Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Sir Walter surveyed the carnage before him, nothing but death and slaughter, as far as his eyes could see. The only sounds to be heard were the screams of the dying, and the screeching calls of the crows, feeding on the dead. He could not turn away, and his only thought, was the belief that the Church had lied to them. How could GOD demand this kind chaos, this mayhem, in His name? It was at this moment, Sir Walter of Devon shire, High guard of his lord, Prince Sedgwick, was shown a new vision. A vision far different from the one the Priests had once set for them. His new vision was one of Honor, one he would dedicate his life to. It was a simple vision, wander the lands, and help those in dire need. He knew if he did this, his reward would be great, both on earth and in Heaven. After packing the few supplies he could salvage, he mounted his steed and rode towards the setting sun.
Sir Walter opens his eyes to the sun cresting over the hills behind him, warming the blood stained armor on his back. He realizes in his exhaustion, he has slept thru the night, as his faithful steed carried him toward his new life. Soon he can see what he believes is a mirage, but is pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful oasis before him. He leads his horse toward the cool water flowing into a small pool. While his steed drinks, Walter strips his armor and padding, down to his small clothes. As he washes the dirt and gore from his body, it feels as if he was also washing his sins from his Soul. When he finished bathing, he takes the time to care for his equipment and steed. Finding some shade beneath a palm, he spread his cloak so he could lie upon it and rest.
He can hear the noise of a caravan approaching the oasis. Though the caravan is a small one, it is well provisioned. He watches as the merchant's slaves and laborers erect the tents and set up camp. While this is going on, Sir Walter dons his clothes and armor. As he cinch's his sword belt about his waist, he can see a richly dressed man walk towards the spring that feeds the oasis. It is then that he notice's movement from the tall brush that grows around the spring, and move quietly towards it. As the rich merchant spreads his prayer rug upon the ground, Sir Walter can see the three brigands getting ready to attack. Just before they can rush the unarmed merchant, Sir Walter draws his sword and with a fierce battle cry, he attacks. The savage cry warns the merchant and while Sir Walter is engaged with two of the brigands, the merchant pulls a long dagger from his robes and deftly dispatches the third. Because of the surprise of his attack, Sir Walter easily slays the assassins.
When He is sure that the danger has past, he turns to see a quizzical but amused look on the merchant's face. The merchant bows and says Allah indeed works in mysterious ways. He has sent an infidel to save me."
"Please tell me your name, so I can properly thank you." He says that he is a simple pilgrim and his name is Walter. The merchant thanks him and gives praise to Allah for watching over him, then introduces himself as Mukh Momahd. He then kneels and performs his prayers and as he rises, he invites his guest to his tents to dine and relax.
When they arrive at the camp, there is a great commotion as all wishes to hear what has transpired. Mukh raises his hand and says that it will wait till he has properly seen to his guest comforts. As they enter the cool interior of the tent, Walter is astonished to see a beautiful woman moving about inside, watching over the servants preparing the low table for the feast to come. Mukh see the expression on Walters's face and smiles as he introduces Walter to his daughter. "This, my friend, is my daughter Myrianna." Walter can see lovely brown eyes regarding him above the silk veil covering her face. As her father recounts the skirmish, Walter catches Myrianna regarding him with a renewed respect. When she notices him watching her, she demurely lowers her eyes.
As they seat themselves around the table, the servants bring out course after course, each one more exotic and delicious then the last. When their hunger is final sated, and they are relaxing upon the soft cushions, Mukh asks how he can repay the life debt he owes Walter. Walter tells his new friend that there is no debt, that he acted out of honor and not for pay. Mukh looks at him and says the least he can do is provide safe and comfortable passage to Baghdad. Walter thanks his host and accepts his offer. Just then Walter feels a light touch on his arm, and turns to see a lovely servant woman, kneeling next to and slightly behind him. This wench will show you to your tent, we will rest here three days before continuing on our journey, she will take care of all your needs. Mukh then rises and bids his guest good evening, leading his daughter to his or her own tents.
Walter turns to the woman beside him and asks her name, and she replies "Linni, master." Well, Linni lead the way to his quarters. She rises with the soft rustling of the almost transparent silks she is wearing, and leads the way to his tent. When they arrive and enter his tent, she immediately begins to undress him. He is unused to such treatment and starts to undress himself and Linni drops to her knees, tears already coming to her eyes. He asks her what is wrong and in a sobbing voice, she says she has displeased him and will be severely punished for not completing her duties. He tells her he is not displeased, trying to convince her, but she doesn't believe him, till he relents and lets her continue her task.
When he stands naked before her, she leads him to a tub and helps him get seated. Then begins to pour cool water laced with lavender smelling oil over him. She then begins to wash the dust and the heat of the desert from him, while expertly massaging the knots from his hard warrior's body. Walter finally starts to relax and become comfortable with the young and nubile woman massaging his naked flesh. When she feels he is ready, she helps him stand and towels his body dry. Unbeknownst to him, this is the first time Linni has seen an infidel up close, and the hard muscular body and fair skin, intrigues her, but it is his manhood that has captured her attention, for it is the first circumcised cock she has ever seen. She tries to suppress her curiosity and helps him into a silk robe and leads him to a large pile of cushions. When she is sure he is comfortable, she quickly sheds her garments and kneels before him.