Dans le Murs Part 12

Nahdya looked at me for a moment with such love in her eyes that I too felt my eyes moistening before facing Ceres. “Thank you Grand Master.” she said softly, “I forgive you of course. Difficult decisions have to be made sometimes; it is the burden of power. Once more it seems I owe my life to Sethin; it is becoming rather a habit. I must be more careful. Please continue Grand Master.”
Ceres smiled warmly. “I referred briefly to the study. High Council considers it to be a blueprint for the future and has authorised Skaros Delhi to proceed with all speed. Naturally this has raised my personal status significantly, for which I hold you and Nahdya wholly responsible. Additionally, your Grand Master has the accolade of your membership of his temple upon which great praise has been showered. I am sure he will thank you personally. I understand that as a direct result, Habib Sidouri has been nominated for the vacant seat on the Council and I for one don’t think he will refuse. That will leave Lille Charente without a resident Grand Master and I further understand that only one name has been submitted to fill that post. Emeritus Master, may I be the first to honour you as Grand Master Presumptive of Lille Charente Temple.” He bowed. I stood gobsmacked and speechless. Me? Grand Master? It was crazy. Nahdya put her fist in her mouth and looked wide-eyed. I recovered quickly; the detail would come later.

I bowed to him. “Well Grand Master.” I said in a voice that belied my emotions, “For once I am rendered almost speechless. I am honoured beyond belief and I am grateful for your congratulations. I certainly neither sought nor expected such elevation; We were simply working for the advancement of the cult to the best of our ability. However, in practical terms what does it mean in the short term?”
“You are to return to Lille immediately.” he replied, waving a fax towards me, “There you will finalise the nomination and all that goes with it. As all the moves will take a while you will then return here to continue your excellent work on the project, which has been named Renaissance by the way. I regret Nahdya must remain in Delhi to maintain continuity. Her ceremony can be delayed until your return. If you are agreeable then you will leave us late tomorrow. I am sorry I have to separate you two but, perhaps in the delicate circumstances, it is for the best.”
“Delicate circumstances, Grand Master?” I asked innocently.

He cleared his throat. “I have noticed the appearance of a ring on Nahdya’s hand. Now in my experience this can have a number of meanings, some innocent but others less so. I suspect I know which it is in this instance. It could be problematic if it were to become widely known that you intended to cement your partnership. Best you are confirmed as Grand Master before letting that one slip out of the hat; Council are a group of traditionalists and can be very fussy about such emotional entanglements. They prefer their Grand Masters to be free agents; not unlike the Catholic Church, Council are steeped in ritual and custom, and marriage, even to a Mistress of Secrets, would terrify most of them. Modernising they are not, so take my advice and keep Nahdya a very secret Mistress of Secrets. I think I owe it to her to say nothing.”
“You hold our future in your hands Grand Master.” I said carefully, “I know you to be an honourable man who will guard such a secret as he sees fit. I will prepare for travel.”
“You have my blessing Sethin.” he said, “You will both dine with me tonight for I have appointments tomorrow and will not be here when you leave.”
We left in a daze, not quite comprehending what had happened. Even as Mistress of Secrets Nahdya would have been powerful within the temple but, as the Consort of the Grand Master, for that she could legitimately be without risk, she would defer only to me. We returned to our quarters and poured a drink each.

“Grand Master.” she said looking at me with admiration and mirth, “You as Grand Master; it is unbelievable. It must be a dream my lord, I am alone with another man surely!.”
“Hello Mistress of Secrets.” I retorted, “Any more insubordination and I will command you on your knees.”
She fell to her knees in front of me, her hands together, her head bowed. “I obey your every command my lord.” she said. This was a game; I eased my swelling erection from my fly, wiping the bead of juice from the tip as I did. “Sister, as penance for your insubordination,” I commanded, squeezing the penis beneath the head so making the tip red and swollen, “you are instructed to worship that which is placed before you. Gaze upon your punishment.”

She raised her head and set eyes on the weening tip a few centimetres from her nose and smiled, her tongue sweeping across her lips.
“My lord, I see neither punishment nor penance.” she replied, her fingers tracing over the tip, “I see only excitement and pleasure. Surely there is a mistake?”
“Sister I do not make mistakes.” I chuckled, “Your punishment shall be that you will pleasure yourself but allow you to take nothing from him.”
“Oh my lord!” she cried genuinely, “That is indeed a punishment for it is his essence that pleases me most. Will you not reconsider?”
I waited as if in thought. “Perhaps I might reconsider if the Sister would speak honestly of her feelings.”
“Oh my lord.” Nahdya trilled, “You had my life in your hands not once but twice. My body desires only you for now and forever. I beg you do not deny me the pleasure of your essence that is so sweet and fruitful.” She turned her dark eyes to me; I smiled and stroked her hair that was beginning to shine once more.

“I love you Nahdya, with all my soul.” I whispered huskily, “Whatever lies ahead for us you must never forget that. It is good that we can play and tease but I’m sure you know that is all it is? I would deny you nothing that is within my power to give and you can see how much I desire you.” I squeezed the aching penis so that it dribbled copiously down the groove in the head.
Her face lit up, her lips parted and slid down the smooth, oily skin of the head and drew me deep into her warm mouth. She flicked her tongue around the ridge as she bobbed slowly down the rigid pole. We both understood what we had in mind as she worshipped my penis with her exquisite mouth, twirling, sucking and nibbling, the lubricant smearing her cheeks. The head swelled between her lips, signalling an explosion of seed was imminent. Expertly she guided the tip onto her tongue and held me, hardly moving except for a wickedly tantalizing suction and fingertips caressing the thick base. For my part I immersed myself in the rising erotic flood, the warm, sensuous feelings focussed in my groin beginning to overflow. That amazing sensation that was both pleasure and pain seized my phallus and exploded upwards bringing with it a cascade of warm, milky lava. However many times we did this it was always fresh, always exciting, always a testament to our love. I cried out as the pressure erupted from the globular tip in a glistening spray.

“Ohhhhh darling!” I held her head, “Take me, take me. I’m coming in your mouth! Oh Nahdya, so much and it feels so wonderful. Warm and exciting. Swallow me my love, take me all inside.”
My sperm gushed out in hard, climactic bursts, filling her inviting mouth with slick, tart fluid. Her throat jogged as she swallowed my life force, her lips clamped hard around the palpating rod. I felt no guilt as my semen flooded my loves mouth; I knew I was not forcing her to do anything she did not desire and she knew that it pleased me. Definitely unlike the late Tessa deVilliers who could never be described as adventurous between the sheets. Sex for her, as I have said before, was a little petting followed by genital penetration followed by ejaculation. She appeared to enjoy it most of the time but never got over excited. Sometimes she would lie on me while on odd occasions she would kneel and allow be to enter from the rear. Even then she preferred to have me on her before I shot. When it was ‘inconvenient’ for penetrative sex she would masturbate me, ending with me on my back and a puddle on my stomach. She would then dash off to wipe the sperm from her hand as if it would infect her or something. It was clinical, mechanical and she never appeared enthusiastic. On very rare occasions she had kissed the tip of my cock but never suggested that she go further. After a little ‘accident’ when she got a small amount in her mouth she had not kissed me again. When I asked her why she had replied that it wasn’t very nice but if I really wanted her to, then she would be prepared to kiss it so long as I didn’t try to come in her mouth. I felt that if she wasn’t prepared to spontaneously go down on me then I was asking her to do something she didn’t really want to and I would feel guilty, so I never asked. I wasn’t until I met Michelle and Jacqueline in the barn that I experienced uninhibited oral sex and now, with Nahdya, it was almost as natural as breathing.

My climax wound down, the delicious pulsing fading to an after-glow of pleasure as Nahdya’s lips cocooned the sated penis. Her eyes met mine and the exchange was absolute. I felt her relax allowing my already wilting manhood to slip from her. I bent, placed my fingers under her moist chin and lifted her until our lips met. I kissed her hard and passionately, my tongue finding the remnants of my discharge.
“I think you like very much.” she said as our lips finally parted.
“You know I do Nahdya.” I pecked at her nose, “You are very skilful with your lips and I cannot help myself when you do it. I will not deny I take great pleasure in coming in your mouth but I must be aware of your feelings too my darling. I would not want to make you do something you do not wish to. Please, tell me honestly your feelings my beautiful wife to be.”
She dropped to the floor, her knees to one side and invited me to sit beside her.
“Colin, my husband soon to be;” she began, looking straight at me, “I owe you my life, not once but two times but even without this I would love you. You treat me properly and I believe that fate brought us together. The very first time I served you coffee in the temple I knew that one day we would be together. It was that definite. What I do, I do for love and pleasure; believe me my love. To receive your seed in my mouth is a wonderful complement and I am so happy when I do. It gives me much enjoyment to pleasure you in this way for I can sense that you are liking it very much. Please understand Colin that I can be satisfied also as I satisfy you. Your sperm is good. Always a little different I think but never unpleasant. To feel you filling my mouth is good for me and I would not be happy if you did not. I swallow because it is part of you; I hope I do not do wrong. There, now my soul is bare as you say.”

I kissed her again. “I do love you Nahdya.” I said, “You do nothing wrong at all. It excites me when you swallow my sperm. Shall we consider the subject closed for now. We have preparations to make for my flight and I would like you to investigate a short break to Thailand on my return. To visit your home and maybe to make the arrangements for a wedding? I really did mean everything I said.”
Her eyes shone, she kissed me hard and pressed my hand to her small, firm breast. “We work, then eat with Grand Master. It is our last night together for little while; I want to lay with you and feel you near me. We not have sex if you too empty, just touch.”
I squeezed the delicious handful gently. “Oh I think I find a little something for you.” I giggled.

We tidied up a lot of paperwork and the time passed quickly. At 6pm we showered, dressed and wandered off the meet the Grand Master. The meal was attended by most of the High Table of the Delhi temple to whom I was some sort of celebrity. All High Table were men so Nahdya was an unexpected revelation and they had to readjust their attitude somewhat. The Grand Master explained that the temple reflected the patriarchal society still existing within India and therefore the rank of Mistress of Secrets simply could not exist. Maybe one day it would change. I pointed out that they had had one of the few female Prime Ministers in the world to which he responded that was just once and in the past. The meal was served by both male and female acolytes, all very soberly dressed. Both Nahdya and I chatted small talk to our neighbours while we eat. After the meal we retired to a large, carpeted room kept comfortable by whispering air conditioners. In deference to our European culture nobody smoked but glasses of port were regularly refilled. Nahdya and I circulated, probably having to retell our story many times. As Grand Master Presumptive I was treated with great deference but some had difficulty with interfacing with Nahdya. Rank, like caste, was paramount and some deliberately denigrated her both because of her gender and assumed position. I raised this with Ceres who, to his great credit, called the group to silence to make a pronouncement. “It has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion over the station of our lady guest.” he spoke clearly and slowly, “As Mistress of Secrets we consider her to hold the rank of High Priest in this temple. Please accord her the respect that rank demands.” A few red faces and shuffling but problem seemed to be solved. At about ten thirty I realised Nahdya looked very tired. Sliding up to her as she was being talked at in a very animated manner by a middle-aged Wizard, I interrupted with an apology. “You are still recovering Sister.” I was formal, “Perhaps you could be excused and retire.” She nodded and the Wizard acknowledged with a smile. I apologised to the Grand Master and sent her off to our quarters. I promised to follow shortly. On my return the same middle-aged Wizard that Nahdya had been speaking to cornered me.

“Emeritus Master.” he spoke with my current title, “Is it true that your acolyte was simply a peasant in Thailand before she was sought by our temples?”
I had a feeling that he was a traditionalist and disapproved of upward migration of women and lower caste members on merit as was common in Europe. As Emeritus Master I outranked him outside the temple but on home ground I had to be careful.
“Wizard Maladin.” I addressed him formally also with a smile, “It is true that the Sister was born to working parents but I do not consider that equates to your definition of ‘simply a peasant’. I am sure that many of the assembly here were similarly born.”
“To working parents, yes Master.” he continued, “But professional members of society, doctors, lawyers. I understand her parents grow fruit. Does that not make them peasants?”
I realised he was a bigot. “And very good fruit indeed I believe.” I smiled without humour, “Consider that she has both a first degree in International Politics and studied for an MBA, hardly a peasant you must agree.”
“Ah.” he pounced, “Education is not breeding. She is intelligent, yes but still of peasant stock. I am sure she is a first-class acolyte but, as Grand Master, surely you will choose a consort from a more suitable class.

This guy really irritated me. “Wizard Maladin.” I spoke sharply, “I do not consider it protocol for you to lecture a future Grand Master on his choice of consort. Our Sister has abilities that have been rewarded; in Europe rank is awarded not necessarily inherited. I myself am certainly not aristocratic but from a lower working class family in England but that is no bar to high office as you yourself have observed. The world outside changes, we must change with it to survive and grow. To think like dinosaurs will result in the cult following a similar fate. I do not lecture you on the need for your temple to adopt twenty-first century values; please do not impose your dogma on me. Your temple has been recognised, not because of its grip on traditional teachings but because its leader has recognised the need for change and embraced new and exciting challenges. The strength of the cult is rooted both in its tradition and its ability to evolve albeit a little slowly.”

He stood still, his face falling. “I apologise Master.” he said slowly, “I did not wish to offend either yourself or our Sister. It is difficult for some of us here to accept a woman with rank; we see them simply as servants or for pleasure. In Europe you have adopted the concept of ability as a force for advancement; here in India rank is based on caste and birth. It is the way things are done.”
I opened my hands to him in a gesture of supplication. “Temple tradition naturally reflects its position within the wider society. You could not adopt our structure in Lille Charente any more than we could yours. What we at High Table must recognise and accept however, are the differences each temple adds to the whole. We have a common basis and ultimately answer to High Council but within that basis we have – indeed it is essential that we have – cultural variations. However such variations must themselves be tolerant of variety itself. The fact that my temple encourages female priestesses of high rank and yours does not must not cloud a full exchange of views and personnel. When I leave our Sister here for my return to Lille I will expect, no demand, that she be accorded the rights and respect commensurate with her rank despite your misgivings relating to her gender and caste. This may cause ripples among your traditionalists but these do not concern me. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly clear, Emeritus Master.” he said stiffly, “I can assure you that everything will be done to ensure our Sister’s stay will be comfortable.”
“Nahdya does not look for comfort, Wizard Maladin.” I challenged him, “She looks for cooperation. She will be acting with my unconditional authority during my absence. What she says – I have said. What she requests – I have requested. We will be in constant communication while I am in Lille; I do not want to hear of obstructions and obstacles suddenly appearing. Consider why I have been recalled to Lille.” I then smiled broadly. “But all this is hypothetical of course. I have every confidence in Skaros Delhi and its broad church. High Council has sanctioned Nahdya’s task as critical to the future of the cult and it would be unthinkable that local politics would impede her. No, I am certain she is in capable and responsible hands and will have every assistance and regard for both her and her work. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss multi-cultural relationships Wizard Maladin, it has brought comfort to me at a time of stress. I bid you good evening.” I bowed slightly to him, still smiling. He bowed more deeply but very stiffly and looked distinctly aggrieved. I had made an enemy but I felt I had to make a stand for Nahdya’s sake. I sought out the Grand Master and apprised him of my little lecture.

“Understandable.” he said, stroking his chin, “Maladin is high born and applies protocol absolutely. I can see that he would find Nahdya totally unacceptable on both caste and gender. The final insult is that he may be asked to accept instructions from her. I will speak with him but it may be best to advise Nahdya to minimise any involvement with him or his group. I will prepare a list so that she is forewarned. Now Master, are you prepared for your travels?”
“Almost.” I smiled, “We will pull together the loose ends tomorrow for the flight. I will miss you all – and Nahdya of course.”
“Of course.” he nodded, “I believe from your manner that she is very pleasing both during the day and during the night.”
“Nahdya is all I have ever wished for.” I said honestly.
“Let us hope she does not come between you and your responsibilities Master.” he spoke sagely.

I sighed. “Grand Master,” I replied, “that has been concerning me greatly since she returned. When we were simply partners she accepted that I ‘enjoyed’ other women but now, I have become concerned. She has assured me that her vows will be honoured but I do not think I could endure her going with another man so how then can I expect her to stand idle while I have sex with another woman? But, as Grand Master, this I must do from time to time.”
“Perhaps now you see why Council discourages personal relationships?” he said.
“I always did Master.” I said, “I was just unprepared to fall in love like this ever again. With so many opportunities for sex at every level I thought that my needs would be met. I failed to take into account the perversity of the human spirit.”
“It is indeed a heavy burden.” his voice was soft, “Indeed, for my part I had to forgo the love of a beautiful young woman to become Grand Master. I knew in my heart that I could not be faithful both to her and my duty. Maybe with you and Nahdya it can be different; indeed I pray that it is.”
“I must hold faith with my duty of course.” I replied firmly, “We both understood our positions before we became entangled; I believe it must be so.”
“Then I hope your gods will be with you Emeritus Master.” he smiled at me, “I would not care to have to make the choices that will be placed before you. Now I must bid you farewell; I am to travel to Chennai on the express for a meeting. I wish you a pleasant journey and a satisfactory visit. We will welcome you on your return.” He bowed and swept away immediately.

End of Part 12

Watch out for Part 13 – Relaxation and Responsibility. In which Colin returns to Lille, meeting with a very mysterious Arabic lady en-route. The sect is infiltrated and Colin has to accept a heavy responsibility to limit the damage.