Pueros

Tamerlane's Boys

Chapter 38 - Damascus

There are only three chapters of this saga to go. In this episode, yet another city, this time Damascus, experiences the wrath of the dreaded Tamerlane. However, more personally important for certain boys, certain other events take place in the vicinity of the Syrian capital that will affect their lives forever.

(Damascus, Syria, Mamluk Empire, September 1398)

Ahmad Jalayir had ambitions of trying to reclaim Baghdad whilst Tamerlane was busy in India. However, his aspirations were in time to rebound nastily onto his current host city of Damascus.

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Mahmud Tughluq was very reluctant now to flee Delhi and leave the city's inhabitants to suffer at Tamerlane's bloody vengeful hands. The Sultan would have preferred to die with his people. However, he believed that he had no choice but to indulge in flight.

Mahmud Tughluq was totally unconcerned about his own welfare but he realised that he had a duty to attempt to protect the many other cities, towns and villages within the vast Sultanate. If he allowed himself to be feebly slain in Delhi, there would be no one with sufficient authority to organise suitable resistance to protect the rest of his domains against Tamerlane's undeserved wrath. There was also the security of his son and heir, who had earlier resolutely and ultimately unarguably refused to be evacuated to a safe sanctuary, and the future of his dynasty to consider.

Mahmud Tughluq appreciated that his flight would be portrayed as cowardly by his enemies. However, he selflessly accepted that he would just have to suffer such slanderous opprobrium in order to salvage what he could of the previously peaceful and prosperous Sultanate and his own family's destiny.

Mahmud Tughluq therefore reluctantly led his 11 year-old son, Ahmed, and the boy's similarly aged slave, Krishnan, into the basement of one of the many buildings within his palace complex, where the hidden entrance of the secret escape tunnel was located. He did so just as the first of Tamerlane's soldiers, weaponry already well used and bloody, burst in through the gates of the residence. The conqueror's warriors then easily overcame the Sultan's personal bodyguards. The latter were few in number, which was a refection of the fact that the local ruler had never previously been seriously endangered in his homeland because of his general popularity amongst all classes and religions.

The streets outside the palace were already awash with blood, severed limbs, decapitated heads and dead bodies, including those of non-combatant men, women and children. In fact, Tamerlane's awful revenge for the murder of his beloved Vissarion would create 80,000 corpses, with virtually no inhabitant of Delhi found alive being allowed to remain in this world for long. Much of the city's infrastructure was also to be destroyed, whilst its great wealth was plundered.

On his way to the escape tunnel, Mahmud Tughluq gathered round him many of his petrified officials and slaves so that his loyal servants could join him in flight. However, one individual, who was too ill for travel, had to be left behind, much to the concern of the Sultan's son, Ahmed.

Ahmed believed that the relevant person would probably be slaughtered amidst the undoubted mayhem of the imminent ransacking of the palace. The young prince was therefore very reluctant to accept his father's reassurance that such a sad fate was not inevitable.

Mahmud Tughluq's large party of desperate, frightened escapees eventually entered the long, dark, narrow tunnel that would lead them all to safety. The Sultan believed that Ahmed and Krishnan were following him until he emerged in the fragmented sunlight filtering through to the distant copse, situated safely beyond Delhi's eastern walls.

The two lovely 11 year-olds were, however, now nowhere to be seen.

(Edirne, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

Ever since he had come to know Kiril in the year before, Mehmet had experienced a strange feeling that he had somehow met the young Bulgar previously. However, a brief autobiographical résumé provided by the young Janissary cadet had proven that such an occurrence could not possibly have taken place.

Today, Kiril had been forced to stand aside to await the conclusion of the game of hide and seek, as he had been successfully discovered in his garden hiding place by the searching Mehmet. Subsequently, however, before the young Ottoman renewed his exploration to find the other pair of concealed boys, the pose and silhouette of the young Bulgar triggered the princely 9 year-old's recall.

Mehmet remembered someone else with almost matching features adopting a similar stance in Constantinople, whilst supervising the similar garden play of John, Vladimir and the Ottoman prince, just prior to revealing that he had perceptively guessed the real identity of the young Turk. The 9 year-old suddenly realised why he had thought that he had met Kiril previously.

Subsequent, more comprehensive research into Kiril's biography proved to Mehmet that his conjecture about an amazing coincidence was correct.

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Mahmud Tughluq initially had to be physically restrained from embarking on his unwise mission by his officials and slaves. Genuine concern for the welfare of their beloved master had encouraged the servants into such sacrilegious action against the sacred person of their popular Sultan.

Nevertheless, it was actually subsequent emotional blackmail that then prevented Mahmud Tughluq from re-entering the tunnel. The Sultan was reminded why he was fleeing Delhi in the first place, namely to safeguard other communities and the rest of his family, who had, as a precaution, been sent weeks previously to Banaras. He was also bluntly told that Ahmed was certainly already dead and so his more important duty now was towards his other younger sons and daughters.

As Mahmud Tughluq was subsequently led from the copse to safety amidst his eastern domains, the Sultan's face streamed with tears for the loss of Delhi, the city's inhabitants and his beloved eldest son.

(Edirne, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

"Father," Mehmet replied to Bayezid I, "I'd like to ask you to secure justice for someone to whom we both owe a favour!"

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Then, suddenly, the door of the bedchamber in which the unarmed Ahmed and Krishnan were cowering burst open. Six bearded soldiers, bearing scimitars dripping blood and wearing the distinctive spiked helmets of Tamerlane's forces, subsequently entered the room.

Ahmed and Krishnan perhaps fortunately could not understand what one of the men now said in response to observing the very pretty boys present in the bedchamber. The soldier lecherously asked rhetorically "Well, what do we have here?" He then went on to answer his own question by declaring "I bet they're three of Mahmud Tughluq's bumboys!"

The suddenly smiling soldier, hidden cock beginning to throb, then turned to his comrades and suggested "Well, men, shall we let the young whores perform their role in life before we slit their pretty little throats?"

(Great Palace, Constantinople [modern Istanbul in Turkey], same time)

Of course, Manuel II Palaeologus gave no thought to the fact that there might be a connection between the gradual lifting of the blockade of Constantinople and the mysterious disappearance in the previous year of his second son's two new slaves, Mehmet and Vladimir. No news had reached the Emperor's ears that Bayezid I's youngest son had gone missing shortly before, as the Sultan had successfully suppressed all talk about the embarrassing matter.

Those who ignored the official Ottoman line that the incident was never to be referred to again, as it had in the end proved just to be a silly prank on the part of Mehmet, were likely to suffer unpleasant execution. As a consequence, those who were aware of the peculiar happening, including the population of Bursa and surrounds, were more than happy to remain forever silent about the affair.

Bayezid I had not just lifted the blockade because he felt that he owed the Byzantines, or at least their young Prince John, a favour or because Mehmet pleaded with him to do so in part payment of his own debt. The Sultan was already considering the redeployment of his forces because of four other factors.

First, there was the continuing huge cost, in terms of both manpower and money, of maintaining the blockade, which represented resources that could certainly now be better spent elsewhere. Second, there was the obvious ineffectualness of the siege in respect of starving Constantinople into surrender, which resulted from the shortcomings of the Turkish navy that had allowed smuggling of goods into the city to proceed largely unhindered. Third, there were worries about the activities of Tamerlane and the Mamluks on the eastern borders of the Ottoman domains. Fourth, there was Bayezid I's own ambition to expand his Empire in the east.

Consequently, Bayezid I thought that the time was probably ripe to recognise that the current blockade of Constantinople was going to prove ultimately fruitless and wasteful. The Sultan instead now considered it better to re-deploy his military might for other projects, initially of a defensive and then of an offensive type.

Bayezid I had concluded that the conquest of the small remnant of the Byzantine Empire could await a more opportune time, probably after the further strengthening of the Ottoman forces, especially the navy. However, logistical considerations meant that the well-entrenched armies besieging Constantinople took a year to be properly re-garrisoned elsewhere.

"I don't know," Helena Dragash responded to Manuel II Palaeologus' question, "but perhaps Bayezid is worried about Tamerlane. I know that dreadful man is busy in India at present. However, we've learnt from our spies that he has ambitions to conquer the other regional Muslim Empires, those of the Ottomans and Mamluks, so that he can become the world's supreme Islamic ruler."

"Let's just hope," the Empress added, "that, if Tamerlane does come this way, he had no ambitions in respect of Constantinople!"

Given what the conqueror was currently responsible for in another of the world's great cities, Delhi, Helena Dragash was right to fear the possible consequences of such a move.

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Brutal rape and death also now threatened Ahmed and Krishnan.

(Samarkand, Transoxiana, Timurid Empire [in modern Uzbekistan], same time)

Ulugbeg had been permanently morose since the dreadful news of Vissarion's murder in Delhi had reached Samarkand 3 months previously. In order to try to cheer the boy, Shadi Mulk Aka had just tried to retell to the 4 year-old some of the wonderful stories the young Georgian had once related to both of them. However, her efforts only caused mutual tears because of recall that both of their lives had lost someone very special.

Shadi Mulk Aka normally managed to hide grief well. However, on this occasion, as she was alone with Ulugbeg, she chose not to do so. The normally formidable Bibi Khanum believed instead that she might gain some relief from her own depression by allowing her real, lachrymose emotions, felt because of Vissarion's loss, to come to the fore.

Shadi Mulk Aka had already gained some consolation by encouraging her husband to embark on his vengeful mission to Delhi. The Bibi Khanum had also imprisoned her soothsayers, who had, apparently incorrectly, advised her that Vissarion would play a major future role in the lives of both Tamerlane's youngest son, Shahrukh, and youngest grandson, Ulugbeg.

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

"Who's that lying on the bed, apparently being looked after by the two boys?" Arman then asked, whilst he purposefully and increasingly excitedly strode forward to try to answer his own question, as he thought that he recognised the unconscious form. Soon afterwards, the suddenly tearful Armenian was holding the hand of the somnolent shape, whilst simultaneously repeatedly naming the person.

"Vissarion!" Arman continuously exclaimed in joyful amazement, which was slightly tempered by the fact that the still breathing young Georgian would not wake up.

(Bursa, Anatolia, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

Johann Schiltberger really had little choice about becoming the unit's sexual plaything for four reasons.

First, there was little need in peacetime for a runner and so Johann Schiltberger's duties were very light and largely confined to the sexual hothouse that was the small local Janissary barracks. Second, if the 18 year-old proved reluctant or petulant in respect of sharing with his comrades the undoubted substantial allures of his body, the soldiers could make life very nasty for him. Third, the youth could, on the other hand, enjoy an even more comfortable existence because of the kindnesses he would receive in return for the physical favours he provided for his colleagues. Fourth, he himself needed and thoroughly enjoyed the relevant activities.

Consequently, Johann Schiltberger quickly and rather happily became the young male whore of the Janissary barracks. This was a circumstance that, like many other facts, he was to exclude from his later biased, rather personally whitewashing and inaccurate autobiography, which he later wrote.

Four 15^th century manuscripts of Johann Schiltberger's dubious remembrances remain extant today in a quartet of German libraries.

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

"Can you speak either Farsi or Arabic?" the multi-lingual Ahmed enquired tremulously in both languages. Arman understood the questions, as he was similarly linguistically gifted. The young Armenian possessed some knowledge of both tongues through his Persian ancestry, copious travels and association with Tamerlane's other boys.

Rezan and Rahu were both Farsi-speaking Persians, even though the latter was of the Zoroastrian rather than Muslim faith, and Haluk was a Kurd, whose ill-defined nation bordered that of the other two boys. The young trio also all spoke decent Arabic, as their peoples had cause to have many dealings with the neighbouring Arabs.

Arman now discovered from Ahmed's sweet rosy lips what had befallen Vissarion and he was later to forever regret that he had not believed his own emotions, which had suggested that his oldest and best friend was still alive, albeit in danger.

(Palace of the Ming Emperor, Nanjing, China, same time)

Zhu Di was accompanied on his visit by a large entourage of personal advisors, most genitally nullified. 27 year-old Ma He was amongst the Prince of Yan's courtiers and servants.

Ma He had been considerately provided with a fellow, younger local eunuch, 12 year-old Chi Le, by the Emperor's own palace officials. The boy was to provide menial serice for the guest and help him renew acquaintance with the Imperial residence in Nanjing.

Chi Le had been deliberately thoughtfully selected by the local officials because he shared Ma He's original ethnicity. Both nullified eunuchs were Muslims, from the Hui people of Yunan, which was situated on the border between China and Burma.

Perhaps because of their shared background, Ma He and Chi Le liked each other almost instantly. This development encouraged the adult guest to ask local officials later for the boy's permanent transfer to the service of Zhu Di, a favour that was kindly granted as a gift to the important servant of the Prince of Yan. Consequently, soon afterwards, the 12 year-old eunuch fatefully found himself travelling, with his new, similarly nullified master, from the current Chinese capital of Nanjing to the future one of Beijing.

The journey was to be one of many important trips with Ma He that Chi Le was to make in the course of his long, adventurous and significant life.

(Inside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Ahmed had revealed to Arman that the danger that the young Armenian had felt had befallen his beloved Vissarion was the coma the young Georgian had been in ever since drinking some of the fruit juice supplied by Tamerlane's ambassador.

Vissarion had subsequently been kept alive only by the careful, expert treatment proffered by Mahmud Tughluq's doctors. The physicians' remedies included frequent forced consumption of food and water and regular subjection to bed baths, massage and movement to keep the unconscious young Georgian's still miraculously wonderful body as clean, subtle and comfortable as possible

Ahmed also revealed to Arman that he and his Hindu slave, Krishnan, had spent a lot of their own time checking on Vissarion's wellbeing, regularly sitting with and talking to the unconscious young Georgian in order to try to wake him from his coma. Having taken an instant liking to the 21 year-old in the short time they had known him when he had been conscious, the two boys had additionally bravely refused to leave him to his fate after Tamerlane's soldiers had invaded the palace. The 11 year-olds had feared that the warriors might not recognise the young eunuch and so might kill him during their attack on the Sultan's residence.

The real position regarding Vissarion could not previously be conveyed to Tamerlane because the acutely grieving and enraged conqueror, partly at the incitement of the wicked ambassador, had executed every emissary sent by Mahmud Tughluq to try to inform the clearly misinformed invader about the true situation. However, the brave Ahmed and Krishnan hoped that they might have better success with the soldiers who eventually came to the young Georgian's bedchamber. The bold but perhaps foolhardy boys reasoned that they might be able to persuade the warriors about the identity of the unconscious patient before the young trio was killed. In fact, only Arman's highly fortunate arrival saved the courageous plan from proving fatally disastrous.

Arman's certainty that Ahmed was telling him the truth resulted from two pieces of evidence. One was based merely on personal opinion but the other was founded on visible proof.

Arman was generally a good judge of character and his judgement told him to believe in the truthfulness of the story related by the 11 year-old boy before him. Moreover, further and completely undeniable evidence of the veracity of the tale was provided by the form of the still living, albeit comatose, Vissarion.

(Ikhtiman [in modern Bulgaria], Ottoman Empire, 1 month later)

Dimitŭr found a uniformed 10 year-old boy standing outside, whose features seemed somehow familiar. "Who and what are you," the fat merchant asked, "and what do you want?"

"I am Kiril, a Janissary cadet," the boy answered in his native Bulgarian, "and I've come to arrest you!"

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Of course, Tamerlane and his forces had later become ashamed of their actions when they discovered the truth relating to Vissarion but the damage had already been done to terrible effect. However, in recognition of his error, the conqueror finally received one of Mahmud Tughluq's emissaries and agreed to a truce, which enabled the Sultan subsequently to sent an army of citizens to give proper funeral rites to the tens of thousands of dead in his devastated capital.

Tamerlane also presented, via the Sultan's emissary, a gift to Mahmud Tughluq, in the form of a certain dishonest and scheming ambassador, who had accompanied his master to Delhi in the hope of becoming the governor of the new Indian Timurid province. However, instead of appointing his former envoy to the position, which would now never exist, the conqueror personally cut out the man's lying tongue.

Tamerlane then placed the speechless and shamefully naked former ambassador in a cage located on the back of an open wagon. The vehicle would return with Mahmud Tughluq's own emissary to the holy city of Banaras, to where the Sultan had fled.

Mahmud Tughluq was subsequently naturally delighted to be advised by his brave returning emissary, who had been very grateful to retain his head in stark contrast to his less fortunate predecessor envoys to Tamerlane, that Ahmed and Krishnan were still alive. The Sultan had also been initially amazed to learn why the courageous 11 year-old boys had furtively slipped back out of the escape tunnel to remain instead in the Delhi palace, protectively besides the unconscious form of Vissarion. However, in retrospect, his surprise ebbed, as he remembered his oldest son's characteristic bold selflessness and the fact that similar attributes applied to the prince's similarly aged slave, who would never have left his young master's side whatever the perilous circumstances.

Mahmud Tughluq was also naturally delighted to see the former ambassador again, the man who had been responsible for 80,000 deaths in Delhi, as well as the destruction of the city's infrastructure, especially as the caged prisoner was no longer physically capable of complaining about the Sultan's religious liberality. Ahmed's father was also reasonably hospitable to his gift from Tamerlane, providing his captive with as much water as he wanted whilst he remained in his tiny prison, which was now suspended above the main gate of Banaras. Of course, the local ruler's largesse towards his unexpected guest would not extend to food during his long enforced stay, after which what little flesh was left on his emaciated and starved dead body would be fed to local carrion.

Mahmud Tughluq's relief at discovering that Ahmed and Krishnan had somehow survived the Delhi massacre was tempered by the fact that Tamerlane was retaining the boys as hostages. Despite the conqueror's sorrow for the mistaken local slaughter and devastation, he was not yet prepared to release the 11 year-olds, especially as he was compelled to remain in the environs of the destroyed city because his doctors had advised him that his beloved Vissarion was too ill to travel.

Tamerlane was wary that Mahmud Tughluq might now sometime attempt a surprise betrayal of the agreed truce in order to seek his own retribution for what had been unjustly inflicted on Delhi. The captive Ahmed and Krishnan were effective guarantees that such vengeful reprisals would not be undertaken.

Consequently, Ahmed and Krishnan were accommodated in a large, closely guarded and luxuriously appointed tent in the middle of Tamerlane's vast military encampment, which was outside the walls of Delhi on the banks of the River Jumna. The 11 year-old boys, who were now considered heroes by the conqueror and his entourage for their bravery and selflessness in trying to secure Vissarion's welfare, were very also well looked after. The rather guilty Nicolai, Rezan and Haluk in particular made regular visits to check on the wellbeing of the young guests.

Meanwhile, the comatose Vissarion had been carefully relocated to Tamerlane's own tent and bed. The conqueror slept nearby with the always close Rahu, whilst Nicolai, Rezan and Haluk used their own single bunks.

Arman's repose took place on top of some bedding located on the floor at the foot of the bed on which his oldest and best friend was continually somnolent, and his daytime was also spent in Tamerlane's tent, close to Vissarion. During the 21 year-old Armenian's unwavering vigil, he was always aware, even in the middle of the night, of any changes in the modulations of the similarly aged Georgian's breathing.

Sibur and Teimuraz made occasional visits but they knew that Arman was best left mainly alone with his beloved Vissarion and so they generally remained in their own nearby tent, regularly sharing the prayers of the whole army for the recovery of the young Georgian. However, the beautiful 21 year-old just slept on, kept alive by continued careful forced feeding, frequent bed baths and massages and regular turning of his unconscious but still somehow miraculously marvellous body.

Whatever they tried and just like their Delhi counterparts during the previous 3 months, none of Tamerlane's doctors could revive Vissarion from his permanent slumber. Consequently, deep fatalistic gloom settled on Tamerlane's encampment and on the conqueror's mind.

(Ikhtiman [in modern Bulgaria], Ottoman Empire, same time)

"For what am I being arrested and on whose orders?" a rightfully suddenly worried Dimitŭr next enquired, with terror clearly evident in his tremulous voice. "For smuggling goods into Constantinople," Kiril replied, "and selling a free boy into slavery against his will in that city. Our instructions concerning your detention and punishment come from the mouth of Sultan Bayezid himself!"

There was really only one punishment for such crimes within the Ottoman Empire and its dreadful nature was fully appreciated by the petrified Dimitŭr. However, before the fat merchant could plea his innocence, beg for mercy or try to run or bribe his way out of his predicament, he fainted.

(Great Palace, Constantinople [Istanbul in modern Turkey], same time)

The always adventurous, inquisitive and considerate John had been happy to reward Petŭr for his efficient service by sometimes removing his own rich, princely clothing and masturbating his older, similarly naked slave. The 8 year-old had regularly done so ever since he had discovered the 14 year-old Bulgar indulging in the activity 3 months previously.

Although John currently refrained from providing his own little cock with similar enjoyment, he had been more than willing to oblige the bigger version belonging to Petŭr, delighting in the ultimate pleasure the handsome young Bulgar gained from his efforts. The prince was especially pleased at inducing the literal climax of the play and creating the usual amazing fountain of sperm, which the 8 year-old then rejoiced in carefully trying to guide so that the white ejaculate fell back onto the 14 year-old owner's cute belly.

One potential problem about such activity that neither normally bright boy had, however, considered was the prospective attitude that might be adopted by certain Imperial parents if the holding of such mutually joyful masturbatory play sessions was ever discovered by the adults concerned. The fact that the continued attachment of Petŭr's balls to his very nice body was dependent on the ongoing good behaviour of the testicles concerned had been forgotten by the 8 and 14 year-olds but not by the Emperor and Empress.

In fact, Manuel II Palaeologus and his Serbian wife, Helena Dragash, would certainly have Petŭr flogged and castrated forthwith if they had known what the young Bulgar had tempted their second son into regularly performing.

(Ikhtiman [in modern Bulgaria], Ottoman Empire, next day)

As the scimitar later flashed down on the execution platform of Ikhtiman's main square, proficiently severing at the first attempt the head of the forcibly kneeling bound body of the cowardly crying Dimitŭr, the watching Kiril murmured something to Zoran.

Kiril quietly announced "That's revenge for what the fat bastard did to my older brother, Petŭr!"

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, 2 weeks later)

Shadi Mulk Aka fatefully brought the now 4 year-old Ulugbeg with her, at the infant's own determined insistence.

(Bursa, Anatolia, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

In fact, it was something else that Shadi Mulk Aka had brought with her that would have a major effect on Vissarion's condition.

(Edirne, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

Mehmet had finally recognised, from their mutual resemblance and what both Kiril in Edirne and previously Petŭr in Constantinople had told him of their backgrounds, that the two boys were brothers. The young Ottoman prince attributed his earlier failure to realise the fact to the 4-year age gap between the pair of siblings and their different hair and eye coloration.

Mehmet had for two reasons already intended sometime to suggest to his father that a certain fat merchant resident in Ikhtiman might be worthy of investigation for smuggling and illegal enslavement. First, such activities were criminally undermining of Ottoman rule. Second, punishment of the trader responsible would be a favour to Petŭr, who had so bravely helped the prince and Vladimir to escape Constantinople. However, the young Turk had subsequently acquired a third reason not to dally anymore in respect of the issue.

Mehmet had originally deliberately delayed action about Dimitŭr because his recent dangerous escapade, which had seen him and Vladimir abducted and had caused his father so much concern and trouble, meant that he was temporarily out of favour with Bayezid I. The young astute prince had therefore been waiting until he regained his former staus before making his allegations, which, given the parental mood, the Sultan might previously have ignored.

Kiril's obvious desire for revenge, after he had heard from Mehmet what Dimitŭr had perpetrated on Petŭr, had been the third reason and main stimulus for the prince taking the chance of immediately raising the case against the fat Ikhtiman merchant with the Sultan. Fortunately, the 9 year-old had assessed his possible return to paternal favour well.

Kiril's family was of ancient noble lineage but had been severely impoverished by the recent wars with the Ottomans. This had caused the Turks to consider them to be no better than peasants, which had actually been a blessing because they consequently avoided being exiled to Asian Anatolia with the rest of the displaced Bulgarian aristocracy.

Now, given Kiril's sudden rich munificence and connections with the Ottoman court, the family could buy back some of their forfeited property without fear of expulsion to Anatolia. The large familial group was also delighted to hear that the now deceased Dimitŭr had been speaking falsely about the death of the oldest son, Petŭr.

Sadness about Petŭr's enslavement in Constantinople was also more than offset by news of the boy's fortunate fresh circumstances in that city. The family was told that the relevant information conveyed by Kiril had originated from a very reliable source, which the 10 year-old mysteriously declined to name.

"It was my pleasure," Mehmet smilingly replied to Kiril's sincere thanks for the demise of the evil Dimitŭr. "Now," the young prince then asked, "what should the four of us do now?"

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

Soon afterwards, loud screaming could be heard from within the copious canopy, alerting the whole, worried army to the fact that something momentous, possibly Vissarion's death, had just occurred within the tent.

(Great Palace, Constantinople [modern Istanbul in Turkey], same time)

Amidst this happy activity, the door to Petŭr's bedchamber suddenly and unexpectedly opened and the elderly senior palace eunuch, Nicephorus, entered the room.

Soon afterwards, the nude, petrified and tearful Petŭr, cock suddenly quietly flaccid instead of throbbing and erect, was being led along a palace corridor by a pair of burly guards. The boy's balls had failed to retain their discipline and so they would soon be lost to their 14 year-old owner, after he had first been comprehensively flogged.

(Outside the walls of Delhi, India, same time)

The loud screaming heard outside Tamerlane's tent were little Ulugbeg's loud shrieks of pure joy, as the boy hugged his beloved and now miraculously awoken Vissarion.

It appeared that Ulugbeg possessed the opposite capability to Vissarion. The young Georgian was always able to send the infant into the realm of dreams, whereas the 4 year-old had just happily restored the 21 year-old to the world of the conscious.

(Samarkand, Transoxiana, Timurid Empire [in modern Uzbekistan], 2 months later)

The bellicose Tamerlane had often in the past considered attacking the Delhi Sultanate for reasons other than those dishonestly propounded by his wicked ambassador. The ambitious conqueror wanted to acquire an Empire bigger than anyone had ever previously managed to assemble in this part of the world. He wanted to outdo Genghis Khan and by venturing far into India he would also better Alexander the Great. The vast riches of the country were also a massive temptation.

Tamerlane therefore considered retreat from the Sultanate without establishing his own rule in the land to be sufficient compensation to Mahmud Tughluq for mistakenly acting in response to the wicked ambassador's lies. The conqueror did not believe that he also owed the local ruler the favour of departing without plentiful loot.

Tamerlane's avaricious attitude was influenced by several factors. The conqueror's army needed paying and their usual reward was not wages but booty. He therefore could not deny his men their share of spoils, or he might suffer a mutiny. He was also in a rush to complete the ornamentation of Samarkand and alternative campaigns of Imperial expansion before he died. He consequently decided that he could not forgo his own apportionment of pillage, especially as he believed that such a rich country as India was fully capable of providing the largesse without too much subsequent hardship.

Tamerlane's share of the booty eventually included much local stone, which was looted from Delhi's ruins and was destined to boost the building works in Samarkand. As the conqueror had done in earlier campaigns, he also took with him a number of captured local artisans to assist with the beautification of his capital. However, he additionally pillaged something that he had never previously plundered, namely elephants for use in his future wars.

As far as Ahmed and Krishnan were concerned, Tamerlane, despite his gratitude towards the boys for safeguarding his beloved Vissarion, had adopted a common practice of the time. The conqueror retained the two 11 year-olds as hostages to prevent Mahmud Tughluq being tempted to attack the retreating Timurid forces.

Tamerlane also intended to retain Ahmed and Krishnan for several years after his return to Samarkand. The conqueror did want his core homeland of Transoxiana to be a target for an alternative vengeful attack by the Sultan of Delhi whilst he conducted his long proposed campaigns in the west against the Mamluks and Ottomans in order to fulfil his Imperial ambitions.

Vissarion had at first been rather bewildered after waking up from his 4½-month coma. Although, the whole of the young Georgian's still lovely but thinner than usual body appeared rather weak and full of cramps, the 21 year-old had initially believed that he had been asleep for no more than a night.

Vissarion's confused mind also wondered why he had opened his blue eyes in his master's tent, surrounded by Tamerlane and his other boys, plus the Bibi Khamun and Ulugbeg, who all should have been back in Samarkand. The young Georgian believed that he should have awoken instead alone in Mahmud Tughluq's Delhi palace, where he had last known himself to be.

Vissarion was naturally intensely shocked and saddened to learn subsequently about what had happened during his 4½-month sleep, despite the clear joy expressed on the faces and in the voices of everyone around him. However, like them, the young Georgian eventually had to accept that what had unfortunately occurred in his name could not be reversed.

Vissarion also came to accept Tamerlane's withdrawal from the Delhi Sultanate as being sufficient contrition for his master's error of judgement. Although the young Georgian would have preferred to see the conqueror desist from acquiring copious plunder, he was a realist and did not argue the point.

Vissarion simply appreciated his master's need for the booty and the young Georgian's resultant lack of action can also be excused by considering the context of the cruel times in which he lived. Military activity was rarely chivalrous or undertaken for only the best of reasons in a very harsh century that was arguably the worst that people had to experience during the past millennium.

Back in Samarkand, Tamerlane remarkably and gratefully no longer had to perform his conjugal duties in respect of his younger queens. In a major reversal of her previous policy, all of these spouses had all been sent to spend the cold season in Tashkent by the formidable Bibi Khanum, with whom no one argued, not even her husband. Equally amazingly, Shadi Mulk Aka had also allowed Nicolai, Rezan and Haluk to be accommodated in the palace, although not to provide their master with sexual entertainment but instead to be company for Ahmed and Krishnan, who were granted quarters just as luxurious as they had known in Delhi.

Meanwhile, also in the palace, Rahu retained his position as one of Tamerlane's most intimate bodyguards, and the fully recovered Vissarion remained one of the conqueror's closest advisors. The young Georgian was also official storyteller to Shadi Mulk Aka and Ulugbeg. Additionally, during this particular winter, the 21 year-old had been permitted by the Eldest Queen to perform other solitary duties for her husband.

"You and Vissarion are both ageing," Shadi Mulk Aka had bluntly informed the astonished Tamerlane. "At 62, you might now quickly lose your sexual drive," the Eldest Queen continued with brutal insight, "whilst, at 21, Vissarion's remarkable boyish looks might soon finally mature into ones reflecting his young manhood. Consequently your clear desire for him might cease. I therefore propose that you spend as much time as possible in the delightful child's intimate company before time overtakes you both!"

Tamerlane was both speechless and tearful at his wise Bibi Khanum's kind consideration and could not help but hug the formidable woman. Shadi Mulk Aka welcomed the embrace for a while, as she loved and admired her husband, despite his frequent absences and sexual peccadilloes. However, she eventually managed to break free and selflessly command her spouse "Now, go to him!"

Tamerlane needed no second invitation to rush immediately to Vissarion or to spend most of the winter in his favourite boy's delightful company. The situation was made all the more poignant by the fact that the conqueror had again recently believed that he had lost his beautiful beloved forever.

(Delhi, India, same time)

Mahmud Tughluq's tears were, however, not just for Delhi and the city's either dead or scattered population but were also spilt for two other reasons, which had additionally distressed his grieving mind. First, there was the loss, as Tamerlane's long-term hostages, of his beloved oldest son, Ahmed, and the boy's pleasant slave, Krishnan. Second, the politically astute ruler realised that the desolation of his capital might also symbolise the looming destruction of his Sultanate and dynasty.

The ruin and pillage of Delhi could possibly mean that the whole Sultanate was fatally weakened and there were jackals nearby, ready to assault and consume the remnants. Although the dreaded Tamerlane no longer appeared to be a threat, neighbouring Indian kingdoms could use the opportunity now presented to attack in order to try to annex parts of Mahmud Tughluq's domains. The warlike tribes from beyond the Indus in the mountainous northwest, especially the fierce Pushtans, had also frequently cast avaricious eyes on the rich cities of the plains. There was additionally the possibility of revolt by treacherous local governors seeking to carve out their own little empires.

Mahmud Tughluq therefore anticipated trouble from such opportunistic enemies and the possible consequential ending of his Sultanate and dynasty. His worst fears sadly possessed merit.

Mahmud was to be the final Muslim Sultan of Delhi and the last Tughluq to rule in the area. Within a decade or so, there would be no kingdom left for his young heir, the absent Ahmed, to return to inherit.

Nevertheless, in the years to come, Ahmed, helped by certain new friends in Tamerlane's court, would play a major role in the creation of an even mightier Indian state than that ruled by the Tughluqs.

(Samarkand, Transoxiana, Timurid Empire [in modern Uzbekistan], 2 years later, Winter, 1400)

Shadi Mulk Aka also misjudged the persistence of certain physical characteristics relating to her husband and his favourite boy. Tamerlane's strong libido endured for a few more years yet, as did the maintenance of Vissarion's amazing boyish beauty.

Tamerlane had never been known to take a 23 year-old male to his bed. The conqueror's particular tastes normally meant that about 20 was his normal upper limit and then only if the catamite concerned had retained the looks of someone younger, normally with the assistance of earlier castration. However, Vissarion was to prove, by a fair margin, to be an exception to this rule.

Shadi Mulk Aka was also not immune to Vissarion's undoubted charms. However, it was the young Georgian's beautiful persuasive character rather than impeccable body to which the Bibi Khanum succumbed when ending the exile from Tamerlane's bed of his other boys, whilst maintaining that of her husband's younger wives.

Unity amongst queens was thereby sacrificed in favour of retaining for the Bibi Khanum the company in Samarkand of both Tamerlane and Vissarion for as long as possible. The young Georgian had, as diplomatically as possible, suggested that he might be able to persuade his master to refrain from campaigning and remain instead in his capital to supervise his local construction projects, but only if the conqueror could regain the services of his other boys.

Given the choice, Shadi Mulk Aka agreed to the move, although her motives actually had more to do with keeping Vissarion close rather than Tamerlane. The Eldest Queen now truly rejoiced in the young Georgian's company, especially as, being a eunuch, he was allowed to spend many pleasant hours alone and unguarded with her, and their conversations were always immensely interesting.

On Vissarion's part, he did not mind the agreeable periods spent with Shadi Mulk Aka. The Bibi Khanum, who, after all, had so cared for him that she taken the immense trouble of travelling all the way to Delhi to try to revive him from his coma, had become to the young Georgian akin to his lost mother.

The meetings also generally now took place in Ulugbeg's palatial quarters. They were additionally usually timed to allow the boy to play happily in the presence of Vissarion and his grandfather's Eldest Queen before he was sent into nightly slumber, close to a window exhibiting the outside starry firmament, by one of the lovely young Georgian's marvellous stories. The tales were invariably enjoyed as much by Shadi Mulk Aka as by the infant.

As a consequence of the resultant idyll experienced by Tamerlane and his boys in the palace at Samarkand, they eventually spent two years in the capital. Meanwhile, the various major local construction projects really began to take shape, assisted by the excellent stone pillaged from Delhi and the threat of riling the infamous temper of the personally supervising conqueror if work was subject to any blunders, shoddiness or dawdling.

Tamerlane's two surviving sons, Miranshah and Shahrukh, and oldest grandsons, Muhammad and Khalil, led the minor, usually punitive military expeditions required to maintain the peace and security of the Timurid Empire in this period. During this campaigning, the principal military advisors of the conqueror's youngest son remained Arman and Sibur, for whom Teimuraz was still groom, whilst the boy's older brother, Todo, continued to fulfil a similar function for the prince.

Meanwhile, the captive Ahmed regularly experienced guilt. He longed to see his father and homeland again, yet he too was otherwise rather content in his own luxurious quarters in Samarkand. After all, he still had the company of his slave and best friend, Krishnan, which was now happily boosted by close, very friendly association with Tamerlane's boys, including Vissarion, who was very grateful for the role that the young hostages had played in his survival.

In fact, as Ahmed passed through puberty, the young prince's contentment increased still further, as a direct result of his new friendships, which allowed him to be frequently in the company of a particular member of his captor's young entourage. The now 13 year-old had become infatuated with one of Tamerlane's boys and his keen interest did not just relate to the catamite's undoubtedly very pleasant character.

(Outside the walls of Damascus, Syria, Mamluk Empire, a few months later, January 1401)

Ahmad Jalayir had only managed to recapture Baghdad because of the support of his allies, the Egyptian Mamluks, whose local base was in adjacent Syria. The conqueror therefore realised that, even if he was to retake the city again, the seemingly tenacious Sultan would probably keep coming back.

In order to prevent such a recurring nuisance, Tamerlane decided that he had to deny Ahmad Jalayir receiving local support from his allies. The conqueror, who had been planning to attack the Mamluks anyway, consequently decided that now was a suitable time to invade the rival Empire and destroy its regional power base in Syria before then again turning his vengeful attention towards Baghdad.

Tamerlane initiated his strategy by unusually campaigning in winter. Accompanying the conqueror into war were his two surviving sons, 34 year-old Miranshah and 23 year-old Shahrukh, and three of his grandsons, Muhammad, Khalil and Ulugbeg.

Muhammad, in his late 20s, was the offspring of the conqueror's deceased eldest son, Jahangir. Khalil, in his late teens, shared Muhammad's mother, Khanzada, but was the product of her second marriage to Miranshah, whilst 6 year-old Ulugbeg belonged to Shahrukh.

Arman, who remained in Shahrukh's service, was, like Vissarion, now 23, whilst his lovers, Sibur and Teimuraz were respectively 32 and 17. The latter's older brother, Todo, still the groom of Tamelane's youngest son, was 20.

Meanwhile, in ascending order of age, Rahu, Rezan, Haluk and Nicolai were respectively 17, 17, 18 and 19, with further birthdays imminent over the forthcoming months. However, none of Tamerlane's catamites had so far so lost their boyish looks that they had caused their master to lose his sexual interest in them.

The sexual career with his master of the only one of Tamerlane's boys to retain his balls, Rezan, might have appeared at first consideration to be most endangered by advance towards a more manly appearance. However, as such progression was slow, the young Persian's status was in fact safe for now, much to the delight of the eunuchs, whose prostates he happily regularly entertained whenever the conqueror was busy elsewhere.

Nevertheless, everyone aware of Tamerlane's predilections assumed that the conqueror would soon be seeking fresher and younger male flesh to play with, after finally promoting his current boys to undoubtedly important non-sexual positions within his Empire. In fact, a few people, who did not really understand the man's current character, were surprised that the two, very pretty, hostage 13 year-olds, Ahmed and Krishnan, had not been lured into their captor's bed.

At Vissarion's suggestion, Tamerlane had decided to take Ahmed and his similarly aged slave, Krishnan, with him on campaign. Both boys had not been displeased by the invitation, being instead delighted at the prospect of adventure. The 13 year-old prince was also keen to remain close to a certain friend.

Tamerlane and Vissarion believed that peripheral involvement in the war might prove educational for the two boy hostages. They additionally did not want to leave behind in Samarkand a temptation that might encourage Mahmud Tughluq to attack the city whilst they were away in the west. Even though the Sultan of Delhi was currently very busy trying to resist invaders of his own country, the conqueror and his beloved young Georgian advisor could not dismiss the possibility that Ahmed's father might somehow manage to launch such a campaign.

Tamerlane was indeed attracted towards the very pretty Ahmed and Krishnan. However, any predatory sexual despoilment of the boys would have breached Islamic hospitality and the conqueror was now too conscious of his mortality to perpetrate such a deed.

The 64 year-old Tamerlane had reached an advanced aged for his era. The conqueror consequently fully understood that an invite to meet his maker to debate his life's actions might not be too far away. In his new, more faithful and fatalistic guise, he therefore did not want to damage his present career record any more, although this did not prevent him from still pursuing bloody wars, for he firmly believed that his campaigns represented his holy destiny.

Tamerlane now considered his campaigns to be jihad against both infidels and Muslims whom he accused of profaning the true faith. His regional rivals, the Mamluks and Ottomans, were conveniently classified in this latter group.

Shadi Mulk Aka had been very sad to see her husband depart Samarkand but even sadder to lose Vissarion. During lachrymose farewells, the Bibi Khanum had, unprecedentedly in respect of one of her spouse's courtiers, hugged the now 23 year-old Georgian before issuing him with firm instructions. "Now, dear boy," the tearful Eldest Queen had commanded, "make sure that you return safely to me!" Tamerlane did not receive a similar order from her.

By January 1401, Tamerlane's army had already sacked the northwest Syrian city of Aleppo, to where the conqueror's forces had proceeded first because the metropolis was located on an important regional caravan route, which ultimately led to the Mediterranean Sea and was vital for reasons of military logistics and communications. Only after successfully assailing the municipality did the Timurid horde move south to besiege the capital of the Mamluk province, Damascus.

There was currently a lull in the fighting round the walls of Damascus, whilst Tamerlane reorganised his forces for a major, hopefully final assault. Consequently, Krishnan, acting on his own initiative and bluntly giving the truthful reason, invited Nicolai to the tent the young Hindu slave shared with his master, Ahmed. The gorgeous physique of the blonde, blue-eyed young Muscovite was apparently currently following the similarly featured and gelded Vissarion's remarkable inclination to remain permanently boyish in looks. The 19 year-old appeared at least 3 or 4 years younger than he actually happened to be.

The subsequent meeting between Ahmed and Nicolai was to prove very portentous for both boys and for India.

(Great Palace, Constantinople [modern Istanbul in Turkey], same time)

Petŭr had survived Nicephorus' wrath of 2½ years previously because John had rushed after the elderly eunuch, as he led the nude, petrified and tearful young Bulgar, confined between a pair of burly guards, along a palace corridor towards the older boy's proposed imminent flogging and castration. The young prince had intercepted and, against his normal character, screamed in desperation at the gelded official, ominously declaring that he would someday gain his revenge if any harm befell his slave.

Such a threat gave Nicephorus cause for serious thought because, although the normally pleasant but currently angry prince did not know it, most courtiers considered the boy to be the most likely next Emperor because of the sickliness of his older brother, Michael. The elderly eunuch began to wonder whether flogging Petŭr as punishment and then having him castrated in order to discipline his burgeoning teenage urges was worth the risk of infuriating the child who could someday become the master of the Byzantine Empire.

Nicephorus appreciated that, when that day came, he would probably already be dead, given his advanced age. However, he still pondered whether he really wanted to chance being the object of the next Emperor's vengeance for a perceived boyhood wrong. The elderly eunuch eventually concluded that Petŭr's naughtiness was not worth endangering himself.

The resultant secret agreement between Nicephorus on one hand and John and Petŭr on the other was twofold. First, at the demand of the younger boy, the prince could, if he wanted, continue to play with his slave's cock. Second, at the insistence of the elderly eunuch, the young Bulgar promised never to perpetrate sodomy on or encourage fellatio to be performed by his young master.

Later, when the then 8 year-old with the sparkling sky blue eyes was again naked and alone with the similarly nude 14 year-old and rubbing the young Bulgar's rampant penis, John asked Petŭr what 'sodomy' and 'fellatio' meant. The prince was rewarded for his question by the immediate entry into vibrating orgasm of the subject of his manual attentions.

John then rather expertly managed to direct the resultant arc of ejaculate back onto the older boy's belly, where the sperm formed a little white lake round the cute navel. The young prince was about to repeat this feat on this day over 2½ years later.

(Outside the walls of Damascus, Syria, Mamluk Empire, same time)

Ahmed now experienced a strange combination of emotions when he saw that it was Nicolai's gorgeous body, not that of Krishnan, which had entered the tent. The 13 year-old prince sensed surprise, as well as delight, embarrassment and another much more basic feeling.

Ahmed's delight did not just stem from the fact that Nicolai, along with Tamerlane's other boys, had become close friends of both him and Krishnan, and this was illustrated by the prince's current embarrassment. The latter emotion had resulted from a sudden facial flush, dryness of throat that made speech difficult and noticeable bulge in the 13 year-old's groin.

The more basic emotion was, of course, Ahmed's secret, infatuated but sadly so far unannounced, inactive and unrequited love for Nicolai.

(China, same time)

Zhu Yuanzhang's fourth son, Zhu Di, Prince of Yan, however, decided to contest the succession. By now, a terrible civil war in China, which would cost many lives and cause much destruction, had already lasted for over a year and would continue for more than another two.

29 year-old Ma He, now served by his similarly nullified personal slave, 14 year-old Chi Le, was to prove a vital support to the rebel Ming. In fact, Zhu Di honoured his key advisor and military commander after the brave eunuch's horse was killed under him in battle outside a town called Zhenglunba.

(Outside the walls of Damascus, Syria, Mamluk Empire, same time)

Ahmed's shame dissipated completely, to be replaced by eager lust, when Nicolai next tugged gently at the young Muslim's rich princely attire and quietly suggested "Let's both remove our clothes and have some fun!"

(Edirne, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

"Matters of Empire," Bayezid I had frequently loudly repeated to his youngest son and still nominated heir, "demand that such oaths should never be considered sacrosanct. Your prime consideration in all issues should relate only to the further aggrandisement of your dynasty and religion. If, by the time that you eventually succeed me, I haven't already accomplished the relevant tasks, the conquest of the pitiful remains of the Christian Byzantine domains, including Constantinople, and the elimination of their Emperors should form a key part of your policies. I therefore suggest that you forget your pledge to this Prince John!"

Mehmet, however, could not forget either John or the oath that he had shared with the delightful boy.

(Outside the walls of Damascus, Syria, Mamluk Empire, same time)

Nicolai did not as yet adore Ahmed as much as the intensity of the young Muslim's crush meant that he was loved by the 13 year-old. The pleasant and sexually liberated young Muscovite was nevertheless happy to indulge in sex simply to please his delightful new friend.

How was Nicolai to know at the time that his affection for Ahmed would increase substantially and, as well as being fully reciprocated, become fatefully lifelong?

(Bursa, Anatolia, Ottoman Empire [in modern Turkey], same time)

The relatively cosy lives of Johann Schiltberger and his military comrades were, however, soon to be shattered by a storm gathering in the east.

(Damascus, Syria, next day)

In the absence of the wise Vissarion, who would surely have calmed his master's explosive temper but was sadly not present because of his Christian faith, Tamerlane raged at the people of Damascus for allowing such neglect to befall the holy site. Some of the conqueror's military commanders interpreted their leader's fury as granting permission to loot and consequently much pillaging, raping and murdering ensued. A fire was also started in the city that burned for 3 days.

Damascus was ruined and would take years to recover. Such recovery was prolonged because, as in the case of Delhi, Tamerlane despatched much plunder back to Samarkand, including, as usual, many of the destroyed city's artisans.

(Georgia, same time)

Alexander was still dreaming that someday his homeland would be free from Tamerlane's suzerainty but he now believed that the miracle needed to attain this outcome might actually be possible to secure. The boy's uncle, King Georgi VII, had just informed the bright 11 year-old that Vissarion still lived and had provided details of the 23 year-old's present amazing circumstances.

(Damascus, Syria, same time)

Ibn Khaldun's censorious attitude extended to excluding mention in his works of the fact that Tamerlane had, in conversation with the historian, praised his beloved Vissarion in particular.

The young Georgian had always been appreciative of the best tenets of his own faith and that of his master. Tamerlane had therefore declared to Ibn Khaldun, whilst lovingly referring to Vissarion, "Wherever he goes, two angels accompany him, one at each shoulder. These are the spirits of Christianity and Islam!"

(Toledo, Castile, Spain, same time)

Ruy Gonzalez de Clavijo therefore began to wish that something would happen that would encourage his King to change his mind.

(Damascus, Syria, same time)

Tamerlane therefore alternatively now proposed to confront the Ottoman Empire and, just as a similar decision had once proved devastating for Ahmed and Krishnan, the conqueror's new intent was also to cause major upheaval in the lives of another prince and his servants.

It would soon be time for Mehmet and Vladimir, as well as Kiril and Zoran, to suffer at the bloody hands of the dreaded Tamerlane, but not before poor Haluk first fell into the delighted, vengeful arms of Ahmad Jalayir.

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