Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:14:33 -0800 (PST)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons, Chapter 114

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

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

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


Chapter One-hundred Fourteen: New Horizons


"There's cars out there that weren't here while ago," one boy commented as
he approached the group of boys sitting on the ground.

Beginning shortly after breakfast, cars and people dressed strangely had
been arriving and going into the office.  The boys knew that Daniel was
meeting with these people.  They also knew that the four Indian boys, who
had reacted so strangely to the two men wearing feathered capes, were still
with one of those men.  The boys were no longer kneeling or prostrate on
the ground.  They stood on either side of the man as though they were
waiting for a signal or orders.

Brad approached the group, kneeling down next to where Sean sat on the
ground with a few other boys.

"Sean, have you seen the twins, Bill and John?" Brad asked.

"Uh-uh.  Didn't know they were here," Sean replied.  "Where they supposed
to be?"

"Not sure.  They came with Brian and Josh this mornin'."

Brad turned and looked at some of the new boys that were gathered around.

"Any of you guys in the same place as those four Indian boys?"

"They was in the same place as me and a bunch 'o others here, but they
didn't hafta do the stuff we did.  We just saw 'em once in a while, sittin'
around and just, like, starin' off at nothin'."

The boys were quiet for a couple of minutes, each boy looking towards the
office, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"Oh, by the way, I'm Brad.  This is my little brother, Sean."

Brad spoke to the boy that had just shared some information with them.

"I'm Parker, and this runt next ta me is Tristan."

Tristan shot a hard elbow to Parker's ribs for the smart remark.

"Brad," Sean reached out a hand for his brother, "there's more cars
comin'."

"Yeah, and thems government cars," Parker added.  "You can tell cause they
all look alike painted black and with dark windows.  Look at the sign thing
on the door.  It says they're immigration people.  Wish I could hear what's
happenin'."

"Yeah, well one thing's for sure," Brad responded, "we won't know unless
Mr. Dan'l decides it's okay for us to know.  Another thing, you can bet
Mr. Dan'l's arguin' ta protect somebody.  You guys can sit here and stare
at that building or watch cars come and go all ya want.  I know somethin'
that's a lot more interestin' ta me right now and I'm headed there."

"Where ya goin'?" asked Sean.

"Mess hall ta see what kind of snacks they got for us."

"Ya mean we can get somethin' ta eat whenever we want?" one of the new boys
asked.

"Didn't you hear Mr. Dan'l the other day?  It's just like back home.  In
between meals there's always fruit and other stuff out so we can just walk
in and grab somethin' whenever we're hungry."

Every boy began to follow Brad, the mention of food having changed their
priorities.

                                                       * * * * * *

Mark stepped into the meeting room as quietly as possible and handed Daniel
a note.  The note let Daniel know that representatives from the state
department and INS had arrived; they were accompanied by a federal marshal.

"Gentlemen, I've just been notified that representatives from the federal
government are here."

"Daniel, I'm sorry.  I neglected to tell you that we had to give them
notice given that this could be an international situation," the governor
responded.

"I suggest we take a short break while I meet them."  Daniel turned his
attention to Mr. Garcia and Chief Monteczoma.  "Are there any objections to
asking them to join us?"

"Not at all," Garcia responded.  "It would be most appropriate."

Daniel and the governor stepped into the front room to greet the new
arrivals.  Daniel introduced himself and the governor.  The men introduced
themselves as Victor Owens with the state department, Thomas Franklin with
INS, and Carl Hendrix, a federal marshal on special assignment with the
FBI.

"Governor, Daniel," Owens spoke for the trio, "we've been asked to come
here regarding the boys believed to have been kidnapped and smuggled into
this country.  Our job is to make sure this is worked out satisfactorily
and maintain good relations with our South American neighbors."

"Mr. Owens," the Governor responded, "we understand the need for diplomacy.
However, isn't it a little unusual for a federal marshal and the FBI to be
involved with diplomatic matters?"

"You're correct, Governor," Hendrix answered. "I'm here as part of a
special investigation into the smuggling of illegal aliens and enslavement
of many of those aliens.  We believe there may be some connection to our
investigation.  We were advised that during the raid a couple of boys were
picked up that may have come from Cuba?"

"That's right," Daniel interjected.  "So, you are here primarily about
those boys?"

"Yes, but, as I stated, we are trying to determine if the smuggling ring
involving those boys is also part of the group that smuggled the four
Indian boys into the country."

"Marshal Hendrix, we are meeting with representatives for the four boys at
the moment.  Before we address the two boys we think are from Cuba, I'd
like to talk with you outside of this meeting, if you don't mind."

"Mr. Thompson, I was thoroughly briefed on you and New Horizons before
coming.  I think I would have been surprised if you hadn't asked me that.
Let me assure you that we mean no harm to the boys and will do all we can
under the circumstances to help them."

"That's also one of the reasons that I'm here," Franklin added.

The men were escorted into the conference room and introductions were made
all around.  Before taking his seat, Daniel asked Mark to go to the mess
hall and ask for a tray with beverages to be sent over.

"Gentlemen," Garcia spoke up.  "If I may make a suggestion before we
continue.  We understand the concerns of Mr. Thompson and of the
governments to assure that the boys are who we believe them to be.  We have
with us DNA samples and documentation that will establish their identity
with a DNA match.  I would like to suggest that the tests be conducted
while we talk.  Also, I understand that there are two other boys whom we
believe to be twins that were abducted approximately five years ago.  Would
it be agreeable to also conduct the DNA tests for those boys?"

"Michael?"  Daniel deferred to Dr. Mike who responded with a slight nod
before exiting the room.

"Excuse me, if I may interrupt?" Hendrix interjected.  "We have already
contacted the local authorities and with a phone call they will send a car
to pick up the samples and take them to the lab for immediate testing."
Hendrix then realized that no one knew why the test had been anticipated.
"We had been advised that Mr. Garcia would have the DNA samples and
documents with him on arrival."

"May I ask a consideration?" the chief asked.

Daniel's response was to give the chief his undivided attention.

"May we see the boys before we do this testing?  There is a ritual that the
boys were to have participated in at the age of six.  These boys were taken
before they could participate and earn the right to move forward in their
exalted positions.  If the boys are not capable, or have forgotten their
training, then it may be best that the boys remain here with the others.
In that event, the results of the test would be of no concern."

Daniel knew the ritual the chief was referring to due to his conversations
with his father.  However, Daniel did not reveal his knowledge of the
ritual or the boys' abilities.  Daniel was also becoming more convinced,
primarily due to the strong similarities in appearance, and after hearing
the time frames of the boys' disappearance, that the twins were a part of
this society.

"The ritual you speak of," Grandpa interjected, "could it be performed
here, today?"

Grandpa was also fully aware of the ritual and knew the boys would have no
problems.  However, this was a diplomatic matter and protocol needed to be
respected.

"Yes, and I am sure there are those among us who have conducted research
and are familiar with the ritual.  The full ritual will take approximately
one hour and must be done in pubic with many witnesses.  For those present
that are not familiar with the ritual, I should state that many of our
rituals, including the ritual we are now discussing, are sexual in nature.
May we impose on you gentlemen and the boys present to assist?"

"Excuse me," Daniel spoke, "prior to discussing the ritual, we were
discussing another matter that I believe is very important."

"Yes, I understand your concerns and agree we need to discuss them.
However, if the ritual is to take place, the boys will need to go through
purification.  The brief purification ritual will require approximately
three hours.  Is it possible to see the boys and determine that the ritual
is appropriate?  We could then address any concerns you have while our high
priest, who is standing with the four boys outside, begins the purification
process for the younger boys."

No one in the room responded, respecting Daniel's position; this should be
his call.  Daniel looked at the chief and ambassador a moment, thinking.
Daniel looked at the chief.

"What would you like us to do?"

"Thank you for your consideration, it is most appreciated," the chief
answered.  "I will join my brother, the high priest, outside.  When the
boys are brought out, we will be waiting to see how they react to us.
Their reaction will tell us much of what we need to know."

Daniel directed his attention to the governor and other men in the room.
The men nodded to Daniel, giving their support.  Daniel rose from the table
and opened the door to get Mark.  He asked Mark to have Brian and Josh
bring the twins outside in five minutes.


The chief and high priest stood next to one another.  The two boys wearing
the collars stood directly behind them and a little off to the side.  The
remaining two Indian boys stood behind the collared boys.  Daniel, the
governor and other gentlemen stood in a group to the side, observing.

Soon, the door opened and Brian and Josh walked outside with the twins.
The twins were between the older boys; each held the hand of their big
brother.  The twins were looking around, curious to see what was happening
when one of the boys spotted the chief and high priest.  He reached for his
brother's arm and said something to his brother.  Both boys looked straight
at the chief and high priest.

The twins released the hands they were holding.  Their demeanor quickly
changed; their attention focused solely on the two men.  The twins dropped
their hands by their sides and walked smartly, stepping in unison, towards
the chief and high priest.  As the boys approached, their eyes began to
look toward the men's feet.  Stopping about three feet in front of the men,
the boys dropped to their knees and sat back on their ankles.  With arms by
their sides, both boys leaned forward from the waist at a thirty degree
angle and bowed their heads.

The boys said something, speaking so only the two men could hear them.  The
chief responded and then the high priest said something to the boys.  The
men looked at the boys and then at one another and smiled.  When they said
something else, both boys looked up at the men.  Each twin had tears
running down their cheeks, but they were smiling.  The men and boys
continued to speak with one another.  Finally, the men reached down and,
placing a hand on the upper arm of each boy, helped the boys stand.  The
boys gave each man a kiss on each cheek.  In return, the men gave each boy
a kiss on the forehead.  No one could hear what was being said, but Daniel
did notice when the twin pointed towards Brian and Josh; the boys also
turned as though they were looking for someone or something.

The men each took the hand of one of the twins and approached Daniel.

"Daniel, I believe we should conduct the DNA tests to affirm our belief
that these are the twins taken from us five years ago.  My brother and I
are convinced they are the same boys, but understand the need to eliminate
any questions."

"We agree," Daniel replied.  "After seeing the boys' reactions I feel the
same as you, but I do have certain reservations."

"Understandable," the chief answered.  "However, I'm sure that I can answer
your concerns satisfactorily when we step back inside.  Also, these older
boys have something they would like to tell you."

The chief turned and looked at the twins wearing the collars.  The two boys
stepped forward.  After nodding their respect to the chief, they faced
Daniel.

"We want you to know how much we appreciate what you and the other men have
done for us.  Our high priest says we must also apologize to you for not
letting you know that we do speak your language."  Daniel was stunned at
how well the boys spoke English.  After a moment, he could only smile and
laugh.  The chief stepped forward.

"All of our children are required to learn their native Mayan language,
plus the Spanish that most people around us speak, and of course, the
international language of English.  The boys are taught that when they find
themselves in a situation that may present some threat to them, they are
not to let their language skills be known.  Being mute was not intended as
anything more than a form of self defense."

"Boys, we are not offended.  We are pleased and honored that we could help
you.  We would like to ask though that you talk with us and clear some of
our concerns."

The two boys looked to their chief who nodded his consent.  The two boys
then nodded to Daniel and stepped back so he could lead them.

"Michael," Daniel addressed his friend, "I think it's more of a formality
at this point than anything else, but let's run the tests just so no one
can challenge anything later."

"Gentlemen, shall we return to the conference room and resume our
discussion?"

? * * * * * *

The group of boys exited the mess hall with snacks in hand.  Richard
noticed the group that had gathered outside.

"Look, they've come outside, and there's the twins walkin' towards those
two men in the feathered capes."

The boys watched as the twins approached and knelt.  No one said anything
until the twins stood and kissed the men on the cheek.

"Who do ya think they are?" Sean asked.

"Don't know, but kinda look like they'd be important with those capes.  The
twins just kissed 'em and they kissed the twins.  What d'ya thinks goin'
on?" another boy asked.

"If I had to guess," Brad replied, "I'd say the twins are pro'bly goin'
home.  See how they're walkin' off with that one guy?  The other one's
goin' inside with Mr. Dan'l.  Look, those four Indian boys are followin'
'em inside.  Sure wish I could hear what's happenin'."

                                                             * * * * * *

"Mark, it'll be lunch-time soon.  How about letting the mess hall know that
we'll have guests?"

The men filed into the room, taking the seats they previously occupied.
The four Indian boys stood behind their chief.  Now that everyone knew the
boys could speak English, it was not necessary for Enrico to remain with
the boys.

"Before we begin, if I may," the chief spoke first, "I understand that
there is a journalist, a woman, who has been very supportive of your
cause."  The chief noticed the puzzled looks from the men.  "The boys told
my brother that they had heard the other boys speaking of her.  Also, they
had seen her sons, who are also twins.  In our culture, the mother of twins
is given special recognition and privileges.  What I am attempting to do
here is to invite the lady to sit with us and share in our conversation."

"That's very generous," Daniel replied.  "Elizabeth is in an adjoining
room.  I'll ask her in."

When Elizabeth joined the group, brief formalities were exchanged and the
discussion continued.

"Chief, if I may get right to the point of my concerns?" Daniel asked.  The
chief merely nodded courteously.  "There are really two major concerns.
The boys talked to Enrico of having been taken from their master.  To us,
this implied that they were slaves and that gives us great concern.  The
second concern is around the two younger boys.  We have reason to believe
that they believe they failed in their duties or responsibilities and must
be punished; the punishment could be death and not necessarily a swift
one."

The two younger boys listened to Daniel, their expressions stoic.  When the
chief looked at the boys they looked down as though they were ashamed.  The
chief held out his hands, palms up, and the two boys stepped up to him with
one on either side.  The chief wrapped his arms around their naked,
beautifully tanned buns, letting his hands come to rest on their hip bones.
After saying something to the boys in what the men assumed was the Mayan
language, the boys looked at Daniel and spoke.

"We did not mean to trouble you.  As students, it is our duty to protect
our masters."  The boys looked at the collared twins.  "We had sworn to
protect them with our lives, if necessary.  When we were taken by the evil
men, we believed that we had failed.  We lived and knew that we should not
and were prepared for our life spirit to be taken.  Our souls would then be
taken by the Creator of all things.  If deemed worthy, our imperfections
would be corrected, and our spirits returned to again serve our people."

The chief then followed through on the boys' statement.

"My brother, our high priest, has explained to the boys that they did not
fail.  He explained to the boys that the strongest and the bravest of all
warriors could not have withstood the weapons and the evil those men
brought upon them.  These boys fulfilled their duty when they stayed beside
their masters, did not betray their secrets, and continued to serve as best
they could.  The boys will not be punished.  They will be rewarded for
their loyalty."

The chief tapped both boys on their hips.  The boys leaned down and the
chief placed a light kiss on the forehead of each boy.  They then returned
to their position behind the collared boys as their chief continued.

"In this instance, do not think of the term 'master' as one who owns
another as property.  There was a time in our culture that we did have
slaves in the manner in which you are thinking, but those slaves were our
enemy.  After conquering our enemy, they were taken to our villages and
made slaves where we could watch their activities.  As slaves they could no
longer plot against us.  Today, we settle our differences in another way
and no longer have slaves.

 "To the boys their master is the same as a student of the Oriental arts of
karate would view their teacher.  These boys standing behind me, as well as
my brother and myself, are tzoupax.  If you are interested, rather than me
explaining what that means, it may be best for me to allow one of the boys
to explain it to you in his words."

"Please," Daniel answered, "I believe we would all be very interested to
learn."

The collared boy standing to the chief's right stepped forward.

"My people believe that identical twins such as my brother and myself are
blessed.  We are chosen by the gods to fulfill a prophecy that was written
many centuries past.  Our history is told in the Popol Vuh and begins with
the Hero Twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque.  The Hero Twins established the
rules and thoughts that we follow today in our daily lives and for dealing
with conflicts.

"The Hero Twins used their cunning and skill to overcome those who would do
them and their people harm.  They taught that peace and harmony must
prevail for the people to prosper, but they also knew that there would be
time that peace and harmony would not prevail.  They became great ball
players and, when the people were challenged, they challenged their
opponents to a game to settle any differences.  That same game is played
today and is used to settle disputes between clans or families."

"If I may interrupt," the chief interjected.  "The game he refers to is
very similar to Lacrosse.  There is a ball that is carried in a small
basket and can be passed from one team member to another.  Today, we play
to a score of seven.  In the game there are no rules except to score.
There have been games where the teams played all day and neither team would
score the points to declare victory.  However, all the players would be so
worn out that they often forgot why they argued.  The game could be quite
rough, with many injuries, but no deaths."

The chief nodded to the boy and the boy continued.

"Through all time, twins have been viewed as special.  As such, they have
been given a place of privilege among the people.  They are also charged
with special responsibilities to the people which all twins fulfill with
honor and gratitude for the privilege of serving.  As a future leader of a
family, I am charged with learning the lineage of my family from the time
of the hero Twins through the tribe and clan of which my family is a
member.  It is my duty to pass this information, and the history, to the
young members of our family.  My brother, as high priest, is charged with
knowing the rituals and being able to conduct them at the appointed times.
We serve our people to keep our past, our culture, our life, alive.

"At our next challenge I must be able to recite the lineage and my brother
will be asked to perform several rituals as well as chants.  If we pass the
challenge we will be honored and be given the ritual to pass into the group
of adult men and receive our names that will stay with us for the remainder
of our lives.  When the time comes that we have fulfilled our destiny of
this earth and it is time to leave, we will pray that the Creator will view
us with pleasure.  If this happens, our spirits will pass into the sky to
join the twins that passed before us.  One of us will look down on our
people and help protect them during the day, while the other will pass over
and protect during the night."

"How many families are there?" Amos Crawford asked.

"There are five major tribes," the chief answered.  "The tribes are then
divided into clans and the clans into families; there are presently
twenty-nine families.  These boys, and the two youngest twins that you
rescued, belong to the Quiché Maya tribe.  Their tribe is dominant in the
most southern area of Central America."

"Excuse me," Amos interjected, "but, with that many people, how have you
been able to keep the existence of your people a secret, as you say?"

"There is a saying among your peoples that sometimes it is best to hide in
the open.  Our people are seen every day.  Many of the resorts that
American tourists enjoy visiting are owned by many of the families.  If you
observe the employees, you would realize that they employ almost totally
Mayan people.  The Maya are a thriving people.  What we guard against is
allowing our culture to be wiped out as was done with many of the American
Indian nations.  And, if I may be bold enough to say so, we try very hard
to protect our young.  We recognize that they are our future."

With the last observation most of the people in the room looked down and
smiled.  No one could argue with the chief's statement.

"Excuse me, may I interject?" asked the marshal, Carl Hendrix.

The chief and Daniel looked at Hendrix and waited for him to speak.

"Chief, you stated that the boys were stolen, or kidnapped.  Since they are
closely guarded, may I ask how someone managed to abduct them?"

"Mr. Hendrix, the Maya are a proud people, but they are people.  When the
boys were taken, we immediately questioned their guards.  We found that one
of them was missing.  He was found, or more accurately revealed to us,
several days later.  He confessed that he had accepted money to turn his
back; money he wanted to use for his immediate family.  He chose to
sacrifice the good of the people for his personal gain.  The guard revealed
quite a bit to us before paying the price of his betrayal."

The ambassador handed Hendrix a typed paper that had been signed at the
bottom.  Hendrix could only assume it was signed by the guard.  Reviewing
the names, several were familiar.  The names also identified those people
in the United States had been cooperating with the kidnappers.

"Mr. Hendrix, I believe you will find that many of those names match names
on your government's list of men suspected of dealing in an international
slave ring."

"Gentlemen," Daniel spoke up.  "I'm sure we are all interested in reading
that list and hearing much more about our young friends.  However, may I
suggest a brief break?

                                                             * * * * * *

"Okay, guys, you need to form five rows with the tallest boys in the back,
the next tallest in front of them, and so on.  There should be about six
feet, or two paces between rows."

Mark had the boys outside lining up to do calisthenics.  Mark realized he
had more boys than he thought he would have and then understood why.

"Okay, I want all boys age ten and under to stand over here in a separate
group."

Mark was pulling Danny, Kyle and several other boys out of the group.  His
goal was to test the boys that had been used for pleasure, given a slave
chow only diet, and allowed minimal physical activity, to see what kind of
shape they were in and how much exercise they would require to get into
shape.

"Now, I want the boys on the end to my left to take one giant step to your
right.  Then all of you should stretch your arms out and move to your left
until only your fingertips touch."

While Mark watched the boys align themselves, he looked over his shoulder
and saw Danny and the other young boys trying to follow his directions.
They didn't do too well following his directions, but they were very good
at copying what the older boys did.  The older boys were quiet and somber
while Danny and his group couldn't stop laughing.

"Boys," Mark began, trying to invoke a tone of caring, "what we are going
to do here is a series of physical exercises.  The purpose is to determine
what kind of physical condition you're in and what we can do to get you
where you should be for good health.  Now, it's important for you to
understand that there is no goal or set number of repetitions that you must
complete.  All I'm going to ask is that when you think you've reached your
limit, tell yourself that you can do just a little bit more.  Push
yourself, be honest with yourself, and let us help you reach the point that
you can play sports, have fun and be healthy.

"For a warm-up exercise . . . .oh, first let's count off.  Begin at me left
and each boy call out his number down the line."

Mark watched as the boys counted off.  Mark listened as the little ones
counted off, sounding like an echo.  He spotted two of the young boys
change places in line because they didn't like their number.

"Now, I want all of the even numbers to take one step forward."

After the boys stepped forward, Mark couldn't resist looking at the young
ones; they were still trying to decide who should take a step forward.
Finally about half the boys stepped forward, some standing side by side.

"Now, everyone hold their arms straight out, palms up.  Then rotate your
arms forward in small circles.  You don't have to spin them real fast, just
keep them rotating.  Now, stop and reverse the direction of rotation.
Good, stop and let your arms fall to your sides and shake them out."

Mark could hear the young guys still giggling at what they thought was a
silly thing to be doing.

"Now, we are going to do some pushups.  Everyone squat down and place your
palms flat on the ground, then kick your legs back.  I want you to do the
pushups following my voice commands.  When you push up, do not lock your
arms in place, leave the elbows slightly bent.  If you reach the point that
you cannot do anymore, then stand up and wait for the others."

Mark stood in front of the boys, watching closely as the boys followed his
directions.  As expected, it didn't take long for the grunts and strains to
be heard.  These boys had been pleasure boys, kept in shape only enough to
be attractive and not put on any fat.  They had muscles that had not been
used or exercised as they should since being enslaved.

Mark noticed a few faces turning red, a grimace here and there.  He
wondered who would stand first, but then realized that none of the boys
wanted to be the first.  Before one of the boys had to embarrass himself,
Mark called for a rest.

"Okay, guys, you did real well with the pushups.  Now, I want you to shake
it out and take a couple of deep breaths while I show you the next
exercise, jumping jacks."

When the boys began the exercise, the young ones did not have the required
coordination and only jumped up and down.  The screams of laughter let
everyone know the young ones thought jumping up and down was fun.  They
jumped as though they had springs in their legs.  To add to the fun they
managed to spin in circles as they jumped.

As Danny jumped, he looked over and saw Daniel watching them.  Danny
immediately broke into a dead run for Daniel.  As usual, when he was just a
few feet from Daniel, Danny made a flying leap and landed in Daniel's arms.

"Little man, what are you going to do if one day I miss catching you?"

Danny just gave Daniel a 'no way' look as though Daniel had expressed the
most absurd thought anyone could possibly have.  "Who's jack?" Danny asked.

"Jack?" Daniel responded.  "Did you meet a boy named Jack?"

Daniel didn't understand what Danny was asking about.

"Noooooo.  Mr. Mark said we was gonna jumpin' jack.  What'd he mean?  Who's
Jack?"

"Jack is the man that invented that exercise.  It looked like you were
having fun doing it."

"Yeah," Danny answered as his attention was drawn to a man approaching
them.

"Daniel, can we talk a moment?"

Daniel turned to see the South American ambassador.

"I bet this is Danny that I've heard so much about," the ambassador stated,
causing Danny to act bashful.

"Since when have you been bashful?" Daniel asked.  "Can't you be polite and
say 'hi'?"

"Hi," Danny said with a smile.

"Hi, yourself, young man.  I think I can tell who you're partial to."

Danny gave out a slight giggle as the man stuck a finger in his ribs.
Danny then tightened his grip around Daniel's neck.

"Can I help you ambassador?"  Daniel asked, trying to direct the
ambassador's attention to the reason he had approached.

"Yes, there is something I need to tell you.  Assuming we get all this
worked out, the two youngest boys that you have had with you have told the
chief and high priest about the two boys that have cared for them.  The
boys want to honor the young twins' protectors by adopting them as
brothers.  I wanted to let you know and be sure you understood that
adopting them as brothers in the Maya family is an exceptionally high honor
and rarely done.  The chief didn't give them an answer other than to say he
would take it under consideration."

Daniel paused before answering; remembering what the chief had already
explained about many of the Maya rituals.

"Do you have any idea what the ritual may be?  Understand that if the offer
is made, it will be the boys' decision, not mine.  I want the boys to know
what they would be facing."

"I'm not familiar with the ritual," the ambassador confessed.  "However, I
feel confident in saying that no physical harm would come to the boys.
From things that I have heard about rituals surrounding events of this
caliber, there may be a long preparation period."

"Long?  How long?"

"Possibly I should have just suggested that we ask the chief or the priest.
If I can, I will speak to one of them privately and attempt to get you some
correct answers."

Daniel nodded his head in response as both men observed Hendrix and the
governor approaching.

"Mr. Ambassador, Daniel," Hendrix said greeting the men and then noticed
Danny.

"Danny, my boy," the governor said, addressing Danny, "we saw you doing
exercises with the other boys.  You were good."

Danny's only response was to blush.

"Danny, why don't you go play while we adults do something exciting like go
inside and sit at the table and talk?" Daniel asked while he gave the boy a
big hug and set him down.

"He's quite a boy, Daniel," the governor commented.

"Yeah, he is special.  All the boys are special to me, but there's just
something a little extra special about Danny.  It wouldn't be the same
without him."

"Daniel, I know it's getting a little crowded here and you'd like to get
the boys home, but there's a favor I want to ask."

Daniel just observed the governor, waiting for him to finish.

"I'd like to call in some members of the legislature that represent this
area and the area where we found the boys.  If our research is correct, I
think it's time for them to learn some distasteful facts."


End Ch 114
To Be Continued

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