Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:59:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Matthew Templar <matemp1148@yahoo.com>
Subject: One Gift to Give - Chapter 3

My gift, the following tale, to those that have shown their appreciation
for my other story, is certainly a work of fiction.  Even if the
manuscripts (unearthed long ago, translated and sent to me by a great
uncle) from which this story could have been taken, were true, it would
still be impossible to believe.
	As a gift to you, it is yours to do as you please.  But, let me
know if you enjoy it.
	My very good friend, and who is high on my list of those to whom
this is a gift, Dwight Wilson, has shown me up again by his quality of
editing.  I am blessed, and the story is better because of him.  Please
check out two fine works of art by him.  Read 'New Horizon's' in
'Authority' (though it is about the saving of those young one's oppressed
by authority) and Brad's Idol', in 'Adult/Youth'; the life and love of a
boy learning . . . well, you see.


	This work is dedicated to those who, having enjoyed the story they
just read here in Nifty, responded by telling the author.  We all
appreciate the feedback.  Thank you!
			Matthew Templar

                             * * * * *
                             * * * * *

	One Gift to Give

	The Third Chapter - His River was of No Comfort

	Before the light appeared in the sky, before the song of the birds
began their cheery calls, before a town close by could have awakened, the
wee one woke to find that he was being cuddled and caressed from every
angle, on every part of his exposed body.  The morning's chill quickly left
him in this way, as the warmth of the hands did their work.  Then there was
that song again, so soft that he had to think if it was not his sleepy mind
that conjured it up in his ears.  But the hands knew it was real.  They
stopped their gentle massage to return to the boys that were their owners,
so that they too could enjoy the sweet singing.

	The boy opened his eyes to see two beautiful, slim, naked bottoms.
They belonged to Naweed and Habeeb for Abdul was slightly bigger.  He
reached out to one of the two sets of perfectly round mounds of flesh and
gently rubbed at the top of the valley that formed the passageway to
Naweed's most private place.  He could hear a gasp from above so he began
to move his hand away.  Quickly, a small hand reached back to find the
boy's and replace it over the sculpted flesh of the bottom his hand had
just left.  The boy had to giggle with delight that his ministrations were
accepted with enthusiasm.  He made his caresses stronger and even kneaded
the two fleshy domes with his thin fingers.

	The song crescendoed into a beautiful chant that brought feelings
of life and freedom and fun into the hearts of four small boys.  Of course,
Naweed's happiness was also magnified by the hand that rubbed his lower
back, but mostly the thumb that began to make its way into his depths.  He
fell to one side which opened up that part of him even more.  The little
hand slipped deeply into the crevasse of tender flesh, bringing another,
louder gasp to Naweed's lips.  The wee one had never thought before his
arrival here of such a thing as being as tender and wonderful as he could,
having had no experiences with someone who cared for him as much as his new
brothers.  He was overjoyed to hear approval from his new brother, and his
explorations seemed to give such joy that he would persist until he was
stopped.

	The song began to reach a pitch in such a way as to seem to bounce
off the walls and return to delight their ears; such was their big friend's
morning gift to them.  In time, as the song began to soften, the sun from
outside their home began its steady climb into the heavens to proclaim a
new day for which the boys could be thankful.

	And just as the song ended, the small hand found the soft circle of
skin that barred its visitor from entry.  But by the sounds from Naweed,
the smaller boy knew that this place, more than any other, begat more
feelings than all the others he had passed on the smooth warm body that he
was loving.  His joy at giving to Naweed was so complete that it caused him
to start giggling.  His hand now rubbed Naweed's bare thigh until Naweed
turned and bent forward to kiss his little lover on the cheek.  As his lips
gently touched the pink blushing flesh, Naweed felt a charge move straight
to his heart, making his own laughter erupt into the cavern.  He almost
fell on the little form that was loving him so dearly.  His hugs were
strong, yet not too closed, for fear of the hurt he might cause this little
one.  He, Naweed, was a growing boy, for this much he had told the others
with a young pride, just the day before.

	As they slowed their laughing they turned to look up into the eyes
of their huge host and, dwarfed on either side, their two brothers.  Their
smiles showed their approval and their hands reaching out to them pulled
them both to their feet.

	"I leave you four urchins to learn this fine day of the things you
will need in life's demands.  I will return with goods and stories and, I
hope against all hope, no child will have to suffer this day.  But, if they
should, our family will increase in size again."  And even as the words
clearly spoke the warmth and kindness of the large one and his giving love,
the very thought of some other poor child going through what he went
through made the small boy shudder.  It did not go unnoticed.

	"My child, you are safe among your new brothers.  Your tyrannical
stepfather will hurt no one again.  Your family will prosper.  You will
move on to your calling as soon as you are stronger, as will all my boys in
their time.  Fear not."  He swooped down and picked up the youngest boy and
threw him in the air, causing the music of laughter to fill the cavern from
the voices of all five of its inhabitants.  Such joy was becoming common
place in the mind of the wee one, but not without regard for its special
place in his heart.

	He was gently set down amongst the three other of his new brothers
and the giant turned to leave.  Somehow, the little boy observed, the great
man didn't appear as huge or daunting to the boy.  While very large indeed,
he was not so in an ominous way.  He grinned as he thought about the huge
man helping him so recently and how frightened he had become.  Now, he was
in a wonderful place.

	But he didn't know what the great man meant when he spoke of his
'calling'.  He certainly heard nothing.  Oh well, he thought.  The time
would come when he would need to know, and then it would be revealed to
him.

	He turned and ran to play with the others.  It would be a glorious
day.  It would be one of many glorious days.

                                               * * * *

	The large one hummed his way back to his work location.  No, he was
not saddened by his job, for he was a person that could discern the good
and bad of a man or woman.  His gift made the placement of men to new
masters a challenge but, sometimes, an almost necessary one.  He was very
thankful that he could count on only two hands the times a small child was
brought to this place for auction.  He was even prouder that none of those
youngsters ever felt the hand or whip of a master come down on their
precious bodies.  Oh, he wasn't at all thinking that he was a saint, and
some of those he saved he would have given back on occasion, until they
were able to see his true compassion and let their own anger drain from
within their fragile minds.  He laughed to himself as he thought of those
experiences long past.

	And if a man came to be sold that should have been home with his
family, or a beast that was called to some other place, he was somehow able
to rescue them.  Sometimes he could do that at the very compound where he
worked, but sometimes he would call upon his former children and ask their
help to save one, even as he had rescued them not so long before.

	So, when a short man came to the auction, not to sell a boy for
amber drink money, but to be sold like a common thief, he was recognized
with some disdain by the large one.  He was a never ending spout of whines
and cries, telling of his loving family waiting in their house for his
return.  He told of his innocence of not abandoning them.  He cried that
his income had been taken from him by the king's wishes and that he . . . .
The man only stopped his incessant whining when he let out the most
disgusting of burps, coming from the deepest, most vile place in his
stomach and smelling of the sickeningly sweet smell of the amber he had
been downing when captured by the king's guard.

	The giant was saddened that the littlest of his cherubs had to know
and be hurt by such a horrible person.  While he was never glad that a
person was enslaved, he knew that this man would never learn to provide for
anyone.  He also knew that this man's days were numbered when he thought of
the little man avoiding work under the hands of a true master.  He also
knew that there would be very little silver passing hands over this excuse
for a human.  He loathed what he knew of this man's actions against that
small precious life that had come to him so recently.  He closed his eyes
and smiled when he thought of his newest treasure of life in small form.

	"Sold for two pieces of dirty silver to the man with the whip!"

                                  * * * *

	The days passed swiftly for the new family in the hidden caverns.
One day the great one turned the last corner and looked upon the boys with
whom he had been privileged to share his abode.  His grin grew large as it
did each twilight at his returning.  But that night his eyes fell on one so
small for his age.  It wasn't that he was so very tiny, but he was several
inches short of the other boys his age in the village.  But there was so
much more to this wonder that had come into their midst that he was
learning about daily.  There was an aura about him that had gone
unexplained since his arrival a full moon before.  As if a curtain were
opened for the large man, he saw his answer.  He had known from the
beginning that such a boy was not destined to stay in this solitude, but
was needed elsewhere to spread his gift.

	That time had come!

	The weather had become cool at night but the sheen on the running,
screaming boys was a sign of their great joy and love for one another and
the rambunctious fun they were having.  As they met their large friend with
the same childish, jubilant enthusiasm as the previous night and each night
before that, they waited impatiently until they all collapsed at the feet
of his sturdy chair when he was seated.  One by one they would be allowed
to climb up into his great lap and receive their hug and a word of
encouragement, along with a few questions.  Such joyful communing was
always followed by a tickle or two and then a very large kiss on the boy's
forehead.  It never became a routine to bear for the boys or their host.
It was always something for which each counted on with great anticipation.

	The youngest and smallest of their brood had come to love this time
as well.  He happily climbed up to sit in the seat formed by the lap of his
protector and provider.  His hug was always returned so gently and warmly
that it made him think of his own mother's love for him.  His talk was
short and kind, asking about the boy's day.  It reminded him of the time
when he was the last on the great lap and was told of the outcome of his
horrible stepfather's nasty deeds.  He had to stifle a chuckle when he
heard the words, 'two dirty pieces of silver,' knowing it would not even
buy the mean man a jug of his precious amber.

	But that night, their talk was short and loving, though he noticed
a look of concern in his host's round eyes.  His love for the man was such
that his hand went to his cheek and rubbed gently.  The great man shuddered
and sighed and returned a smile that told the boy that all was well.  His
joy bubbled over into a laugh that somehow spread to the others who were
looking on just then.  He was set down and it was Abdul's turn to receive
his warmth and loving from his caregiver.

	After receiving a somewhat heartier hug, for he was a growing boy,
he listened to his favorite voice of comfort and concern.

	"Abdul, the time has come for which we spoke together not long
before this.  We can no longer keep him from his chore.  He has received
our love and nourishment and I believe that it has strengthened him within,
as well as his muscles and bones.  Heh!  I think that even his height has
risen somewhat, too.  What are your thoughts?"

	"Oh, great one, it is so hard for me to tell, for I too am growing
in height."  At this the large man laughed and bellowed,

	"What?  You know not if he's grown?"  He then tickled the largest
of the naked boys until they were both too tired to continue his play.
Three little heads turned to see them play but were caught up in their own
game and knew that their time for that kind of wonderful interaction with
their loved one was as wonderful for Abdul.  They knew that these times
were so special and, returning to their play, counted themselves fortunate
for the rich lives for which they enjoyed.

	"My large friend, when our wee one walks to the wall by the stores
inside,' said Abdul, pointing to the inner rooms of their home, "He is
taller than the third shelf now."  Abdul's eyes were wide and his head of
long tresses was nodding to the pleasured eyes of his host in whose lap he
lounged.

	"Just as I thought then," said the man, setting his Abdul down to
the floor of the cavern.  Abdul turned and looked with surprise at his
friend until the man laughed. "Ha!  I have not forgotten, my beautiful
little friend.  Hug me once more."  And Abdul leaped into the waiting arms
and was pulled into a most crushing hug and several sloppy kisses all over
his head and neck.  So hard did he laugh that standing again was a most
difficult task indeed.  "Go to our boy, after our meal, and bring him to me
so that a part of his future can be made known to him."  While said with
love, it was also a serious word, for both knew that the boy's time with
them would now be short.

	At meal's end, there was a quiet that pervaded their sanctuary as
never before.  Of course, Abdul and Naweed had experienced this a time or
two before, and the man, many times in the past.  While they knew the
outcome, they could only be happy in knowing that one of their own would
move on to a greater bidding, a greater purpose than they had arrived.  The
young Habeeb had been in their care but just a whole moon's time when the
wee one came to be with them.

	As the other boys gathered around, Abdul brought the littlest
forward, his arm warmly around his new brother's slim, naked shoulder.  The
little one was in awe of the moment, as though he knew something was about
to take place that would change his life forever.  He gave a shiver, which
Abdul felt go through him too.  Then the young one turned and looked into
Abdul's loving eyes and smiled.  His was such a beautiful smile that Abdul
seemed to feel it move into the places that the shiver had gone and warmed
them, leaving a wondrous feeling all around and through him.  His arm
slipped off the thin, naked shoulders and he stood in awe of this one so
small, yet gifted.  He could only watch silently as his small brother took
the last step toward their gracious and large host.

	"You see, little one?  You have brought a love and joy with you to
our habitat that is unlike anything we know.  While love and laughter were
not scarce before your arrival, they abound in your presence.  May you
share that gift wherever your journey takes you."  The great man said this
last sentence with some sadness because he knew what the morrow would
bring.  As he let those words slip from his lips, the whole family of boys
and man knew what was to come in so short a time.

	"You will leave us on the morrow, my lovely flower," said the boys'
protector, "but you will always be with us."  He touched his heart, as the
other had done with him.  The little one looked from boy to boy to boy and
again to his host and the one man he adored, and placed his hand on his own
bare breast.  They had all seen him smile, but this was a special time and
a special smile.  They all glowed in the love that he gave them by just his
smile.  So many thoughts and assurances for all were within those few
seconds that his leaving would surely not be as sad as they feared.  They
all hugged and kissed their brother and gave him their blessings in his
travels as best they could.

                                           * * * *

	The boys had played so hard that they lay exhausted in a heap on
their soft mat.  Laughing and tickling had died down and, even as it was
hard to stop giggling, thinking of their fun that night, they became quiet
and peaceful.  They were all lying so that each could reach the other, and
they did.  Hands went forth to feel what they could and fingers held the
first thing that came between them.  Soon those hands were caressing the
boy closest to the next and bringing forth a plethora of soft moans and
cooing.  All felt the love of the others and soon they were able to
concentrate on the very core of their brother.  To look from where he lay
in his place of lounging, the joyous man could see that all were being
satisfied as one and all were so very lost in the glorious feelings that
enveloped them.

	Fingers soon found their goal of a small peg or a slightly larger
one and began to play their favorite instrument.  Then, as one, they all
bent forward to swallow their brother's toy in their moist mouths.  The
moaning was only slightly muffled around the fullness in them.  They began
to get louder, these sounds of unbridled love, of the passion a boy can
have for another and the result of such love.  The sounds echoing in their
cave grew until they each experienced a blissful, sparkling explosion of
such impact that each boy had to work hard to keep his lover encased in his
mouth while he allowed the timeless rich feelings that his own body enjoyed
to subside.  Spent, each boy moved to a place where he could cuddle with
someone close, and within seconds, they were all breathing deeply and fast
asleep.

	The man cried.  His were tears of the happiness at the treasured
sight before him; of the happiness they gave him.  He became overcome with
the gift these little ones gave him continually, and soon succumbed to a
deep sleep himself.

                                      * * * *

	The morning came upon them bright and as cheerful as it could,
considering their tasks that day; for they would prepare their brother and
loved one for his journey from them.  Their large host sat and talked while
a bag was stuffed with a shawl and a small water bag.  It also held a chunk
of cheese and some heavy bread that would nourish him as he walked.

	"You will travel the road that goes beside the river to a place
some distance where another road, even greater, meets it.  At this road,
you will wait for the person to come to you that will help you to your
goal; the end of your quest."  His voice was so loving that all had to stop
and listen as if he were speaking only to them.  So, also, the wee one
nodded his head and closed his eyes as if to write those words in his heart
to remember, not just for their instruction, but because they were his
protector's words, his voice, and he wanted that comfort with him too.  It
was also so full of assurance and strength that the small one need not ask
how he would know this stranger or of the dangers that may be out there.
It was just something he would do for his large friend, but mostly, because
he had come to know that it was his destiny and that of . . . well, that
was unknown as yet to him; that is, who else it would impact.

	The large one and Abdul had conferred and agreed that the young one
seemed to grasp ideas and formulate tasks and plans as though he were much
older.  Oh, he was no genius or wise one in the making, at least, just yet,
but they were certain that his comprehension of what lay before him was
adequate to the task.

	So, when he had dressed that morning in his thin, hand laundered
smock, for the first time in some weeks, and when they had all gathered and
hugged, kissed and patted each other, there was a confidence in what lay
ahead, not only in the minds of the man and Abdul, but also in that of the
small boy who looked back just once and gave them a treat once more; his
smile.

  * * * * *

	As the sun above him beat down on him he walked as though the path
were a stone road, laid out for only him.  In truth it was but a path some
short distance beside his river, built of packed sand, being the main
access to his small village and used for centuries before him.  He knew the
route was long but his feet were as happy as his swinging arms and his glad
heart.  What lay ahead was something new, and having experienced his first
`something new' during his time with his new brothers (the thought of which
made his face glow with pride and love), he knew that the next adventure
would surely be as grand.

	He walked.  The sand was the same.  He walked.  The heat did not
stop.  He walked.  He was the only soul for forever in his sight.  And
still, he walked on.

	There was a bush on the right where he stopped to enjoy the bread
and cheese.  He sipped the water, knowing it would have to last, though not
really knowing for how long.  There was some shade provided by the bush and
it allowed him to retreat from the sun's need to bathe him continually in
sweat.  Somewhat refreshed, he made his way again to find just the place of
his big friend's telling; a place that must be a gateway to wondrous
things, and marvelous people.

	After walking for most of the day, he noticed that there, in the
distance was a person walking toward him; no, two!  There seemed to be an
animal between them, shorter than they.  Yes!  A small horse or donkey.  He
kept up his pace and had no fear for himself.  His adventure was unfolding
and it must include these people, he thought.

	It seemed to take forever for the distance to become shorter so
that they would finally meet.  He wondered what they would be like.  He
wondered what their great quest had in store for them.  Maybe they knew of
the place his journey would take him.  His excitement quickly grew, as did
his impatience to come upon them.

	At last, two men approached him, staying to the far side of the
road.  The little one was somewhat shocked that it appeared they wanted
nothing to do with him.  He stopped and stared in disbelief.  He only
wanted to be friendly; to share part of what he had received from his time
at the home of his wonderful host and his new brothers.

	"Another beggar, indeed, brother.  He's worthless.  Leave him to
the vultures.  Very few small bites left on that one."  The larger man
spoke gruffly and continued on.  But the other brother stopped and took an
instant to look on the wee one standing there.

	"But, where does he go, brother?  Why is he out here alone and with
no supplies to speak of?  He can barely be the age of your daughter, a mere
babe out here alone.  Is it not in our power to offer a little to him and
to make sure he is fit for his journey?  Isn't that what we should do as
responsible men?"

	A few feet beyond, the gruff man barked back, "Whatever your
softening heart tells you, weak one.  Surely, our lives would be someone
else's by now if I had let you squander all our hard earned possessions to
such as he.  And what has he to give in return?  Ha!  Less than nothing, I
tell you."  Then a thought escaped from the mind that he had tried so hard
to close off from this meager waif.  He rustled around in a bag hanging
from the tired donkey and pulled out a smaller bag.  Handing it to his
brother, he said, "Here.  Give the little prince his reward for his very
presence before us, to bless our trip."  There was no doubt to his brother,
from the edge of his scowl, that he meant less than he said.

	But the boy had never heard this strange talk before and was very
glad that they had finally stopped and seemed friendly.  As the smaller
brother passed the bag of little sustenance to the little boy, a joy rose
up in the wee benefactor.  As he reached for the gift, he was able to feel
the warmth of the gentle man's hand.  It added to the building joy within
him and finally burst forth in a glowing smile.

	"Oh my!  Oh my, older brother, behold!  Your gift is being returned
one hundred fold!"

	It was the excitement in his weak brother's voice that made him
turn toward the nothing of a runt.  He did so as though he were forced to
give in to his weaker brother's insanity.  In doing so though, his face,
his thoughts, his heart changed at that instant.

	"Allah be praised!  It is as you say, my brother.  His gift is so
much more than we could ever hold.  Get him the larger bag and. . . no!  I
will, myself.  It is an honor."

	He heard the words coming from them but he understood none of it.
The little boy only knew that he was blessed by their attention and soon,
by a heavier bag, filled with dates and apples.  He later found another
piece of cheese within his new tote.  But as he looked up from discovering
his treasures, he saw the two men and their beast glide beyond him, toward
the place where he had been.  He slowly raised his hand and smiled once
more, as a thank you, hoping that, in their haste, they could still see
him.  He laughed as he heard them both cry out and fall to the ground
looking up.  Several times they bent over to see something on the ground
and then, up to see a bird that wasn't there, arms flailing to catch it,
should it fly close.  Of course, they were too far away for him to hear
their prayers of great praise, even if he could understand their words.
How funny they became to his eyes, as they hurried away.

	This was a treat to his spirit that revived him for the rest of his
walk that day, at least until the sun decided to lie down, beyond the
farthest hill, to rest itself.

	Quickly the light was gone and the cool relief from the piercing
heat turned into a coldness that began to cut through his thin shirt.  He
pulled out the shawl and wrapped it around his thin body several times but
it did little to warm him.  He came to rest close enough to the mighty
river to see its voyage pass him, but not close enough to hear it call to
him with its mighty voice.  He sat by a small bush to find refuge from the
slight wind and waited for the sun to awaken and warm him again.

	He shivered and waited.  The cold seeped in where his thoughts
should have been; happy thoughts of the days that he had just left behind.
He knew that his journey was one of importance, somehow.  He could not
grasp the idea of it ending on this small sand dune, behind this miniscule
bush, near the heartless river that left him there, cold and growing sad.
He tried to muster the strength to stay focused but soon, his eyes and his
ears began to play tricks on his mind, telling him and showing things that
were not there; were they?

	He thought there was a glow from the sand beyond a hill to the
east, across the river.  But how could it be that warm over there, he
thought.  Did he also hear the sound of a horse?  Could it be a golden
horse that would light up the sky with its brilliance?  His imagination
traveled as fast as his will began to fade.  Soon he had imagined a whole
army of golden steeds, ridden by mighty soldiers in silver sashes and
holding golden sabers.  Of course, their only task was to come to his aide
and whisk him up to a place of warmth, where he could eat his apples and a
date or two from his newest bag.

	He laughed to himself for such thoughts as he reached into that bag
for a date and nibbled at it.  When it was gone he decided to treat himself
to an apple, and looked into his bag for just the right one of the three
that were left.  A sound made his eyes look up to see his greatest fear
before him; twofold.

	Even as he had been terrified while in the clutches of his horrible
stepfather, he saw two such men of equally vile looks approach him in the
darkness, from the west.  They came upon him so quickly that he only had
time for a gasp before they grabbed at him, making him drop his fruit into
the cold sand.  He tried to back up as fast as his shivering legs would
allow.  They laughed and taunted him with looks that were so similar to
that of his monstrous stepfather that fear was making his heart beat harder
than ever before.

	He moved back and then back some more, until he was against a stone
or tree; he hadn't taken the time to see which.  He was certainly lost to
their whims, he knew, and pulled his knees up to his chest, burying his
face; too afraid to see what would happen next.  His mind raced to think of
something wonderful but his fear was so strong, and the tears burned his
eyes so bad, that he could only wait for that which was sure to become his
fate . . . again.

	SWOOSH!!  Plop!

	SWISH!!  Splat!

               *     *     *     *

This ends the Third Chapter of One Gift To Give
I hope you have enjoyed it so far.

To be continued with The Fourth Chapter - He Was Made Ready For His Fate