Of all the stupid ideas for a field trip… a museum! With only about three days left of school, Alex and many of his fifth grade classmates were in no mood for a 'learning experience'! If there was any possibly redeeming feature to this outing, it was no doubt getting away from the dull end of the school year yata, yata!

The state capital, only an hour away by bus, boasted about its absolutely fabulous Egyptian antiquities collection including a small group of three 'mummies', a replica/model of King Tut's Tomb, and the best current archeological research data available.

Despite Alexander's handsome dark eyes, slightly Near Eastern facial features, and the fact that his maternal grandmother was Egyptian, he had no particular interest in that element of his heritage, and even less in ancient history. Why should he, these people were ALL very dead!

Many people at school, despite his occasionally mischievous personality, were overwhelmingly attracted to him. Adults found him disarmingly charming even when he was in trouble, girl schoolmates were clearly smitten by his real or feigned indifference, and his boy schoolmates were either anxious to emulate him, or secretly wishing he would go away. All in all, it was virtually impossible to ignore this child who embodied the classical beauty of boyness!

Shortly after the bus arrived at the museum. Ms. Gruber began the task of dividing the class into small groups and assigning chaperones for each group. One might think that this would be a simple enough task, but the teacher was intent on satisfying everyone's demands for being with friends.

Alex was quickly exasperated by the whole business, and decided to go off on his own. It wasn't difficult to slip away… so where to first? He tiptoed down a first flight of stairs, and before he realized it found himself two floors below the museum foyer. Determined to remain on his own, he chose to open a closed door and enter a darkened room. Once his eyes were adjusted to the little light available, he realized that he was in some type of storage room. The semi-dark room was almost cold (climate-controlled) and definitely at least a little creepy. The items in the room were exhibit left-overs/extras curiously un-old looking. (He knew about old looking things from his Grandma Alexandra) After a brief look around the room, he became intrigued by a small gold-filigreed box. Curiosity became his 'search engine'… slowly, he opened the very small box. A puff of powder/smoke rose to his nose causing an immediate sniffling/sneezing reaction. There was only one small cartouche-type amulet inside.

He carefully removed it from the box to get a better look at it, then put it around his neck to decide if he wanted to borrow it. Suddenly he heard what could only be described as a growling noise apparently coming from behind another door he hadn't noticed earlier. Slowly, he began to back away toward the exit door. The growling grew louder as the door separating it from him began to shake violently. As he quickened his pace to leave the room, his foot slipped on the powder residue on the floor and he went down heavily banging his head on the corner of an old table.

***

The fiery round disc of the afternoon sun was oppressive. As Alex came to, he sensed that he was in a different place… then where he had been. He was lying in a dried out mud-wallow, his clothes wet and matted with a strange-colored mud. Suddenly, he heard what sounded like a trumpet noise… as he looked up behind him, he spotted a wild lion! His face blanched with horror as he realized the lion had spotted him! When it opened its mouth and ran its tongue over its fangs hungrily he tried to remember what National Geographic said about avoiding becoming lion food… NOTHING! The lion moved cautiously in his direction its large green eyes focused on its kill.

From the left came a loud crashing sound… horses, chariots, and armed hunters converged between him and the huge lion. Throbbing pain, nausea, and wet underwear overtook Alex… he fell into unconsciousness. As the hunters continued to pursue a now retreating lion, two more chariot arrived on scene.

A young boy, accompanied by two heavily-armed warriors, stepped down from one of the chariots and approached the small unconscious form. First he nudged the body with his foot, and quickly realized that what appeared to be a boy was yet untouched by the lion, and quite alive. As one of the armed warriors rolled him over onto his back, everyone noticed the gold amulet around his neck.

"My Pharaoh, please be careful! We know not what manner of creature this be!"

"Nonsense, Jofar, it is only a boy. A strangely dressed one, but only a boy."

"My Pharaoh, what shall we do with him?"

"Bring him to the Palace, and ask for my personal physician to attend to him."

"As you command, my Pharaoh."

The small group of riders returned to their chariots, the boy-pharaoh mounting a different one leaving his chariot and driver to the task at hand.

Ra has begun to close his eyes for the day… a cool breeze blew through the palace windows causing all the light gossamer window coverings to softly flap back and forth on the window sills. A subdued light source (a lone oil lamp) causes small shadows to dance merrily on the lightly-colored walls of this room in the palace which, though not readily visible as to how, adjoins the Pharaoh's.

In the center of the room lies a large, magnificently adorned bed on which Alex is resting. He has been attended to by both the personal physician and attendants of the boy-pharaoh himself. A wound just above his right temple area has been cared for and bandaged. His small naked form, after being properly bathed, was being soothingly massaged with flower-scented oil. The attendant was very thorough… a light sheen of oil from the delicate skin of his armpits, over and around his muscular abdomen, and down the sides of his perfectly-formed hips and upper thighs shimmered in the dim light. Although the rhythmic rise and fall of his Adonis-like chest indicated that he was breathing normally, he had not yet regained consciousness.

Someone furtively enters the chamber, and speaks softly to the attendant.

"So, this is the strange visitor… an extremely handsome boy, but nothing apparent to fear."

"As you say, my Lord Ay."

"Who was it then who spoke of a dangerous spirit?"

"The High-Priest Nabal spoke to his Majesty about a dissenting spirit summoned by the unholy remnant of the priesthood of Aton."

"And his reaction was…"

"Not unlike your own, my Lord."

"Keep me informed as to developments, and the final disposition of this child. I myself, find him desirable. Turn him over on his side so that my eyes can survey the fullness of his beauty."

The attendant gently rolled Alex over on his left side revealing a perfectly proportioned back side and then continued rolling him over unto his stomach.

"Has General Horemheb shown any interest in him?"

"None, my Lord, save some routine curiosity about a few items found on the boy's clothing when he was rescued."

"Carry on, understanding that what is spoken between us is meant for no other ears, not even himself."

"As you wish, my Lord."

As quietly as he had entered, the regent Ay left the chamber. The attendant then continued the oiling process … down the warm sides of the boy's upper back, into the soft curves of his lower back, and along the soft delicate globes of his butt including the inner edges of his cheek separation.

Suddenly, he was momentarily distracted from his pleasurable task when he heard a soft moan coming from the very small figure on the very large bed . He slowly approached the child's head and extended a wet cloth to the boy's lips. Alex greedily sucked of the moisture. With his other gentle hand he began to softly caress Alex face cooing verbally in a very tender way.

Alex, quite startled by the entire situation, just laid back and enjoyed the young man's ministrations. After a few minutes, another attendant entered the chamber. Seeing that the boy was now awake, he asked the young attendant if he had tried to communicate with him. When he nodded his head no, the new attendant approached the bed to try.

"What is your name?" he asked Alex in ancient Egyptian.

To Alex surprise, apparently there not being a large difference in phraseology between ancient and modern Egyptian regarding: "My name is…," his answer equally startled the interviewer.

"My name is Alexander."

How long could they play 20 questions? Not long… by the third question Alex was unable to continue.

The interviewer moved his hand over the part of his forehead which corresponded to Alex wound.

"It's fine, I'm not in pain," he answered in English.

Fortunately, body language and tone of voice effectively translated his words. The original young attendant smiled warmly at him, as he continued to manually caress Alex shoulders and upper chest with subtle finger-play.

"The Pharaoh sent me to fetch the boy if he was awake, and bring him to his chamber."

"First, allow me to give him some water to drink." He poured a goblet of cold water for Alex and then extended his forearm to Alex so he could sit up.

Alex drank the water slowly all the while studying this place and these two strange people. After he finished, both young men helped him rise into a standing position… within a minute or so he had steadied himself.

Both attendants mumbled something to each other in Egyptian as their eyes looked over the magnificent prize before them. This creature standing before them must be a god! None other than the boy-pharaoh himself could rival this one in beauty!

The messenger, realizing that this child apparently did not speak Egyptian, decided to use an impromptu sign language and motioned for Alex to follow him. Alex also realized that sign language would have to do as a means of communication, so he motioned to himself and then pointed to the kilts they were both wearing. Message understood… the chamber attendant approached him with a kilt in hand. Alex took it from him, but then looked a little confused as to how to wear it. With obvious pleasure the attendant took it from Alex hand and placed it around the boy's waist.

As he followed the messenger out of the room, he wondered where his own clothes and other things were… Whatever this place was, its size and magnificence were unbelievable! The coolness of the marble flooring underfoot brought a smile to his face.

Finally, they neared their destination… a huge, airy chamber with either a small swimming pool or a very large bathtub in the middle of it. The messenger bowed and pointed to the someone in the pool, and then went into a long spiel the only words Alex understanding were Amun Ra, pharaoh, and then the name Tutankhamun.

Alex gasped for breath… no way! No one could travel thousands of years back in time! This must be a very elaborate joke, but no one he or any of his family knew could pull this off. A dream… that was it! But if he knew it was a dream, why couldn't he wake up? He grew wobbly in the legs as if he was going to faint, but two attendants rushed over to him and lead him to a chair alongside an elaborately decorated wooden table.

Tut, for his part, was less unbelieving but more intrigued. Surely this handsome boy who at least appeared to be Egyptian was someone he should have known. Remembering his discovery along the bank of the Nile, he had sensed then that he could not be of this world. His reaction to being in the Pharaoh's presence was also unusual… rarely had anyone looked like they were going to faint. He clapped his hands, everyone quickly turned their attention to him.

"Bring us some food," he commanded, "then leave us."

Quickly enough the room began to empty except for two huge guards flanking the main doorway.

Within minutes a large banquet size tray full of hot and cold food was put on the table just in front of Alex. Manners aside for the moment, he hungrily began to sample what he could readily identify.

"Guards, close the door and stand outside," the voice from the pool ordered.

For a long while, both boys studied each other intensely from where they were. Communication was going to be difficult… the Pharaoh had been informed that this boy could not speak Egyptian or any neighboring dialect. Alex decided to keep his limited knowledge of this language to himself for now.

Like a young lion, Alex ravaged the food given him. He hadn't noticed that Tut, a fully naked boy-beauty in his own right, had left the pool and was now sitting beside him. When he reached a hand across Alex field of vision to take a morsel, Alex almost choked in surprise. Here they were sitting beside each other… a boy of the 21st century and one of approximately 5000 years ago.

They gazed into each others eyes curiously; their irresistible smiles were like the opening of an understanding that spanned a virtually immeasurable chasm of time and space!

Alex reached for a second goblet, filled it with a sweet liquid, and handed it to his companion commenting in very limited Egyptian: "Good." Tut nodded his assent, and drank the cup down.

Okay, so it was time for the old: 'Me Tarzan" bit' Alex pointed to himself "me Alex", then pointing to the other boy said: "You…" He was met by a confused look at first, but then could tell that the boy had understood, answering: "Me Tutankhamun."

"I am from far away," Alex attempted to explain in the strange context of modern vs. pre-historic charades.

Tut seemed to be up for the challenge… saying: "This Egypt, my Egypt" in charades.

Both boys were now laughing happily. Tut rose to his feet, and for the first time Alex got a full look at the boy-king's naked body. It was uncanny in that it almost appeared to be a mirror reflection of his own body. Alex couldn't resist… he, too, stood up facing the statuesque presence. Without a moment of hesitation, Tut reached out for the edge of the kilt Alex was wearing and slid it down and off, his small hands exploring from waist to ankles of this vision. It wasn't long before they mutually extended their hands to touch the other… first, their chests, following natural lines down towards their abdomens, and then their boyness. Raw excitement surged through both of them. The pleasure of the experience was obvious for both of them!

Tut began tugging on Alex forearm motioning toward the pool. Alex was only too willing to be led. As they reached the steps into the pool, Tut made a quick virtually noiseless dive into the water. Alex, not to be outdone, duplicated the dive perfectly. For quite awhile, they were very content to dive and swim around the pool. They found themselves bumping into each other in the middle. Tut led Alex to the edge of the pool and motioned him to sit on the apron directly in front of him. As soon as Alex had caught his breath, Tut dangled the amulet from the museum in front of him.

"That's mine," Alex indicated reaching for it.

Tut playfully pulled it way initially, but then returned to stand directly underneath where Alex was sitting. He stretched himself out fully, his private parts resting on top of the water, and placed the amulet around Alex neck. Sliding back into the water, Tut began stroking Alex legs gradually separating them further and further. This done, Tut placed his head in Alex crotch and his lips found an ever hardening penis.

The licking and slurping were too much, Alex voiced an exciting moan. Alex had never experienced ecstasy before, but this first orgiastic pleasure would be long remembered. At length, Tut coming up for air, Alex slid back into the water and motioned for Tut to sit up on the apron.

Alex hands reached for Tut's waist and helped him out of the pool. As Alex drank deeply of this future famous person, he understood why it had been suggested that the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was beloved of his people.

Alex laid his companion down gradually relaxing him into a full body stretch alongside the edge of the pool. His small, wet hands gently massaged the entire length of this mirror image bending over and opening his mouth to taste history. Tut, a boy used to whatever kingly pleasures he could sample, writhed and moaned to signal his own ecstasy.

Eventually, Tut slid back into the pool, and the two boys locked in an embrace their hands moving up and down each other's body. At length, they stepped from the pool, the slightly older Tut recognized that his 'new' friend appeared quite sad and confused, so he, Tut, placed an arm around Alex shoulder and gently comforted him as they made their way to the Pharaoh's bed chamber.

The Pharaoh's bed chamber… truly a sight to behold… an incredibly large bed with gilded headboard, covered with luxurious velvet coverlets. Alex appeared to be regaining his composure, and spoke the Egyptian words for: "Thank you." As they approached the bed, they both smiled… once again holding each other close as the truest expression of a strong bond of friendship.

By 7 AM General Horemheb was standing just outside the royal bed chamber and could hear voices and laughter from within. He thought to himself that this was as it should be… children enjoying themselves not involved or having to care about the governance of Egypt. Horemheb spoke briefly to a chamber attendant who opened the door a crack and called in. "Great Pharaoh, General Horemheb wishes to take counsel with you."

The three young people were casually sitting next to each other… the boys were still naked, but the beautiful child-queen was wearing a gold-bordered bed gown. Tut got up from the bed, and grabbed a robe.

"Ankhesenamun, you and Alex remain here. I will be but a brief time with the General," Tut commanded.

Once outside in the hallway, the General made his point quickly.

"My Lord, Pharaoh, I want to show you the magical items we took from the boy's strange clothing."

"Yes, please do."

It was a small pile of stuff… first, there was a golden amulet, still in the boy's possession, designed in the form of a cartouche with the name Tutankhamun engraved on it (no such cartouche had yet to be struck), second, was a small pocket compass which appeared to be understood, and lastly, but definitely not least was a Bic lighter which experimentation led to believe was a magic fire-stick. Tut, a naturally curious young man, examined the two remaining items carefully. As he fingered the lighter, Horemheb interrupted.

"Your Majesty, this thing contains the burning fire of Ra."

Sure enough, as Tut flicked the small tab, a finger of fire leaped up, causing the boy to take a step back in awe!

"Truly this is magic! No one has captured Ra thusly! Alex must be a messenger sent to me from the gods."

"What has he said, my Lord?"

"Very little. His knowledge of our language consists of about a ten word vocabulary."

"What else have you observed?"

"That he is very human, and very confused."

"But is he dangerous, my Pharaoh?"

"Neither Ankhesenamun or I believe this to be the case."

"What is our course of action, Great One?"

"Later this morning he will join me at the Temple of Amum. He is, from this point on, to be treated as a brother to me."

"As you command, Great Pharaoh." Horemheb salutes and disappears down a corridor.

"Summon my Lord, Ay, he also needlessly worries about this boy," Tut orders reentering the bed chamber.

Ankhesenamun and Alex were still sitting on the bed engaged in a very basic Egyptian language lesson… she had a gift for communicating with strangers.

"So, my queen and my friend are learning to speak with each other. Now I will join them."

About twenty minutes later, they were interrupted again with the announcement that the regent, Lord Ay, was waiting outside the door.

"Send him in, please," Tut instructed.

Ay, guardian and regent for the boy-king, appointed by Pharaoh Akaneton before he died, took his duties quite seriously … there was no telling how long Tutankhamun would rule. At least for the foreseeable future Ay understood that he was the real power behind the throne. Breakfast had arrived at the same time, so Ay directed the royal attendants to place the food on a balcony table overlooking a lovely desert garden.

"Breakfast is served, my Pharaoh."

The three children rose from the bed; Queen Ankesenamun and Alex stepped put onto the balcony as Tut stepped forward to acknowledge a proper greeting from his mentor.

"It promises to be a great day, my Lord Ay, perhaps time for my 'brother' to enjoy his first chariot ride."

"So, I overheard the three of you working on his Egyptian language skills…"

"I sense that he is not of our world, but probably a traveler trapped in this moment," Tut interjected.

"I agree, my Pharaoh, but what of General Horemheb?"

"He and I spoke earlier this morning. I believe I convinced him that Alex poses no threat."

"May I look into his eyes myself?"

"Surely," the boy answered clapping. "Alex, please come here," he asked using a 'come here' gesture.

Alex finished a bite of food, then walked over to where the other two were talking.

Ay eyed him carefully… he looked Egyptian, but surely a boy his age would know his own language. From deep within the boy's eyes, Ay realized that this boy was a stranger. Nothing about this child was disproportionate… Ay understood why the royal children, taught to believe in themselves as more than human, felt so strongly about him. Partly to confirm this child's ethereal existence and to enjoy a sensual experience, Ay reached out to touch Alex shoulders… the touch electrified Alex who, in turn, took Ay's hand and placed it against his heart.

"Fear not, my Lord, I am but a real boy."

The regent, the most powerful man in all of Egypt, shuddered in pleasure gently stroking Alex face with his other hand. Tut, sensing the excitement in the air, intervened, and motioned to Alex to return to the balcony.

"My Lord, Ay, I see that this boy has also captured your heart. Later this morning, he will accompany me to the Temple of Amun where I will proclaim his godly status."

"As you command, my Pharaoh. I have some of the royal guard carefully searching where he was first found. I am also aware of the strange items found in his clothes by General Horemheb."

A priestly cortege had assembled for the daily procession to the Temple of Amun. All were waiting for the Pharaoh to take his rightful place. Suddenly, two apparitions were observed heading for the position of honor in the parade. Both were resplendently dressed from head to toe and were virtually undistinguishable save for the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt on one of their heads.

If Alex had been amazed even mesmerized up until now, this situation raised his consciousness of where he was, and most importantly with whom he was with! The adulation for the boy-king was breathtaking! Stories were circulating about a mysterious boy-stranger… surely this mirror image of Tutankhamun could not be mortal… together, their presence enlivened the crowd.

Slowly, the procession began its short journey to the Temple of Amun where more priests, younger devotees, and courtiers were anxiously waiting. As it passed under the main portico, the pace slowed down.

Having reached the area directly facing an elevated sanctuary, a small group of ranking high priests led the two boys onto the sanctuary floor. With a given hand-signal, the entire assembly was called to attention. After a lengthy ceremonial introduction, the Pharaoh stepped forward crook & flail, sacred emblems of Osiris, in hand.

"My brothers, I present to you a messenger from Amun Ra."

A cheer went up followed by prostrations and gestures of humility even from the high priests, themselves. The magnificent temple shuddered in awe!

Slowly, the great noise subsided… Alex was led to the center of the raised dias. Several of the high priests approached, and began to remove his clothing leaving the imperial eagle around his neck for all to see. Finished, they lowered him into a kneeling position and stood away. Tutankhamun then approached carrying a gold ram's horn-shaped object. As he stood directly over Alex he emptied the contents, actually a gold colored liquid, over the one kneeling before him.

"From this day forward, I, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, Son of Amum Ra, Protector of Upper and Lower Egypt do hereby anoint Alex as Prince of Egypt, and brother to myself. Rise, my brother, and be recognized by your people!"

As Alex stood up, the high-priests approached… they wiped him down, redressed him, and finally walked him over to the edge of the raised platform permitting all in attendance to see the full measure of godly beauty he emanated. A phalanx of the Royal Guard snapped to attention as the high priests walked both boys down to them for the exit procession.

Back at the Palace, Tut walked Alex to his new room… the original one he had found himself in. The Pharaoh had a sly smile on his face as he led his new brother to a seemingly rock-solid section of wall. He pushed on it and with very little effort at all it moved to reveal a small opening. Tut signaled Alex to follow him. Within a minute, they were inside the private chambers of the Pharaoh who continued to smile mischievously. Alex, still amazed by the complexity of this Palace, returned the mischievous smile.

On the Pharaoh's bed were two sets of, for lack of a better description, sports clothes… Alex, not used to royal finery, quickly shed the ceremonial garb leaving himself clad only in a very elaborately designed loincloth. Tut was excited just watching him; he walked over to stand directly in front of Alex and smiled motioning with his eyes that he wanted to be undressed as if by one of the servants.

Alex got the message, and carefully began removing the layers of royal garments covering his new friend's lithe body. Tut breathed a sigh of relief to have this weight (gold-adorned clothing) removed. Both boys were feeling very uncomfortable with the heat, so they headed for the pool making a simultaneous splash. After about ten minutes of just soaking, they began a game of 'tag' that had the water spinning around.

Alex eased himself up onto the apron; despite the unbelievable fun of actually getting here from over three thousand years in the future, he wondered to himself if he would ever see home again! These disturbing thoughts were like a dull ache to his heart. he started to sob quietly… Tut quickly realized that the 'messenger of the gods' was less than happy. He walked over to stand just underneath where Alex was sitting, and began to soothingly massage his dangling legs. When this did not appear to help, Tut eased himself onto the apron next to Alex.

"Alex, Ankhesenamun and I love you very much. Please do not feel sad; perhaps my magicians can discover a portal," he suggested embracing Alex. "I know this isn't home for you, but perhaps it could become so."

"I really like it here with you and Ankhesen, but I can't stop thinking about everything back in my world," he answered drying his eyes.

Tut turned to Alex, pulled him into an embrace, and kissed him. Together, they stood up and returned to the king's bed chamber.

As quickly as possible, Tut demonstrated how to dress for a chariot ride; Alex simply followed suit. Within minutes, both of them were in the Palace Courtyard… four chariots thundered forward. Tut mounted one, and motioned for Alex to mount another.

They're off! The overwhelming exhilaration of what had previously looked so simple even perhaps boring to Alex was nothing less than absolutely incredible! The speed at which they moved was unimagined! The rush… wind, dust, and the pounding hooves made this easily the wildest thing he had ever experienced! Suddenly, Tut's chariot slowed down, and pulled up alongside. As the boys mouthed words at each other Tut, a smirked smile on his face, spoke to his driver. They rocketed ahead.

"Faster, faster," Alex yelled to his driver. "Don't let them beat us!" he shouted.

His driver knew exactly what he meant, and started to urge his team on… they were neck and neck. Surely this alone made a visit to Egypt worthwhile! Nearing a small oasis north of Thebes the four chariots rolled to a stop… wild-eyed stallions straining to catch their breaths. The boys ambled over to a shady spot and were brought some water. They drank like they had been pulling the chariots. Everyone present, as oases were places of respite for all, recognized the boy-king and behaved appropriately.

With the Royal Guard momentarily distracted, two sets of hands reached out and grabbed a twist of Tut's tunic, which tore at the shoulder. Alex reaction was swift and to the point pummeling and kicking these two would-be attackers like never before.

The tumult had the desired effect… the Royal Guard ran to the boys weapons drawn. Alex, less surprised by all of this than Tut, pulled him away and toward the chariots.

"Come on, let's get out of here!" he hollered as the guards formed to hold back these crazed attackers.

Dashing to the closest chariot, they jumped on board. Alex quickly handed Tut the long reed whip.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Tut regaining his composure, had the chariot buzzing out of there like lightening. They flew back towards Thebes, the sounds of a battle diminishing behind them. As they approached the gate, other chariots passed them by heading for the trouble spot. It was no easy task, with both boys pulling with all their strength on the reins, to stop the excited stallions.

In the Courtyard people were frantically scurrying about… two or three guards finally managed to slow the horses down long enough for the boys to dismount. Tut clearly not looking well, fell to his knees clutching his abdomen. Within fractions of a second, attendants were on hand. Had the ruler of Egypt been struck down?

Quickly, the entourage reentered the Palace and went directly to Tut's bed chamber. The pharaoh's personal physician stepped forward and conducted a thorough examination… the boy was not wounded save for a few cuts on his left shoulder. Ankhesenamun, not routinely assertive, took charge.

"Would everyone please leave the room? Alex and I will attend to my husband."

Alex, relieved that Tut was not hurt, chuckled to himself… never had he ever had a thirteen year old friend with a wife!

Everyone followed the queen's instruction, it would truly have been unthinkable for these people not to. Once the three of them were alone, Ankhesen and Alex attended to their husband and brother. They removed all of his dirty and sweaty clothing… that he was feeling better was obvious to see.

At one point, Alex removed his own clothing with a little help from Ankhesen, put on the ceremonial loincloth, which he actually enjoyed wearing, and knelt on the bed behind Tut who was sitting at the edge of the bed.

As Alex began to gently knead Tut's shoulders and back, Ankhesenamun softly rubbed her husband's abdomen and laid a gigantic, wet kiss on his lips. Tut began to recover from the unaccustomed trauma of being a focus for violent behavior.

"I will await you this evening," the queen suggested standing up to leave.

Alex sat beside his friend.

"Who were those crazy guys at the oasis? Do you know them? You must have really ticked them off!"

"I do not know these men personally, but I know of their leader, Nabal, once High-Priest under the Pharaoh Akhenaten, my father."

"And…"

"When I succeeded to the throne there was much religious squabbling between priestly groups over power and control. I let Ay resolve it, but everyone was not happy with his decisions."

"Let's talk about something different, but in the pool. Is my Pharaoh ready for that?"

"This is the first time you call me that. It pleases me greatly!"

The boys headed for the pool a small entourage following. As they reached the pool, It was Alex turn to be assertive…

"Leave the food and drink, double the guards at the door, and the rest of you may go."

Once the room cleared, the boys sat side by side directly in front of the food served.

"My brother, those men truly frightened me. Can a Pharaoh react that way?" Tut asked doubt in his voice.

Alex turned sideways to look into Tut's face… he reached out a hand and began fingering the royal face.

"You, Mighty One, are the Pharaoh. I have seen that your people really love you. For those unable to do so, Ankhesenamun and I return a love for you ten times stronger."

Alex stood up, and pulled Tut up to stand before him. Slowly, they began some serious finger stroking.

"Come, my brother, let us enjoy the pool." Tut suggested.

Alex broke away from their position to make a dash to the pool.

"Last one in is a pile of camel dung!"

Alex held back just long enough for Tut to be less than a foot away from him. Both accomplished swimmers, they alternately lapped and soaked. Tut eased himself up to the pool apron leaving Alex at his feet still in the pool. Alex began to gently massage Tut from toes to upper thighs and lower abdomen. If a massage is considered a relaxation technique, this one was working well… the boy-king was no longer anxious.

He locked his legs around Alex stomach and pulled him even closer raising Alex two arms over his head and kissing him on top of his head.

"I am so glad to have you here with me!"

Alex leaped up and out of the pool virtually onto Tut's lap. Their bodies intertwined as each continued to explore the other. Tut obviously had more experience… his manipulation of Alex penis produced such pleasurable moans (from Alex) that neither one was in any hurry to let go of the other.

Later that evening, Tut, Ankhesenamun, and Alex attended some type of official reception/banquet for an ambassador from Nubia. As was customary when the boy-pharaoh presided, Egypt's royal court was in attendance many having come specifically to see for the first time the 'proclaimed' messenger from Ra.

Wearing only the gold-fringed loincloth and the magnificent imperial gold eagle necklace, Alex was presented to the crowd by one of Ay's personal servants.

By the time the evening meal was finished, Alex had had enough of prancing about. While custom dictates that the Pharaoh and his queen could not absent themselves too early, others came and went in a seemingly unending stream. One of the minor high-priest cast, having made his required appearance, was weary from his day-long Temple duties and wanted to find some amusement. Seizing a quiet opportunity, he caught Alex attention and motioned to follow him out of the banquet chamber. Equally bored, less careful than he should have been, and feeling a little queasy this pharaoh-like twin followed him down a corridor and into what looked like some type of Palace chapel. There was a small, gilded altar in the center, and the priest motioned for Alex to approach it. As he looked it over, he could sense that the priest was looking him over… his knees began to buckle mysteriously. The priest gently lifted the boy to a sitting position on the altar as his oily hands began to knead Alex shoulders. Very quietly, two other priests had joined the group. In a quick calculated move, they positioned themselves at Alex head and feet, and then grabbed his arms and legs strapping him down spread eagle. Alex had been drugged during the meal, and was unable to offer any real resistance.

The rebel priest/traitor approached the vision lying in front of him, and very gently removed his (Alex) loincloth fingering testicles and penis curiously. A god, NO indeed! He must discredit/debunk this so-called messenger of Ra, and thus hopefully expose the fraud of any human declaring to be a descendant of any god. The priest reached for a few pieces of charcoal and began drawing glyphs all over the boy's small naked body. Killing this one would quite obviously prove his point… reaching into an altar compartment, he withdrew a golden hilted dagger. Fortunately for Alex, this assassin was only now considering the repercussions about what he was about to do… but the hesitation was just long enough.

The door flew open, there stood Tut and the Royal Guard.

"Kill them!" the Pharaoh commanded, as he moved toward the altar. The Royal Guard did not hesitate, within seconds the three minor priests were dead. Tut approached the altar, and began loosening Alex bonds.

"As much as I love thee, Alex, you must return to your own world," Tut thought out loud. "We will find away."

One of the guards picked up Alex semi-conscious form and was told to bring him to his bed chamber. Once resting quietly in safety, Alex came to… the Pharaoh and his queen were sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What the… what's going on?" Alex asked dumbly.

"This time the attempt was on your life, brother. But fear not those desert scorpions will sting no more."

"I never wanted to bring all this trouble here," Alex thought out loud.

"You have not done so, Alex. Many things were set in motion long before either you or I was here.

Tomorrow, I will summon the great magician, Vashtar, and we will return you to your time."

"As you command, my Pharaoh."

Within an hour after sunrise, Tut accompanied by servants carrying breakfast, entered Alex room.

He was awake, handsomely naked, and sitting back on his heels. "I see my brother is awake," the boy-pharaoh called. "I come with breakfast for the both of us. How do you feel this morning?"

"What went on last night? I have no memory of it at all."

"It is just as well. Do you wish to bathe before we eat?"

"Yes, let's."

Tut very quickly removed what little clothing he was wearing, and pulled Alex up of the bed. Their embrace had a different quality to it… it was as if Tut knew something was about to change. Their warm lips and tongues were expressing the unspoken. They made their way to the pool… Alex began to sense some negative feeling emanating from his brother-friend. Jumping up on top of Tut's shoulders piggy-back style, he bent his head down to speak soothingly into his ear: "What are you thinking about?" he asked twirling his fingers through the Pharaoh's hair.

"Last night, before I went to Akhesenamun's bed chamber, I commanded Vashtar, the Royal Magician, to meet with me. I explained to him all that you explained to me. At first light this morning, he returned to me with the following information. Time portals that allow people to travel in both directions are real, but no one is sure how to control them. The big questions are where and when do they occur?

Vashtar quickly calculated that an opening to the future would occur early this afternoon."

"So, it's home for me?"

"If only you could have stayed…"

Alex lovingly kissed the top of Tut's head before sliding off of his shoulders. They stepped from the pool, and walked out onto the shaded patio for breakfast. As they ate, Alex stood up, and went over to the bed as if he were looking for something.

"My Brother, I have what you search for," he commented, dangling the sparkling cartouche.

"Thanks, I could not leave without it! What do all the glyphs say?"

"It says: 'Pharaoh Tutankhamun Beloved of his people'."

"I don't understand, when was it made?"

"Such a cartouche is made to celebrate the five-year mark of a pharaoh's reign. Mine is not due for another year."

"So you're telling me that it shouldn't exist yet!"

"Yes, that is what I am telling you."

The two of them continued with their breakfast… By the time they had finished, it was about 11 AM. There was a small knock on the door.

"Enter, please," Tut responded.

As the door opened, Queen Akhesenamun smiling her biggest smile for these two boys entered the room.

"I have come to say good-bye, Alex. Remember us at our best."

"How could it be any other way!" Alex responded walking to the Queen and pulling her closer to himself in a very heartfelt embrace. After a minute of this marvelous hug, she stepped back, nodded smiling to her husband, and left the room.

Alex began to understand what was going to happen… this whole adventure would soon be over. How much would he remember, if anything? What would he be able to share with his friends? Obviously, not much!

He did not like that, but realistically accepted it as a very distasteful event to come. Tut felt badly as well, for he had never had even among his biological brothers such a fraternal relationship.

"I have some news that will please you… I believe that Akhesenamun is with child. When my son, my heir is born, he shall be named 'Alex'."

"Wow! A pharaoh named after me! Far out, major cool!" Alex exclaimed.

"I thought you and I could go for another chariot ride to the designated spot," Tut continued pleased with Alex pleasure over the announcement.

"Let's do it!"Alex answered.

With a few clothing adjustments made, Alex basking in the freedom of movement allowed by the short kilt: the boys stepped from the Palace into the Courtyard. This time there were eleven chariots in a line. All but the center one carried two heavily-armed Royal Guards including four archers. The scene was evocative of an old movie Alex had seen just a couple of weeks ago.

"Come, my brother, today we ride together," Tut invited.

"As you command, my Pharaoh," Alex answered excitedly.

As they mounted the chariot, Tut handed Alex the reins…

"Let us go, my brother."

With a crack of the whip, Alex slowly but surely led this informal parade out of the Palace Gate. The feeling of raw power running through his hands was totally stimulating him. When the eleven chariots were almost abreast, Tut smiled wickedly taking the reins and whip from Alex hands.

"Hold on!" Very quickly he had these magnificent stallions galloping almost fast enough to leave the ground. With the escort straining to keep up, the exhilarating gallop across the desert was mind-boggling! After the fastest quarter-mile in chariot history, Tut slowed the team down. Their destination was an abandoned temple of Aton on the banks of the Nile. Although the temple's abandonment had not been that long ago, it definitely had a neglected look. Tut took his team to the very doorway as the Royal Guard took their preplanned stations around the perimeter.

Tut stepped down and motioned Alex to follow. Within the cool shadowed portico of this old shrine a prepared lunch, picnic-style, awaited them. Removing their dusty clothes, they started with a quick dash to the river bank… it wasn't long before hands on each other's butt, they were embracing.

"So, this is it?" Alex moaned. "Did Vashtar say anything about how much I would remember?"

"No, he said nothing about that, but I am sure you will not forget us."

"How could I forget such a magnificent brother!" Alex responded, holding Tut closer to him than he had ever held anything. "From now on, I will be your greatest champion."

"Some day, Alexander, you, little Alex, and I will live on forever in Ra's Temple."

They returned to the abandoned temple and finished lunch talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. Vashtar had indicated that the portal would be inside the empty temple. Tut, having spent a lot of time here as a younger child, knew his way around. It wasn't long before they found the mysteriously glowing alcove…

"There," Tut spoke softly the magic aura visible to the human eye. "Vashtar said that you MUST position yourself within the light, and think strongly about where you want to go."

"Can this also take me back here?" Alex asked desperately.

"No, Vashtar said this portal only goes one way," Tut answered teary-eyed.

They hugged each other for one last time… as they stepped back Tut removed the imperial eagle from his own neck and placed it around Alex neck.

"Go on eagle's wings, my brother, until we meet again."

Alex moved tentatively into the lighted alcove. Within a minute, his body began to seemingly disintegrate. He was GONE… the boy-pharaoh of legend choked back a soft moan of pain, and then turned and left.

***

Alex regained consciousness in the very same location where he had fallen. A small group of adults were milling about wondering what had happened… how did he injure himself, where did he find the strange clothing he was wearing, and what was he up to? The museum curator, handkerchief in hand, bent down to help him.

"Playing Pharaoh I see. What have you learned, my boy?"

"King Tutankhamun's greatness will never be measured by what he built, but rather by whom he was."

"Well spoken, lad. Come with me to my office, I believe you and I have much to talk about."

The End