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in
13_warrior
Gods and Monsters, Part 12
Gods and Monsters, Part 12
Rated NC-17
Notes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11
Archive: my LJ and 13_warrior only
Ahmed finished the sentence on the tenth copy of a letter and straightened stiffly. His back was developing that fourth-hour ache, but he could go a while longer before having to walk it off. He only needed to finish two more copies and then he could ask Irene for another task.
The library was quiet today, a week after his fight with Herger. Herger was gone and Irene's children were with their tutor, so no noise from them filtered through the sprawling house. Ensconced in his apartment in the far wing, Ahmed felt largely isolated, and he valued the privacy.
He finished the letter just as his door opened. Looking up, he saw Irene enter the room, and stood immediately.
"Ahmed, how is your work coming?"
He smiled and touched the papers on his desk. "Fine, madam. I will be finished shortly."
Elias poked his head around the doorway, eyeing Ahmed owlishly as his mother continued. "You may stop for now. Have you heard of the race today at the hippodrome?"
Ahmed shook his head.
"All of the city will be there, as will I and my family. Please, find Herger and join us."
"I would be honored, madam." He smiled broadly, happy to be taking a break and seeing yet another new sight in the city. Irene nodded and shooed her son back out of the room, closing the door behind her.
He found Herger a few blocks away, at the nearest public house. He was learning some strange game involving stones and a board of miniature bowls in two rows. Ahmed waited until a match ended before tapping Herger on the shoulder. Herger stood and followed Ahmed outside.
"I was bored with that anyway. A child could figure out the strategy in two plays. What is it?"
"Irene would like us to accompany her to the hippodrome." At Herger's blank look, Ahmed added, "Where the races are held."
Herger immediately brightened. "Races?"
"With horses and chariots." Ahmed couldn't help but smile as Herger's enthusiasm.
"Let us go, then! Lead the way!"
With Herger pushing him on, Ahmed laughed and led the way back to the house.
They met Irene and her children in the foyer. Irene looked at Herger, wearing his usual clothing and weapons, and shook her head.
"You cannot take your sword. It is not allowed."
Herger scowled at that. Irene merely smiled and pointed to the hilt pointing out of his boot. "You may keep that knife, however."
Herger took off his scabbard and handed it to a slave. When it was clear of his hands, he pulled the long knife out of his boot and tucked it alongside his hip instead. That satisfied Irene.
The family would be taking litters to the arena, while Herger and Ahmed were to walk alongside. But when they went out to the street, the boys insisted on walking with the men. Irene reluctantly allowed it. The group walked through the higher class's quarter, past the emperor's palace to the hippodrome.
The sight when they got into the hippodrome was worth the cold sea wind and dusty streets of the walk. Ahmed and Herger were both amazed to see the massive sloped sides of the arena rising above the U-shaped field of play, and the tens of thousands of citizens filling the space. There were few sights in the world that could compare.
Four bronze horses reared from the roof of the royal box at one end, while in the middle of the arena were a variety of monuments lined lengthwise down the huge field. Other statues of horses and chariot drivers lined the arena. The track surrounded the spina of monuments in the center, several times wider than the track of the arena in Rome.
Herger and Ahmed followed Irene and her family to the nearest end of the field and began climbing up the hill. She had a selection of seats behind and to the right of the emperor's box. Ahmed and Herger sat behind the family with the male slave who had been carrying their belongings.
Ahmed quickly noticed that there seemed to be many banners, flags, and even ladies' veils of blue or green, with few other colors in sight. After they were seated, Irene turned slightly to talk to them.
"The colors are for the teams," she explained, gesturing to the opposite slope. "I favor the Venetii," she added, and Ahmed realized she had purposefully chosen a sapphire blue veil to wear. "The emperor prefers the Prasinoi chariots."
"Have you wagered on these races, madam?"
Irene smiled and shook open a Chinese fan, her eyes scanning the field. "There are few who do not."
Ahmed leaned closer. The crowd was getting louder, and he sensed Herger getting restless next to him. "I have heard tales of the rivalry turning into riots where thousands have died. What do you have planned in the event of such a thing?"
Irene pointed toward the emperor's box. "With the Imperial Guards so close, I have never had a problem." At that moment a couple walking by called her name, and she stood to greet them with a smile and began talking animatedly in Greek.
As Ahmed sat back, he glanced at Herger. His friend's eyes were intently scanning the crowd and the track, taking in everything at once. Ahmed noticed that Herger's body was tense and his breathing quick. He was excited, and seemed ready for something. Ahmed clasped his hands between his knees and looked around, wondering if Herger knew something he did not.
After an hour of waiting, the races had still not started. Irene's slave had fetched her a pillow to lean against and poured her a cup of wine, so she was comfortable while chatting with friends and keeping the children entertained. The emperor arrived in his box with some fanfare. Herger had wandered off to explore, while Ahmed was growing drowsy from the sun beating down on his black clothing.
At the sound of horns, he straightened. Everyone scurried to their seats. Herger jogged up the hill and took his spot next to Ahmed as the crowd roared with renewed effort.
The emperor dropped the mappa from his box, some bit of bright fabric that flashed in the sunlight. The horses bolted forward, thundering down the track. Everyone stood at once.
Ahmed cursed the people whose heads were in his view and got to his feet just in time to see flashes of blue and green on the field below. Irene's children were hopping and yelling excitedly, Elias tugging on his mother's skirts. Everyone seemed just as giddy as the children. Even Irene, normally so reserved, gave Ahmed a broad smile before turning her attention back to the the track as the horses came around again.
Two chariots were destroyed within five minutes, both drivers from the green Prasinoi team. Boos of disapproval from fans of the Prasinoi began to filter through the cheers. Loyal to Irene as he was, Ahmed began cheering enthusiastically for the blue Venetii. He could not tell who Herger was cheering for, but his friend was yelling so loudly his face was red.
In the end, the Venetii won the race, with a chariot driven by a two powerful bays leading. Irene had mentioned to Ahmed that many races would be held before a winning team was decided, but a mass of people raced from their seats to the track before the chariots lined up again. Irene reached for her daughter's hand. Ahmed saw the motion and leaned forward to speak over the deafening noise.
"What is wrong?"
Irene's voice came faint; she was facing away from him, still watching the seething crowd below. "I do not know."
But Ahmed quickly figured it out. He could see Venetii supporters fighting with Prasinoi supporters, and Prasinoi supporters starting up into the stands to pick more fights.
Directly below them, a large group of lower class men started up the slope. Several of the emperor's guards began pushing back. Ahmed saw knives pulled. His blood began pounding, the noise of the crowd receding to the background.
"We are getting out of here," he yelled to Irene. "Now!"
The emperor's guards had their swords drawn, but the crowd was now too big for them to hold back. Everywhere around them, Irene's friends and fellow businessmen were scrambling for the exits. Ahmed smelled smoke and heard horses whinnying in panic.
Herger's hand clapped onto his shoulder. "You get the children. I will--"
When he didn't finish, Ahmed looking over his shoulder. Herger was struggling with a man Ahmed didn't recognize.
That wasn't quite right. Herger's knife was sticking out of the man's body.
Herger pushed him away, the knife sliding out of his chest. Red blood gushed over his green robe.
Irene's daughter began screaming. Ahmed whipped around and picked up the two boys, meeting Irene's gaze. "Follow me."
They hurried across the trampled grass, slipping on discarded cloaks and spilled wine. The boys were too heavy for Ahmed to carry but began running on their own when he set them down. He could hear Thecla behind him, whimpering but no longer screaming, which meant Irene was with her. If Irene had fallen behind, he would hear renewed screams. But Herger he could not hear, and he did not dare a glance over his shoulder for fear of losing his step.
When they reached the street, Ahmed pulled the boys out of the flow of foot traffic and stopped. Irene caught up and stooped, pulling her daughter into her arms. And there, there was Herger, hardly out of breath.
"Do not stop," he said brusquely to Ahmed.
"Their litter--"
"We do not have the time. We go by foot."
Ahmed nodded, patting the eldest boy on the shoulder. "Follow Herger, Palladius."
Ahmed waited until Elias joined his brother, and then fell into step with Irene and Thecla. "Are you all right, madam?"
"Just out of breath," she laughed, but the sound was forced. She patted Thecla's shoulder, keeping her other arm firmly wrapped around her shoulders. "We are fine. Thank you for your help, Ahmed," she added, meeting his gaze as they walked. "I want to speak with you and Herger when we reach home."
He nodded, then had to focus on Herger's head as they moved through alleys and cross streets. Herger, having learned the city thoroughly, was leading them on a winding route. Ahmed had to be attentive to make sure they were not separated.
They returned to the house safely, and were met at the doors by Irene's servants. The one man who had been with them at the hippodrome had returned to the house without meeting harm, to Irene's relief. Irene took her children to their rooms and then met with Ahmed and Herger in the sitting room.
"Please sit," she said distractedly, ringing a small bell for a slave. When a girl arrived, she directed her to light some lamps, close the drapes, and pour refreshments for her and the two men. Within a few minutes, she sank onto her divan and touched her cheek with a cup in hand.
"I am much too warm, and my head hurts," she said after a moment of silence. "But I am grateful to you for getting me and my family home safely. You were right to worry," she said to Ahmed. "But not for the reasons you think." She paused to take a sip of wine.
"The man you killed was a slave, belonging to a man I know," she continued, looking at Herger. "His owner is my late husband's nephew, Basil."
Ahmed frowned and put down his cup. "It was not an attack?"
"He was trying to kill her, you fool." Herger took a gulp of wine and stood, putting his back to Ahmed.
"Stop that," Irene said sharply. Herger looked at her evenly, not saying anything more. She gave him a long look in return, not blanching from his strong gaze, then turned to Ahmed.
"It was an attack. Basil likely sent him to kill me so that he may obtain guardianship of my children. He longs for the power of my business and the control of my family."
While Ahmed absorbed this, Irene turned back to Herger. She stood and walked over to him, looking up from her diminutive height.
"I want to hire you to be my family's guardsman. I know what excellent fighters the Northmen are. Will you live up to the standard set by the Varangian soldiers, and accept?"
Ahmed smothered a smile, silently congratulating Irene on hitting at Herger's pride while making the offer.
Herger put his hand on the pommel of his knife. He bowed his head briefly; not so much a nod, but not prostrating himself before her. "I have already saved your lives for free. I would be foolish to refuse."
"That you are not," Irene said, with bite to her tone. She returned to her seat, curling up with her cup of wine. "This afternoon has strained us all to unpleasant ends. Please excuse me, gentlemen."
Ahmed rose and bowed silently as Herger walked out. He trailed his companion until the doors closed behind them, then quickened his step and clasped Herger's arm.
"I had not expected this of you."
"What?" Herger gave him a glance as he shook his arm free and kept walking. "To accept?"
"To care for her. That is why you were short with me, and why you took her offer."
Herger did not respond. Ahmed let that go and continued, "What did you see at the hippodrome?"
"The man had a knife. He was an easy kill."
Ahmed rolled his eyes heavenward at that. They walked in silence the rest of the way to their apartment before Ahmed continued. "I did not expect you to make to such a commitment. Now you are not so free to leave on a whim, are you?"
Herger dropped his knife and gloves to the floor, then reached out quickly and cupped Ahmed's genitals through his clothing. He grinned. "And give up all this?"
Ahmed nudged his hand away and went into the library, taking his seat behind the desk. "You could have sex anywhere, with me or with others. That's not why you stay."
"You are especially slow today, I think." Herger leaned across the desk and batted the empty pen out of Ahmed's hand. Ahmed sighed and braced his hands on the desk edge.
"I have stayed for many reasons, you included," Herger continued. "Now I stay because she will pay me. Does that satisfy you?"
"Yes," Ahmed said quietly.
Herger came around the desk and leaned his hip on the edge. Ahmed forced himself not to react as the letter there was creased by Herger's weight.
"You do not sound satisfied."
"I have work to do, and you are in my way."
"We have just saved their lives. Her letters can wait." Herger crossed his arms over his chest, not budging. Ahmed opened his mouth, but he was too tired to think of a quick response.
"This one cannot."
Irene was standing at the door, holding up a folded piece of paper. Herger moved away from the desk and watched her silently, arms still folded. Ahmed immediately went to her.
"Deliver that to the home of Petros Adralestos," she instructed him quietly. "He is a close friend of my husband, in high favor with the emperor. He is one of the few in the emperor's court I can trust for council about this attack. The letter must be delivered successfully, so I need someone I can rely on to take it. And Ahmed," she added as he accepted the letter, "do not let him bully you."
"Adralestos?"
"Herger." She patted his arm and left.
Ahmed asked one of Irene's slaves where Adralestos lived. He was far away, across the broad waters of the Golden Horn, in the Genoa quarter. In his trip to deliver the note, Ahmed had to pay for ferrymen to take him back and forth. It was after nightfall when he returned to his apartment.
As the slave at the front doors let him enter, it was whispered to him that dinner would be sent to his rooms, and that Irene had left word that he should let his work rest until the morrow. Ahmed nodded gratefully and trudged on, thinking only of putting a cool cloth on his brow and getting his boots off.
Herger was nowhere to be seen when he got into the main room. He washed his face and took off his dishdashah and turban, then answered the door when his food was delivered.
After he ate, he poured a cup of tea and stretched out on the bed. He meant to read some of a Roman general's treaty on the policies, strategies, and difficulties of leading an army, thinking that perhaps an insight into a cunning mind would teach him about the more dangerous aspects of Constantinople politics and society.
Instead, he woke later with the lamp still burning and the tea cold. Herger was standing above him with a hand on his shoulder, and gestured for him to get up.
He followed Herger to their small courtyard, where there was a stone bench with Herger's cloak thrown over it and a cup of wine on the ground. Herger sat down next to him and pulled him to lie back until they were stretched lengthwise along the bench. For a few minutes, Ahmed listened only to the faint sounds of the night.
"I have been out here thinking," Herger said finally. His mouth was close to Ahmed's ear, breath ruffling his hair. "I miss the quiet of sleeping out in the night air. How you could hear everything and nothing, and know you were among the only souls for an eternity in every direction. How bright the stars were."
Ahmed looked up. The stars were fainter in the city. He hadn't noticed.
He turned his head to address Herger. "So you do want to leave."
"No." One of the arms wrapped around his chest began to move, the hand stroking his side through his clothes. "Just thinking. I wish we could have travelled alone, just the two of us."
"But that would have been dangerous."
Herger said nothing. Ahmed felt as if he'd missed a crucial point, but there was no getting it back.
They lay in silence for a little while, not moving, just Herger's hand stroking his side absently. Ahmed had just felt his eyes start to drift closed when Herger moved his head. Warm lips pressed behind his ear.
The kisses trailed down his neck, with Ahmed tilting his head to allow them passage. The stroking hand moved from his side to the center of his body, brushing over the expanse of his chest and slipping into his trousers. Cool fingers combed through dense, curly hair and rubbed his belly, avoiding his prick.
Eventually Herger could reach no lower with his mouth, and pulled his hand free.
"Bed."
Ahmed hummed his agreement.
He followed Herger back inside and closed the doors behind him, then motioned for Herger to stop when his friend started to unlace his boots. After the awkward moment of conversation outside, he wanted to show Herger that he did care for him and wanted to be with him.
With Herger sitting on the edge of the bed, Ahmed knelt and unlaced the boots for him, loosening the criss-crossing ties running up the sides and pulling them off.
Next he stripped Herger's shirt over his head. The shirt had been cleaned and mended, though it was still simple and poorly constructed. Herger had refused to wear anything newer, and at this moment Ahmed realized he'd rather not see Herger wear anything that was not solely his.
Ahmed was still fully clothed and Herger had his trousers on, but Ahmed easily became distracted. He pressed Herger down onto the bed and crouched over him, pressing his mouth to the head of the monster inked on Herger's chest. Herger pushed his fingers into his hair and held his head as Ahmed began tracing the patterns with his lips, moving up Herger's chest and over his shoulder.
When he had kissed every line in reach on one design, he switched to another. The pattern called the "Greek key" ringed Herger's right arm, surrounded by swirling black curves and decorative dots that seemed characteristic of the Northmen. Ahmed followed the designs around, licking the soft skin on the underside of his arm and smelling his strong scent when Herger let his arm rest above his head. There were Latin letters above the crook of his elbow, "FCE," but Ahmed didn't know what they stood for.
The inked designs were a curious mix of styles and cultures, but they seemed so fitting for a man who made his home from the world.
Herger tugged on his hair gently. Ahmed kissed him deeply before whispering, "Do not leave without me."
Herger kissed him back. "I would not."
Ahmed lowered his mouth to Herger's again, but was surprised when Herger grabbed him by his tunic and rolled them over, fully onto the bed. It was in that moment that there was a shift; Herger stopped being passive and began to pull off Ahmed's clothes. He quickly stripped Ahmed naked, then pulled back to remove his own trousers.
Ahmed lay back on the pillows and pushed the covers down, inviting Herger to join him. Herger kicked off his pants and crawled onto the bed, skin and ink creating patterns of light and dark as he moved. He propped himself above Ahmed and pressed his pelvis down, rubbing his belly and arousal against Ahmed's heated body.
Ahmed pulled him down for a kiss and pressed up against him, running his hand down Herger's back and enjoying the feel of firm muscle and hot skin. Herger spread his legs to straddle Ahmed and lay down fully, pressing their chests together while their mouths were fused. The position freed Ahmed's cock from the pressure of Herger's body and nestled him up against Herger's backside.
Ahmed moved his hips experimentally, brushing his arousal into Herger's cleft, and felt Herger moan softly against his mouth. Herger then sat up and leaned across the bed for something on a nearby table. He retrieved whatever it was he wanted and groped for Ahmed's hand, putting the object into his palm while kissing him again.
It was the jar of oil, Ahmed realized.
He nudged Herger away and opened the jar, pouring a little of the oil out onto his fingers. Herger took the bottle and put it aside while Ahmed rubbed the oil around his fingers, thinking of what he was about to do.
In the seven days since their last fight and reconciliation, Ahmed had become more comfortable with sex. They had yet to move beyond penetration with fingers, but it was getting easier to accept. Even then, Ahmed occasionally hesitated.
Herger saw him thinking and took his hand, guiding it behind himself. "Two fingers," he whispered with a grin.
Ahmed nodded, touching Herger's now-familiar body. He found the entrance and carefully pressed one finger inside, watching his face for any sign of discomfort.
Herger sighed and shifted his hips. Ahmed felt the deep muscles inside tighten around his finger, like gentle bonds. Every time that happened Ahmed wanted to feel that ripple and pulse again, and to cause those muscles to do that. He pushed another finger in.
Herger grunted softly but didn't pull off. Ahmed remembered how Herger had thrust his fingers in and out of himself. He withdrew his fingers to push in deeper. Herger's mouth dropped open with a low groan as he rocked forward, hips rolling to move with Ahmed's fingers. "Yes."
Ahmed watched him intently, growing more aroused as he saw Herger enjoy the penetration. He ran his free hand over Herger's chest, trailing his fingers down to wrap around his erect cock. "Show me what to do."
Herger pushed into the circle of his fingers, breath hitching noticably. "Just this. Give me more." He swallowed and stopped moving.
Ahmed was confused for a moment while Herger picked up the oil, but his worries were quickly allayed. Herger drizzled the oil down the center of Ahmed's chest and rubbed it in with his hands. He purposefully dug his fingers into Ahmed's flesh, massaging and arousing, teasing his nipples. Ahmed was soon writhing, pumping his fingers in and out Herger's body and straining up against him for his own contact.
Herger moved his slick hands down to Ahmed's cock and took him in hand, spreading the oil up and down the shaft. In a few quick moves he reached back and pulled Ahmed's fingers out of his body, then shifted his hips backward and took Ahmed's cock inside him.
Ahmed cried out, fingers grasping for something to hold onto as he was assaulted by unfamiliar sensations. He found purchase in Herger's thighs and dug his fingers in, hips lifting off the bed in a frantic thrust. This was what he had been yearning for, for so long, without even knowing he wanted it. And it had come upon him so fast.
Herger laughed and braced his hands on Ahmed's shoulders, body moving easily with him. He leaned down and kissed Ahmed, speaking against his lips. "That's it. Hard. You can fuck me as hard as you want."
Ahmed couldn't respond. He was too overwhelmed with being inside someone again, not just in a mouth or a fist, but feeling his shaft gripped tightly by another person's body, massaged by warm, soft muscles.
He held on tightly and thrust into Herger's body again, moving more frantically as he quickly drew closer to his climax.
Herger moaned and sat up, his hands pressing on Ahmed's shoulders for leverage. He moved his hips with Ahmed's thrusts, sinking down onto his erection with a renewed groan every time. Ahmed could feel himself rubbing against some sort of firm bump. Remembering that Herger had touched some spot within him and what it had felt like, Ahmed understood now why Herger looked so undone by this simple act. It felt like thrusting into the tightest glove imaginable, better than any fist or mouth. He could hardly imagine how it would feel from Herger's perspective, how it would be so pleasurable that he would want this so much, more than being on the giving side.
Ahmed squeezed his eyes shut and held his breath, reaching for his climax. He could feel it, so close, and if he could just bury his cock in that tight heat a few more times he'd have it.
Herger gasped suddenly and Ahmed felt a splatter of wetness on his chest. At the same time the muscles around Ahmed's cock tightened. He opened his eyes, seeing Herger watching him dazedly, hand moving on his own cock. The sight and feel of Herger's release flung Ahmed into his own climax, making him cry out as he released inside Herger.
For a long moment he felt like he was floating in warmth, cradled by pleasure. He could hear his pulse loudly in his ears and his breath rush quickly in and out of his chest. Herger's panting was slightly quieter. Their bodies twitched with after effects.
Ahmed felt Herger's hands on his chest again, rubbing soothingly as he relaxed. He opened his eyes again and reached up, touching Herger's chest in return. He realized his fingers were aching from holding on to Herger's legs.
"That was intense." Herger continued to trail his fingers over Ahmed's stomach.
He nodded, breathing deeply as lethargy set in. He could feel himself softening and slipping out of Herger's body, but he didn't move to pull away as Herger kept stroking him.
Herger finally got out of bed, wetting a cloth in the wash basin. But when he brought it back, Ahmed ignored it and pulled Herger into the bed. He settled under the covers with him, not minding that Herger's emissions had been rubbed into his skin, when normally he was fastidious with cleaning up. The cloth dropped to the floor, ignored. This time he just wanted to sleep after release, because this time was different from anything else.
Herger smiled and stretched out on his side of the bed, turned toward Ahmed. Ahmed let his hand rest on Herger's waist and closed his eyes, sleep coming quickly upon him.
Part 13
Rated NC-17
Notes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11
Archive: my LJ and 13_warrior only
Ahmed finished the sentence on the tenth copy of a letter and straightened stiffly. His back was developing that fourth-hour ache, but he could go a while longer before having to walk it off. He only needed to finish two more copies and then he could ask Irene for another task.
The library was quiet today, a week after his fight with Herger. Herger was gone and Irene's children were with their tutor, so no noise from them filtered through the sprawling house. Ensconced in his apartment in the far wing, Ahmed felt largely isolated, and he valued the privacy.
He finished the letter just as his door opened. Looking up, he saw Irene enter the room, and stood immediately.
"Ahmed, how is your work coming?"
He smiled and touched the papers on his desk. "Fine, madam. I will be finished shortly."
Elias poked his head around the doorway, eyeing Ahmed owlishly as his mother continued. "You may stop for now. Have you heard of the race today at the hippodrome?"
Ahmed shook his head.
"All of the city will be there, as will I and my family. Please, find Herger and join us."
"I would be honored, madam." He smiled broadly, happy to be taking a break and seeing yet another new sight in the city. Irene nodded and shooed her son back out of the room, closing the door behind her.
He found Herger a few blocks away, at the nearest public house. He was learning some strange game involving stones and a board of miniature bowls in two rows. Ahmed waited until a match ended before tapping Herger on the shoulder. Herger stood and followed Ahmed outside.
"I was bored with that anyway. A child could figure out the strategy in two plays. What is it?"
"Irene would like us to accompany her to the hippodrome." At Herger's blank look, Ahmed added, "Where the races are held."
Herger immediately brightened. "Races?"
"With horses and chariots." Ahmed couldn't help but smile as Herger's enthusiasm.
"Let us go, then! Lead the way!"
With Herger pushing him on, Ahmed laughed and led the way back to the house.
They met Irene and her children in the foyer. Irene looked at Herger, wearing his usual clothing and weapons, and shook her head.
"You cannot take your sword. It is not allowed."
Herger scowled at that. Irene merely smiled and pointed to the hilt pointing out of his boot. "You may keep that knife, however."
Herger took off his scabbard and handed it to a slave. When it was clear of his hands, he pulled the long knife out of his boot and tucked it alongside his hip instead. That satisfied Irene.
The family would be taking litters to the arena, while Herger and Ahmed were to walk alongside. But when they went out to the street, the boys insisted on walking with the men. Irene reluctantly allowed it. The group walked through the higher class's quarter, past the emperor's palace to the hippodrome.
The sight when they got into the hippodrome was worth the cold sea wind and dusty streets of the walk. Ahmed and Herger were both amazed to see the massive sloped sides of the arena rising above the U-shaped field of play, and the tens of thousands of citizens filling the space. There were few sights in the world that could compare.
Four bronze horses reared from the roof of the royal box at one end, while in the middle of the arena were a variety of monuments lined lengthwise down the huge field. Other statues of horses and chariot drivers lined the arena. The track surrounded the spina of monuments in the center, several times wider than the track of the arena in Rome.
Herger and Ahmed followed Irene and her family to the nearest end of the field and began climbing up the hill. She had a selection of seats behind and to the right of the emperor's box. Ahmed and Herger sat behind the family with the male slave who had been carrying their belongings.
Ahmed quickly noticed that there seemed to be many banners, flags, and even ladies' veils of blue or green, with few other colors in sight. After they were seated, Irene turned slightly to talk to them.
"The colors are for the teams," she explained, gesturing to the opposite slope. "I favor the Venetii," she added, and Ahmed realized she had purposefully chosen a sapphire blue veil to wear. "The emperor prefers the Prasinoi chariots."
"Have you wagered on these races, madam?"
Irene smiled and shook open a Chinese fan, her eyes scanning the field. "There are few who do not."
Ahmed leaned closer. The crowd was getting louder, and he sensed Herger getting restless next to him. "I have heard tales of the rivalry turning into riots where thousands have died. What do you have planned in the event of such a thing?"
Irene pointed toward the emperor's box. "With the Imperial Guards so close, I have never had a problem." At that moment a couple walking by called her name, and she stood to greet them with a smile and began talking animatedly in Greek.
As Ahmed sat back, he glanced at Herger. His friend's eyes were intently scanning the crowd and the track, taking in everything at once. Ahmed noticed that Herger's body was tense and his breathing quick. He was excited, and seemed ready for something. Ahmed clasped his hands between his knees and looked around, wondering if Herger knew something he did not.
After an hour of waiting, the races had still not started. Irene's slave had fetched her a pillow to lean against and poured her a cup of wine, so she was comfortable while chatting with friends and keeping the children entertained. The emperor arrived in his box with some fanfare. Herger had wandered off to explore, while Ahmed was growing drowsy from the sun beating down on his black clothing.
At the sound of horns, he straightened. Everyone scurried to their seats. Herger jogged up the hill and took his spot next to Ahmed as the crowd roared with renewed effort.
The emperor dropped the mappa from his box, some bit of bright fabric that flashed in the sunlight. The horses bolted forward, thundering down the track. Everyone stood at once.
Ahmed cursed the people whose heads were in his view and got to his feet just in time to see flashes of blue and green on the field below. Irene's children were hopping and yelling excitedly, Elias tugging on his mother's skirts. Everyone seemed just as giddy as the children. Even Irene, normally so reserved, gave Ahmed a broad smile before turning her attention back to the the track as the horses came around again.
Two chariots were destroyed within five minutes, both drivers from the green Prasinoi team. Boos of disapproval from fans of the Prasinoi began to filter through the cheers. Loyal to Irene as he was, Ahmed began cheering enthusiastically for the blue Venetii. He could not tell who Herger was cheering for, but his friend was yelling so loudly his face was red.
In the end, the Venetii won the race, with a chariot driven by a two powerful bays leading. Irene had mentioned to Ahmed that many races would be held before a winning team was decided, but a mass of people raced from their seats to the track before the chariots lined up again. Irene reached for her daughter's hand. Ahmed saw the motion and leaned forward to speak over the deafening noise.
"What is wrong?"
Irene's voice came faint; she was facing away from him, still watching the seething crowd below. "I do not know."
But Ahmed quickly figured it out. He could see Venetii supporters fighting with Prasinoi supporters, and Prasinoi supporters starting up into the stands to pick more fights.
Directly below them, a large group of lower class men started up the slope. Several of the emperor's guards began pushing back. Ahmed saw knives pulled. His blood began pounding, the noise of the crowd receding to the background.
"We are getting out of here," he yelled to Irene. "Now!"
The emperor's guards had their swords drawn, but the crowd was now too big for them to hold back. Everywhere around them, Irene's friends and fellow businessmen were scrambling for the exits. Ahmed smelled smoke and heard horses whinnying in panic.
Herger's hand clapped onto his shoulder. "You get the children. I will--"
When he didn't finish, Ahmed looking over his shoulder. Herger was struggling with a man Ahmed didn't recognize.
That wasn't quite right. Herger's knife was sticking out of the man's body.
Herger pushed him away, the knife sliding out of his chest. Red blood gushed over his green robe.
Irene's daughter began screaming. Ahmed whipped around and picked up the two boys, meeting Irene's gaze. "Follow me."
They hurried across the trampled grass, slipping on discarded cloaks and spilled wine. The boys were too heavy for Ahmed to carry but began running on their own when he set them down. He could hear Thecla behind him, whimpering but no longer screaming, which meant Irene was with her. If Irene had fallen behind, he would hear renewed screams. But Herger he could not hear, and he did not dare a glance over his shoulder for fear of losing his step.
When they reached the street, Ahmed pulled the boys out of the flow of foot traffic and stopped. Irene caught up and stooped, pulling her daughter into her arms. And there, there was Herger, hardly out of breath.
"Do not stop," he said brusquely to Ahmed.
"Their litter--"
"We do not have the time. We go by foot."
Ahmed nodded, patting the eldest boy on the shoulder. "Follow Herger, Palladius."
Ahmed waited until Elias joined his brother, and then fell into step with Irene and Thecla. "Are you all right, madam?"
"Just out of breath," she laughed, but the sound was forced. She patted Thecla's shoulder, keeping her other arm firmly wrapped around her shoulders. "We are fine. Thank you for your help, Ahmed," she added, meeting his gaze as they walked. "I want to speak with you and Herger when we reach home."
He nodded, then had to focus on Herger's head as they moved through alleys and cross streets. Herger, having learned the city thoroughly, was leading them on a winding route. Ahmed had to be attentive to make sure they were not separated.
They returned to the house safely, and were met at the doors by Irene's servants. The one man who had been with them at the hippodrome had returned to the house without meeting harm, to Irene's relief. Irene took her children to their rooms and then met with Ahmed and Herger in the sitting room.
"Please sit," she said distractedly, ringing a small bell for a slave. When a girl arrived, she directed her to light some lamps, close the drapes, and pour refreshments for her and the two men. Within a few minutes, she sank onto her divan and touched her cheek with a cup in hand.
"I am much too warm, and my head hurts," she said after a moment of silence. "But I am grateful to you for getting me and my family home safely. You were right to worry," she said to Ahmed. "But not for the reasons you think." She paused to take a sip of wine.
"The man you killed was a slave, belonging to a man I know," she continued, looking at Herger. "His owner is my late husband's nephew, Basil."
Ahmed frowned and put down his cup. "It was not an attack?"
"He was trying to kill her, you fool." Herger took a gulp of wine and stood, putting his back to Ahmed.
"Stop that," Irene said sharply. Herger looked at her evenly, not saying anything more. She gave him a long look in return, not blanching from his strong gaze, then turned to Ahmed.
"It was an attack. Basil likely sent him to kill me so that he may obtain guardianship of my children. He longs for the power of my business and the control of my family."
While Ahmed absorbed this, Irene turned back to Herger. She stood and walked over to him, looking up from her diminutive height.
"I want to hire you to be my family's guardsman. I know what excellent fighters the Northmen are. Will you live up to the standard set by the Varangian soldiers, and accept?"
Ahmed smothered a smile, silently congratulating Irene on hitting at Herger's pride while making the offer.
Herger put his hand on the pommel of his knife. He bowed his head briefly; not so much a nod, but not prostrating himself before her. "I have already saved your lives for free. I would be foolish to refuse."
"That you are not," Irene said, with bite to her tone. She returned to her seat, curling up with her cup of wine. "This afternoon has strained us all to unpleasant ends. Please excuse me, gentlemen."
Ahmed rose and bowed silently as Herger walked out. He trailed his companion until the doors closed behind them, then quickened his step and clasped Herger's arm.
"I had not expected this of you."
"What?" Herger gave him a glance as he shook his arm free and kept walking. "To accept?"
"To care for her. That is why you were short with me, and why you took her offer."
Herger did not respond. Ahmed let that go and continued, "What did you see at the hippodrome?"
"The man had a knife. He was an easy kill."
Ahmed rolled his eyes heavenward at that. They walked in silence the rest of the way to their apartment before Ahmed continued. "I did not expect you to make to such a commitment. Now you are not so free to leave on a whim, are you?"
Herger dropped his knife and gloves to the floor, then reached out quickly and cupped Ahmed's genitals through his clothing. He grinned. "And give up all this?"
Ahmed nudged his hand away and went into the library, taking his seat behind the desk. "You could have sex anywhere, with me or with others. That's not why you stay."
"You are especially slow today, I think." Herger leaned across the desk and batted the empty pen out of Ahmed's hand. Ahmed sighed and braced his hands on the desk edge.
"I have stayed for many reasons, you included," Herger continued. "Now I stay because she will pay me. Does that satisfy you?"
"Yes," Ahmed said quietly.
Herger came around the desk and leaned his hip on the edge. Ahmed forced himself not to react as the letter there was creased by Herger's weight.
"You do not sound satisfied."
"I have work to do, and you are in my way."
"We have just saved their lives. Her letters can wait." Herger crossed his arms over his chest, not budging. Ahmed opened his mouth, but he was too tired to think of a quick response.
"This one cannot."
Irene was standing at the door, holding up a folded piece of paper. Herger moved away from the desk and watched her silently, arms still folded. Ahmed immediately went to her.
"Deliver that to the home of Petros Adralestos," she instructed him quietly. "He is a close friend of my husband, in high favor with the emperor. He is one of the few in the emperor's court I can trust for council about this attack. The letter must be delivered successfully, so I need someone I can rely on to take it. And Ahmed," she added as he accepted the letter, "do not let him bully you."
"Adralestos?"
"Herger." She patted his arm and left.
Ahmed asked one of Irene's slaves where Adralestos lived. He was far away, across the broad waters of the Golden Horn, in the Genoa quarter. In his trip to deliver the note, Ahmed had to pay for ferrymen to take him back and forth. It was after nightfall when he returned to his apartment.
As the slave at the front doors let him enter, it was whispered to him that dinner would be sent to his rooms, and that Irene had left word that he should let his work rest until the morrow. Ahmed nodded gratefully and trudged on, thinking only of putting a cool cloth on his brow and getting his boots off.
Herger was nowhere to be seen when he got into the main room. He washed his face and took off his dishdashah and turban, then answered the door when his food was delivered.
After he ate, he poured a cup of tea and stretched out on the bed. He meant to read some of a Roman general's treaty on the policies, strategies, and difficulties of leading an army, thinking that perhaps an insight into a cunning mind would teach him about the more dangerous aspects of Constantinople politics and society.
Instead, he woke later with the lamp still burning and the tea cold. Herger was standing above him with a hand on his shoulder, and gestured for him to get up.
He followed Herger to their small courtyard, where there was a stone bench with Herger's cloak thrown over it and a cup of wine on the ground. Herger sat down next to him and pulled him to lie back until they were stretched lengthwise along the bench. For a few minutes, Ahmed listened only to the faint sounds of the night.
"I have been out here thinking," Herger said finally. His mouth was close to Ahmed's ear, breath ruffling his hair. "I miss the quiet of sleeping out in the night air. How you could hear everything and nothing, and know you were among the only souls for an eternity in every direction. How bright the stars were."
Ahmed looked up. The stars were fainter in the city. He hadn't noticed.
He turned his head to address Herger. "So you do want to leave."
"No." One of the arms wrapped around his chest began to move, the hand stroking his side through his clothes. "Just thinking. I wish we could have travelled alone, just the two of us."
"But that would have been dangerous."
Herger said nothing. Ahmed felt as if he'd missed a crucial point, but there was no getting it back.
They lay in silence for a little while, not moving, just Herger's hand stroking his side absently. Ahmed had just felt his eyes start to drift closed when Herger moved his head. Warm lips pressed behind his ear.
The kisses trailed down his neck, with Ahmed tilting his head to allow them passage. The stroking hand moved from his side to the center of his body, brushing over the expanse of his chest and slipping into his trousers. Cool fingers combed through dense, curly hair and rubbed his belly, avoiding his prick.
Eventually Herger could reach no lower with his mouth, and pulled his hand free.
"Bed."
Ahmed hummed his agreement.
He followed Herger back inside and closed the doors behind him, then motioned for Herger to stop when his friend started to unlace his boots. After the awkward moment of conversation outside, he wanted to show Herger that he did care for him and wanted to be with him.
With Herger sitting on the edge of the bed, Ahmed knelt and unlaced the boots for him, loosening the criss-crossing ties running up the sides and pulling them off.
Next he stripped Herger's shirt over his head. The shirt had been cleaned and mended, though it was still simple and poorly constructed. Herger had refused to wear anything newer, and at this moment Ahmed realized he'd rather not see Herger wear anything that was not solely his.
Ahmed was still fully clothed and Herger had his trousers on, but Ahmed easily became distracted. He pressed Herger down onto the bed and crouched over him, pressing his mouth to the head of the monster inked on Herger's chest. Herger pushed his fingers into his hair and held his head as Ahmed began tracing the patterns with his lips, moving up Herger's chest and over his shoulder.
When he had kissed every line in reach on one design, he switched to another. The pattern called the "Greek key" ringed Herger's right arm, surrounded by swirling black curves and decorative dots that seemed characteristic of the Northmen. Ahmed followed the designs around, licking the soft skin on the underside of his arm and smelling his strong scent when Herger let his arm rest above his head. There were Latin letters above the crook of his elbow, "FCE," but Ahmed didn't know what they stood for.
The inked designs were a curious mix of styles and cultures, but they seemed so fitting for a man who made his home from the world.
Herger tugged on his hair gently. Ahmed kissed him deeply before whispering, "Do not leave without me."
Herger kissed him back. "I would not."
Ahmed lowered his mouth to Herger's again, but was surprised when Herger grabbed him by his tunic and rolled them over, fully onto the bed. It was in that moment that there was a shift; Herger stopped being passive and began to pull off Ahmed's clothes. He quickly stripped Ahmed naked, then pulled back to remove his own trousers.
Ahmed lay back on the pillows and pushed the covers down, inviting Herger to join him. Herger kicked off his pants and crawled onto the bed, skin and ink creating patterns of light and dark as he moved. He propped himself above Ahmed and pressed his pelvis down, rubbing his belly and arousal against Ahmed's heated body.
Ahmed pulled him down for a kiss and pressed up against him, running his hand down Herger's back and enjoying the feel of firm muscle and hot skin. Herger spread his legs to straddle Ahmed and lay down fully, pressing their chests together while their mouths were fused. The position freed Ahmed's cock from the pressure of Herger's body and nestled him up against Herger's backside.
Ahmed moved his hips experimentally, brushing his arousal into Herger's cleft, and felt Herger moan softly against his mouth. Herger then sat up and leaned across the bed for something on a nearby table. He retrieved whatever it was he wanted and groped for Ahmed's hand, putting the object into his palm while kissing him again.
It was the jar of oil, Ahmed realized.
He nudged Herger away and opened the jar, pouring a little of the oil out onto his fingers. Herger took the bottle and put it aside while Ahmed rubbed the oil around his fingers, thinking of what he was about to do.
In the seven days since their last fight and reconciliation, Ahmed had become more comfortable with sex. They had yet to move beyond penetration with fingers, but it was getting easier to accept. Even then, Ahmed occasionally hesitated.
Herger saw him thinking and took his hand, guiding it behind himself. "Two fingers," he whispered with a grin.
Ahmed nodded, touching Herger's now-familiar body. He found the entrance and carefully pressed one finger inside, watching his face for any sign of discomfort.
Herger sighed and shifted his hips. Ahmed felt the deep muscles inside tighten around his finger, like gentle bonds. Every time that happened Ahmed wanted to feel that ripple and pulse again, and to cause those muscles to do that. He pushed another finger in.
Herger grunted softly but didn't pull off. Ahmed remembered how Herger had thrust his fingers in and out of himself. He withdrew his fingers to push in deeper. Herger's mouth dropped open with a low groan as he rocked forward, hips rolling to move with Ahmed's fingers. "Yes."
Ahmed watched him intently, growing more aroused as he saw Herger enjoy the penetration. He ran his free hand over Herger's chest, trailing his fingers down to wrap around his erect cock. "Show me what to do."
Herger pushed into the circle of his fingers, breath hitching noticably. "Just this. Give me more." He swallowed and stopped moving.
Ahmed was confused for a moment while Herger picked up the oil, but his worries were quickly allayed. Herger drizzled the oil down the center of Ahmed's chest and rubbed it in with his hands. He purposefully dug his fingers into Ahmed's flesh, massaging and arousing, teasing his nipples. Ahmed was soon writhing, pumping his fingers in and out Herger's body and straining up against him for his own contact.
Herger moved his slick hands down to Ahmed's cock and took him in hand, spreading the oil up and down the shaft. In a few quick moves he reached back and pulled Ahmed's fingers out of his body, then shifted his hips backward and took Ahmed's cock inside him.
Ahmed cried out, fingers grasping for something to hold onto as he was assaulted by unfamiliar sensations. He found purchase in Herger's thighs and dug his fingers in, hips lifting off the bed in a frantic thrust. This was what he had been yearning for, for so long, without even knowing he wanted it. And it had come upon him so fast.
Herger laughed and braced his hands on Ahmed's shoulders, body moving easily with him. He leaned down and kissed Ahmed, speaking against his lips. "That's it. Hard. You can fuck me as hard as you want."
Ahmed couldn't respond. He was too overwhelmed with being inside someone again, not just in a mouth or a fist, but feeling his shaft gripped tightly by another person's body, massaged by warm, soft muscles.
He held on tightly and thrust into Herger's body again, moving more frantically as he quickly drew closer to his climax.
Herger moaned and sat up, his hands pressing on Ahmed's shoulders for leverage. He moved his hips with Ahmed's thrusts, sinking down onto his erection with a renewed groan every time. Ahmed could feel himself rubbing against some sort of firm bump. Remembering that Herger had touched some spot within him and what it had felt like, Ahmed understood now why Herger looked so undone by this simple act. It felt like thrusting into the tightest glove imaginable, better than any fist or mouth. He could hardly imagine how it would feel from Herger's perspective, how it would be so pleasurable that he would want this so much, more than being on the giving side.
Ahmed squeezed his eyes shut and held his breath, reaching for his climax. He could feel it, so close, and if he could just bury his cock in that tight heat a few more times he'd have it.
Herger gasped suddenly and Ahmed felt a splatter of wetness on his chest. At the same time the muscles around Ahmed's cock tightened. He opened his eyes, seeing Herger watching him dazedly, hand moving on his own cock. The sight and feel of Herger's release flung Ahmed into his own climax, making him cry out as he released inside Herger.
For a long moment he felt like he was floating in warmth, cradled by pleasure. He could hear his pulse loudly in his ears and his breath rush quickly in and out of his chest. Herger's panting was slightly quieter. Their bodies twitched with after effects.
Ahmed felt Herger's hands on his chest again, rubbing soothingly as he relaxed. He opened his eyes again and reached up, touching Herger's chest in return. He realized his fingers were aching from holding on to Herger's legs.
"That was intense." Herger continued to trail his fingers over Ahmed's stomach.
He nodded, breathing deeply as lethargy set in. He could feel himself softening and slipping out of Herger's body, but he didn't move to pull away as Herger kept stroking him.
Herger finally got out of bed, wetting a cloth in the wash basin. But when he brought it back, Ahmed ignored it and pulled Herger into the bed. He settled under the covers with him, not minding that Herger's emissions had been rubbed into his skin, when normally he was fastidious with cleaning up. The cloth dropped to the floor, ignored. This time he just wanted to sleep after release, because this time was different from anything else.
Herger smiled and stretched out on his side of the bed, turned toward Ahmed. Ahmed let his hand rest on Herger's waist and closed his eyes, sleep coming quickly upon him.
Part 13