When my vision cleared again the scene had again changed. I looked on a great vaulted chamber lit by bronze oil lamps that flickered from the walls. It was opulently appointed in the Ottoman style. There were low couches or cushions set in a semi-circle around a circular raised platform, which was draped in velvet and silk. Around the raised platform, supporting the high roof were six marble pillars. The pillars were oddly carved with Djinn and Efrits and other demonic spirits I could not name and on each one facing the raised platform was one of evil mirrors. At the other side of the room was a raised dais upon which the Sultan's throne sat, slightly below the throne were cushioned seats where the Sultan's favorites could relax themselves.
The Chamber was occupied by thirteen of the Sultan's viziers and satraps who sat upon the cushions, many smoking hashish from ornate hookahs and talking amongst themselves. The Sultan himself sat upon the throne speaking softly to the woman who appeared to be the chief of his favorites. Five other lovely women dressed in harem pants and silky vests that barely contained their bosoms also occupied the lower steps of the dais, indicating their inferior status.
It was into this scene as I saw my wife walk; she was accompanied to my shock and disbelief by no one other than myself. She was dressed beautifully in a late sixteenth century gown. She was tightly corseted which only showed her fabulous cleavage to better effect. The gown was a rich green color, which only complimented her chestnut hair, which hung in curled ringlets, and her lovely green eyes. The man who appeared to be me was also finely dressed in black velvet, but I could not take my eyes from Dee. She looked more ravishing than ever I thought, but also nervous even frightened.
"Theo," she spoke to the man who was not me, "why are we here? The Sultan has such a fearsome reputation. None of the other countryman have dared to bring their wives to his court."
"The Sultan has been very generous to me my wife and it seemed only polite and politic that I present you to him, after all it was a specific request."
Dee blanched at that. "A specific request? I don't understand."
"Don't worry my love." The not-me soothed. "Everything has been arranged. It will be a most memorable evening."
They walked up the center aisle and bowed deeply before the Sultan's dais. I could see the Sultan, roused for a moment from his bored reverie, look down with ill concealed lust at Dee's face and body. His dark eyes drunk in her beauty, but there was cruelty there, as well as lust I was dearly afraid for her.
After the introductions were made by the grand vizier, the Sultan said nothing but mere acknowledged the whole business with a nod and shrug, Dee and the imposter were seated on a low couch directly in front of the small raised platform, and directly in front of the Sultan.
"Theo," she inquired of my replacement, "what is that for?" She inclined her head toward the silk and velvet-draped platform.
"I think there will be some form of entertainment." The imposter said without much inflection, although I felt there was a dark meaning to his words. As he spoke a servant brought a hookah filled with burning hashish. The imposter took a long drag on the pipe and passed it to Dee.
Dee's eyes went wide with disbelief. "I don't think I ought." She whispered.
"You mustn't insult our host my dear. Try it the sensation is not at all unpleasant." Dee did as she was asked and the coughing and sputtering that came from her elicited, laughter and exchanged jest among the guests. The Sultan was also amused. He took a long pull from his pipe and nodded his head in my wife's direction, clearly indicating that she do the same. This was repeated three times, until Dee light headed and coughing had to be supported by the imposter or she would have fell from the cushioned sofa. Again, there was much amusement among the guests.
