it was too late. Arthur was not happy; the boys were acting more like friends than master and slave. He sent Dillon to the garden shed. I heard him chastising Ronnie. Ronnie was in tears.

"Arthur went out to the garden shed and I went upstairs to talk to Ronnie. While we were talking I heard Dillon cry out. When I got to the shed, I saw Dillon tied to the punishment frame.

Arthur was using a paddle on him. I was told this was man's business and I was to go back into the house. Like an obedient wife, I did as I was told. I still feel guilt to this day. I could hear the paddle strike that poor child's bare bottom. He would cry out and I felt as though a part of me, inside, died.

"When Arthur came back in he told me I was to leave the boy where he was. He also said that Ronnie and I had ruined the boy as a good slave and he'd have to be sent off to a retraining facility. Again, like a dutiful wife, I remained silent. That night I lay in bed with tears running down the side of my face while I stared at the ceiling. The wife in me said to do one thing while the mother in me said to do another; the mother won out. I got up and went out to the shed.

Arthur had left Dillon tied to the punishment frame. I untied him and we sat on the floor. The rest of the night I spent holding that child. It was also when I knew, deep inside, that I hated the idea of a child being enslaved.

"He was just a scared little boy who didn't understand why he had to be a slave. We spent the night talking about his family, his siblings, and his little dog. All he could do was ask what he had done that was so wrong. Why had he been taken away from his family, his friends, the life he knew and was happy in? The only answer I could come up with was 'nothing'.

"I'll spare you the details. I will tell you that I stood my ground and refused to allow that child to be sent to a retraining facility. If any of you don't know what those places are, what they do, and how they break people apart, ask someone who does. I promise that you won't like the answer. We did send Dillon away. He's with people I know and I keep track of him to this day.

He's also free.

"There's something else I do, also, because of Dillon. I don't speak out in public against my husband's political positions. I love my husband and support him as a wife should. However, I do work behind the scenes donating money, time and contacts to help raise money to support New Horizons. Any society that is willing to sacrifice its youth is a society that has sold its soul to the money gods and lost perspective on what made this country great.

"That's my opinion and I'll stand by it. Before we leave here today, or tomorrow, or whenever the time comes, I would have no problem expressing that opinion to the governor, the media, or anyone else willing to listen. I'm no longer willing to be the dutiful wife and keep quiet. It's time for us to speak our minds and stop being puppets."

Terri Karrington sat quietly as she listened to Jeanne tell her story, remembering what had happened in her own family. The outcome had not been as fortunate for the boy; a fact that continued to make her feel guilty.

The room remained quiet. Elizabeth debated in her own mind whether the ladies didn't want to say something opposing what they had heard, or if the quiet signaled their agreement.

"Well, that may be well and good for you, but just how do you propose that all the unpaid debts owed honest business people, and expenses of supporting these homeless children be paid? Is it fair for me to have to deny my children?" The woman's voice was full of anger and bitterness.

Before the questions could be answered, there was a knock at the door.

The legislators had left the meeting room and walked the grounds in groups of two, three and four. All of the men knew what the governor was proposing and wanted. All of the men also wanted to know how their fellow politicians felt about the governor's plan.

"Gentlemen, it's no secret what the governor is going to ask of us. However, I do have some serious issues with his proposal," Arthur stated.

"You aren't the only one with issues, and I, for one, do not plan on supporting the governor's plan." Another legislator offered his support of the senate whip's position.

"How can you make such a declaration when the governor hasn't even outlined his plan to us?" a legislator challenged.

"I believe the governor's past actions make it clear that he wants to abolish slavery," Arthur argued. "Maybe someone needs to remind him why we reintroduced slavery in the first place.

Most people object to sending their hard-earned money supporting miscreants that refuse to abide by the laws the rest of us are required to follow. Don't you remember the backlash from voters when the study of our system found that most prisoners were living a life of luxury they would never be able to afford outside the penal system? They had air-conditioning, color television, three good meals a day, shelter, and no responsibilities. It cost tax payers more money each day to support one prisoner than the average worker made."

"Arthur, you're leaving out one very important point, aren't you? The reason we approved slavery was to do away with country club atmosphere for criminals, I agree, but why have we amended the statutes to include such a broad range of offenders. I'll say it more clearly. Why did we sell out and agree to amend the statutes to include innocent children?"

"We didn't," Arthur countered. "If you recall it was a Supreme Court decision that said children were property of their parents. The legislature didn't have anything to do with that."

"That's a load of crap and you know it! The legislature passed law after law narrowing the definition of dependency and liability. The ruling was the result of big business paying big bucks to lobbyists. It was done at the encouragement of business that wanted some way to collect bad debts. Business people who made bad decisions needed a way to recover their losses so they could cover their own sorry asses with their stockholders. Worse than them, too many of us bought into the argument and have done nothing but look for excuses to justify what we did.

I, for one, am willing to listen to the governor and if he can give me a plan to undo this mess, I'm willing to at least listen.

"There's something else all of us need to understand, too. Look at the folder you were given this morning. In the back it lists the major investors in those whore houses they raided a few days ago. Check the investors, then check the stock holders of those investors. Some of those names might look familiar."

"What are you saying?" one legislator demanded.

"What I'm saying is real simple. Some retirement plans probably lost a good bit of value during the past few days. It was the kind of value a lot of people might frown on."

The men turned as they saw the Speaker of the House approach, followed by several of the legislators.

"Jerry, we're glad you're here. You've been a strong supporter of the slavery laws. We're interested in hearing what you have to say about the governor's plans."

"Before I say anything, I want to hear his plans. When he presents them, I'll respond.

However, at the moment we've been asked to join the others to witness this Mayan ceremony.

The Ambassador will stay with us and translate what's happening. Afterwards, there's to be a luncheon and then we get down to business with the governor."

The legislators were surprised to hear that both the speaker and the whip, both having reputations as staunch supporters of the slavery laws, were not adamantly opposing what the governor obviously was going to propose.

• • • • All of the men and boys formed a circle as directed by the High Priest. There was a narrow opening that the three sets of twin boys would enter through. The opening would close once the boys were in the circle. The Chief and High Priest stood in the middle of the circle. The legislators, Governor and other guests stood to one side. With them was the ambassador who would act as translator and interpreter for the ceremonies.

The priest held his arms out at about a forty-five degree angle from his body, palms up. He began a chant as he turned his face towards the sky.

"The priest is asking the gods to grant their blessings on the people gathered around the circle.

He is also asking for their protection for everyone," the ambassador explained in a low voice.

While the priest continued his chant in a sing-song tone, the boys approached. The boys were aligned with the oldest twins in front, the middle twins next, followed by Bill and John. Daniel watched the youngest boys and noticed that neither of them appeared anxious, but relaxed like they did this every day. When they were about three feet in front of the priest, the boys stopped, dropped to their knees and looked directly into the priest's eyes. The priest looked at the boys and began a new chant as he waved his hands over the boys.

"The priest is now blessing the boys and thanking the gods on behalf of the people for blessing them with the twins."

When the priest finished his prayer, the oldest twins rose and stood to either side of the chief and priest. The group stepped forward and the same prayer was repeated for the middle set of twins who then rose and took their positions on either side of the oldest twins. The group stepped forward to address the youngest twins, Bill and John. The chief said something to the boys and they responded with a brief answer. The priest then said something and the boys began speaking as one.

"The chief asked the boys who they were and what they wanted. When the boys answered, the priest then asked them to identify themselves. The boys are now reciting their lineage, which is one of the requirements. When they complete this part, the two oldest boys will then step to the sides, facing each other, and allow the youngest boys to complete the ceremony they should have had five years ago."

When the two young boys stopped their recitation, the chief and priest looked down on the boys and smiled. The priest asked the boys a question to which the boys only nodded in response.

With a nod from the priest, the young boys turned and faced the oldest boys. When the priest began a low chant, Bill and John placed a light kiss to either side of the oldest boys' penises and then began to bathe the shaft with their tongues. While the young boys cleaned the shafts, each of the oldest boys placed their fingertips on the shoulders of the boy in front of them. Looking towards the sky, the oldest boys spread their feet about fifteen inches apart and began a chant.

Both boys had stoic expressions.

"The oldest boys must remain perfectly still. As the chant progresses, the young boys have been told what they must do at certain points. When they have gotten the older boys to a full erection, and at the right moment in the chant, the young boys must swallow the older boys' shaft in a single movement without gagging. You'll soon notice that the oldest boys are what many would consider to be well endowed. If they gag, that is considered a sign of ejection from the gods.

They must hold the shaft in their throats and, using only their throat muscles, coax the seeds of knowledge from the older boys. This is the part that we are concerned over. When the boys are young they receive training on how to discipline their bodies to hold the shaft for an extended period without breathing. If they can do this now, it is considered to be a great blessing from the gods."

Daniel watched the scene, concerned that the boys may not be able to complete the task; more concerned they may hurt themselves trying. The older boys chant increased in tempo and volume. As the pitch rose, the two younger boys sat back on their heals and then, simultaneously, placed the older boys shaft to their lips and forcefully moved to swallow the entire shaft. Both boys succeeded without gagging; neither moved. Daniel looked closely and could see the boys' throat muscles moving. The two oldest boys never moved their bodies or changed their expressions.

The entire group watched in silence, respectful of what was happening. As they watched and the chant continued to crescendo, Daniel became concerned. Looking at the other boys, particularly Brian and Josh, Daniel could read the concern etched in their faces. The young twins' throat muscles continued to move while the boys merely held their hands on the sides of the older boys' hips.

Suddenly, one of the older boys cried out, quickly followed by a cry from his twin. The two boys rose up on their toes and, simultaneously, pushed Bill and John off their shafts. The two young boys, who should have been gasping for air, weren't even breathing hard. The older boys continued to shoot their juices onto Bill and John's faces. Many of the boys in the crowd voiced their approval. Bill and John turned to face the chief and priest, opening their mouths to prove they had drunk the seeds of knowledge. The chief and priest smiled and nodded at the boys.

When the chief and priest nodded, the middle twins dropped to their knees with Bill and John, as did the oldest boys. The two older sets of twins then began to lick the juices from the faces of Bill and John. Soon all six boys were hugging and the young boys congratulated.

Daniel visually scanned the group of boys and noticed that a number of them had become aroused from observing the activities. He couldn't help but smile inwardly; after all, most of these boys were teens with raging hormones. What Daniel did observe, and what made him proud of the boys, was that most of those aroused were trying to not be too obvious about their physical state. Many of the boys actually appeared to be blushing. All were making a serious effort to be serious and respectful.

The celebration quickly ceased on a word from the priest. The oldest twins quickly stepped behind the chief and priest. The middle twins now stood to the side as the priest again addressed the youngest boys. The oldest twins seemed to be out of this part of the ceremony. Questions and answers were with the middle and youngest twins only.

"The priest is again asking the youngest twins to identify themselves. He is also asking who stands for them, or sponsors them. The middle twins have vouched for the young boys and offered to give them the seed of life. While intense, you will find this part of the ceremony very loving and giving. The boys must not only bond physically, but spiritually, as well. It is difficult to explain, you can see it happening as they progress."

The group continued to watch the proceedings. With a signal from the priest, each of the two middle boys stepped behind one of the younger boys, who remained on their knees. All four boys now looked down as the priest again recited something. Daniel assumed it was a prayer.

When the priest stopped the two older boys slowly sat down and lay back. Daniel couldn't help but notice how fluidly they moved. The two youngest boys looked up at the priest who placed his hands on each boy's shoulders and then leaned down, placing a kiss to their forehead.

Daniel felt it strange to be thinking of the two boys as Bill and John; but, that is how they had always known them. The boys would have different names now, Mayan names, as they reentered their own culture. To Daniel, and many others, they would always be Bill and John.

Bill and John positioned themselves between the legs of their respective mentor. Neither was embarrassed at being watched as they bent down, kissed their mentor's maleness and bathed the shafts to a throbbing erection. Looking at one another and appearing to communicate without speaking a word, the boys moved up on their mentor's bodies. Straddling their hips, each young boy reached down and positioned his mentor's shaft at a boy's most protected opening. Looking into their mentor's eyes, and seemingly at some unseen signal, both boys released the shafts and allowed their bodies to suddenly fall, impaling themselves in one swift move.

"AAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYIIIIEEEEE!" both boys screamed and fell forward.

The boys lay on their mentors for only a moment. Each rose slowly, chanting.

• • • • "Did you hear that scream? Sounds like one of the boys has been hurt!" one of the ladies anxiously interrupted the discussion.

"No," another responded. "I don't think that sounded like a hurt cry. It sounded more like a victory or celebration yell."

The ladies looked at one another. Almost all of them wanted to go outside and see what was happening with the boys. All of the ladies knew they had been told not to go near the activities.

Their presence was taboo.

"I agree," Elizabeth offered her support. "With my boys that would be an 'I win' yell, not an 'I'm hurt' yell. Daniel's with the boys; he won't let anything happen to them."

• • • • The ladies were not the only ones trying to observe from inside. Dr. Thompson and Grandpa were in a room with Calvin. His old master was among the legislators and no one knew how he might react should he see the boy. There was less chance of a disturbance if the boy was kept out of sight.
• • • • "The pain the boys just subjected themselves to is symbolic of the pain of birth," the ambassador explained to the group. "The boys will recite a prayer to be deemed worthy to receive the seed of manhood so that they may grow strong and be deemed worthy to serve the people. At the same time they are pledging themselves to the people and to serve and protect their mentors to the death.

"The two older boys are also saying a prayer to be deemed worthy to teach and protect the younger boys. In their prayer they also pledge themselves to protect the people and their young charges to the death."

"I'll assume that the middle twins experienced this same ceremony with the oldest twins?"

Daniel asked.

"Yes. That is why, when they were all kidnapped, the middle twins felt that they had to forfeit their lives; they had violated their oath."

"But, under that same reasoning, didn't the oldest twins violate their oath to protect their charges? Yet, there was no indication they were forfeiting their lives," Daniel commented.

"That is true," the ambassador responded. "What we don't know is all the facts surrounding the kidnapping itself. For some reason the younger boys felt they had failed. Fortunately, the chief and priest were able to clear the situation."

Daniel and the rest of the group stood by quietly, observing the boys. Bill and John had ridden the older boys now for more than an hour. Sweat poured off the boys' bodies. Daniel looked at their faces, particularly into their eyes, and realized all four boys were in a self-induced trance.

He also recognized that none of the boys appeared to be tiring; they appeared almost serene.

"How long will they keep this up?" Daniel asked. "I don't mean to sound crude, but those older twins have already released their seed several times. How can they keep going?"

"When the boys were in the sweat lodge, they were all given fluids. The fluids contained a secret formula that acts as an aphrodisiac. The boys will continue until the youngest twins can go no longer. At the end, if they fall into their mentor, they are deemed worthy. If they fall to the side, they are judged unworthy and will not return with us."

Daniel looked at the ambassador, stunned. No one had mentioned this to him.

When the boys reached the point in time where an incense candle had burned down to a painted mark, the chief and priest began a chant. Both men looked to the boys forming the circle and repeated the chant. Slowly, the boys realized they were supposed to join in the chant. Both the volume and pace of the chant increased.

One of the young boys froze, the other quickly followed. Daniel watched as both boys just seemed go completely limp and collapse into the arms of their mentor. Looking closely, Daniel realized that both young boys were almost in a fetal position; their faces serene.

The chief and priest watched the boys. Both men looked at Daniel and gave him a slight smile.

The bond had been made.

Daniel felt the bitter-sweet moment. When the time came, he would miss the boys, but knew they were back where they belonged.

End Ch 116

To Be Continued

Comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com