Istanbul was as far east as he'd planned to go. Then, a slow easy Fall ride back toward Munich and Oktoberfest. Plenty of fun to look forward to there. But this was the mid-point in the long trip. Chris planned to take his time before he had to admit it was half over and counting down. He wanted a week in this great, ancient place. Time enough to see the sights from Roman to modern and with luck, time enough to meet a few new friends. He'd signed in at a small, cheap hotel. It was near the old west wall, lots of small shops and the University. He spent the first day riding and wandering. So much to see. So much history. With his easy going nature, and good looks it wasn't hard for him to meet new people. His hair was long, and blonde. All summer he'd worn his old leather jacket mostly open over his well muscled chest. His Levi's were faded and worn. The boots had carried him plenty of miles. He looked like a man at ease with himself and the world. Tough, but not one looking for trouble.

Some other guys he'd met told him about a supposedly good shop which could give the 650 a once-over. She needed plugs and an oil change wouldn't hurt. He found the shop in an alleyway just a few blocks from the hotel. There was a small metal BMW sign near the gate which guarded an open courtyard. The place was parked near full of other machines. Chris couldn't tell at first if it was a repair shop or a boneyard. Expecting the worst, he slid off the bike and walked through the gate into a hot, open courtyard. A shirtless young man was cleaning the grit from a fuel bowl.

"Hello, my friend ! What can I help you?" He gave a broad smile as he stood up to greet his new customer. Chris couldn't help but admire the guy's perfect tapering chest, square pecs and belly like corrugated steel. If hot looks alone could fix bikes, this guy would be a magician.

Chris waved toward his 650 in the alley. "She needs some plugs and an oil change. Think you can help?"

"No problem for you," the mechanic said. "I can get to it this afternoon. No problem. It will be a pleasure. You are touring Istanbul?" Chris saw the man's eyes widen for a split second and then move rapidly up and down his own body. He was here on business but for just a second the thrilling thought of other possibilities ran through his head. "I'm riding around Europe this summer. I wanted to spend a week here before I head back west. I've been seeing the sights and there's an awful lot here. I like it."

"A week is a short time for Istanbul." The man smiled and looked straight into the new customer's eyes. "There is more to the city than just the monuments if you want to get to know it. You are serious about motorcycles ?"

Chris laughed. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." He patted some of the small tears and scratches on his jacket and kicked a little of the dust off his boots.

"My name is Zako," the man said, extending his hand.

"Chris." The two shook hands. Chris returned the firm, sure grip.

"I will take good care of your bike. Let me finish this soon and we'll bring her inside. Please, look around. Make yourself home."

Chris was curious about the shop and the old building, but the muscular Zako working in the hot sun was the most interesting architecture he'd seen in days. "Yes, Buddy," he thought. "If only you knew just how serious I am about....... bikes." He picked a spot free of old parts, peeled off his jacket and sat down near the hot mechanic. Zako smiled and glanced toward him as he deftly reattached the carburetor bowl.

"There. It is ready now." Zako wiped his hands on an old rag and stood up close to Chris who extended his strong arm and helped pull him to his feet. "Come, now it's your turn. We'll work on you."

The two men rolled the motorcycle into the courtyard. Chris kicked down the stand. Zako went inside for oil and two new plugs. The job was a simple one and though neither man was in any apparent hurry to get it over with it didn't take long. Zako fussed over every detail, checked all he could and told Chris more than he ever thought he'd ever want to know about the 650 and its bigger cousins. Finally, Zako said,"there it's finished."

"Thanks, man. You sure were careful. Checked over everything. How much do I owe you?" Reluctantly, Chris got to his feet and reached for his wallet. He picked up his old jacket and slung it over his shoulder.

Zako laughed and gave his friend a playful light punch to the belly. "I dunno, man I do pretty fancy, high class work. But we take all kinds credit cards. Hope you got a big one. Come on inside."

Chris smiled back but inside hoped like hell this stud really was teasing. Big credit cards weren't exactly what he had to play with. Just a little old fashioned cash. The two men entered what passed for an office and new parts salesroom on one side of the courtyard. Zako went to a small refrigerator and pulled out two beers. He offered one to Chris.

"Here, for you. This part is free." Chris took the beer. "To your trip, my friend. May you find what you're looking for. Each took a drink. "As for the other charges, let me see." The mechanic rubbed the cold bottle over his sweaty chest, pretending to be in deep thought. "I'll tell you what. I'll let you pay for the oil and plugs. And though normally my high class labor is very expensive, you are a serious biker..." Zako stretched out the word s-e-r-i-o-u-s as he looked Chris over again. "Maybe I give you a professional courtesy this time."

"You're a hell of a mechanic, dude," Chris said. Both men laughed and raised their bottles toward each other in salute. "You own this place?"

"Sure, I own it. My family own most this whole block. Many years. We do all kinds business here."

"You run the bike shop by yourself?"

"No, not hardly! I get good help from friends. They help too. We can put all kinds machines together for people." "Or take them apart?" Chris jerked his head in the direction of the apparently disorganized array in the courtyard.

Zako got the joke and responded with another playful punch to Chris' bare midsection. "Yeah, and we take 'em apart pretty good too, huh ?"

Chris was getting to like his "high class" mechanic and new drinking buddy. The man was easy going, smart, gorgeous. He punched back, making fist contact with Zako's hard belly. Smiling into his friend's eyes, he risked slowly twisting his fist against the bronze colored muscles. A subtle move, Chris thought, but maybe it would send the right message. He had no idea how a man like Zako would respond to an obviously appreciative touch. He didn't want to risk slamming the door on what could, at least, become a very welcome friendship in this far away place. But he'd watched the way the brown eyes cruised the length of his frame as the two sat bare-chested together in the courtyard. If this stud wants more, Chris thought, I hope he knows how to spell it out clear enough for this dumb tourist. Finally, slowly, he pulled his fist back.

"No offense, man." Chris apologized for the obvious and irresistable joke he'd made. "I've been to some neat as hell bike shops I wouldn't trust to fix a lawnmower."

"No lawnmowers here today, but I bet your ass we can make you one fast as hell"

"Be sure to give me your number. If I ever need one I'll give you guys a call." Chris was beginning to feel at home and really didn't want to leave, but he didn't know how long he should linger over the beer. This guy was hot and friendly, but it looked like he had enough work to keep him going for months. He decided he'd better try to pay up and let Zako get on with his work. He slowly reached for his wallet.

"So how much do I really owe you for all this high class work and the earful of education?"

Zako looked thoughtful again. "No pay me now. First we have one more, then I show you some sights. You have time, yes?"

"Sure, remember I'm the one on vacation. No hurry on my account. I just didn't want to keep you from work. You already did a lot for me."

" Hey, no hurry on my account either." Zako smiled and laughed again. Using his near empty bottle he pointed toward the courtyard.

"Those machines will be here tomorrow too!"

"And tomorrow after that?"

"And tomorrow after that!"

"And ?"

"Yes, and maybe longer. They need lots high class attention !" Zako laughed hard and pushed his cold bottle against Chris' bare chest.

This was the third time he'd been touched. Chris dared to hope that Zako's brief, playful contacts were not just the pranks of an immature young man trying to make a tourist feel comfortable. He wrapped his arms around the young man's naked back. Instead of pushing, away as Chris feared, the mechanic stayed close, allowing his hard abs full contact with those of his friend. Both men could feel the heat of each others skin. The two were still enjoying a good time. To an outsider it might look like two tough, young guys engaged in innocent horseplay. Zako threw his head back, a cocky, crooked smile on his lips. "So, you pretty tough for a blonde guy eh ? And just a little 650 to ride on."

Chris decided to hang on and squeeze a little harder. He pulled his friend's hard belly and chest as close as he could. He felt Zako's hand and the cold bottle against his chest. "You bet your hard little ass I'm pretty tough and I can ride anything you got."

Zako brought his head forward, closer. " You feel pretty hard too my friend." His voice softer now. "Maybe I'd like to see more of how you ride." The young man's free hand slid between the top of Chris' Levi's and belly. The strong fingers wrapped tight around the waistband and tugged it downward. Scott was hard. His cock swelled inside the tight denim confines. He could feel Zako was in the same state.

"Man you're the hottest thing I've seen in a long time. Yeah, buddy I'd love to ride with you any way you want." The arm around the mechanic's back relaxed.

"Come, my beautiful friend. I think we fixed enough machines for today." Zako moved toward the door and slid a short bolt into place. "We have other work now. First I must do just little business. Still smiling, Zako picked up a telephone on the cluttered corner of an office desk. He dialed a few numbers and gave the answering voice a cheerful greeting. A slow conversation followed. Chris couldn't understand a word. Zako smiled and turned away toward his desk. A few more quiet words into the receiver. Chris heard what he recognized as a series of affirmative answers to short questions. The young mechanic gave the affirmative one more time then a low chuckle before hanging up. Then he retrieved his leather jacket from the back of an old swivel chair and tossed it over his bare left shoulder. He turned, gave another of his startlingly white smiles and once again wrapped a strong fist around the waistband of the biker's Levi's. He led the willing captive through a small side door in the back of the shop. Chris ducked his head as they passed under the low archway. The two men moved along a narrow, windowless corridor.

"This is very old place," Zako told him. "Many years and many people.....many men, strong men like you."

Scott, stayed close, hard cocked and excited by the thought of sex with his new friend in this mysterious place.

"How old ? How do you know there were so many studs like me here?"

Zako , still gripping the waistband, jerked him closer. "This was a Roman town long ago, yes ?"

"That's what the books say."

"That's what stones say too. I told you my family own this block, long time. Long time"

"You mean since Rome?"

"Maybe. Long, long time" The stone floor looked ancient, the walls, Chris saw were a combination of ancient blocks and newer bricks. Finally, Zako stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. He loosened his grip on the faded blue cloth and rubbed the obvious bulge leading down Chris' left thigh.

"Where you takin' me now?" Chris was growing more and more excited about his friend's mysterious ways. "I feel like pumpin' you right here."

Zako reached for the keys clipped to his beltloop. "Patience, my friend. I promise you will get what you want.... and so will I." He gave a short laugh and gave Chris a quick kiss before unlocking the ancient door. "I want to love you in a very special place. Only for men like you and me."

The door creaked back on its hinges revealing another short, stone lined passage. "Guys like you and me must have been a lot shorter when they built this place." Chris ducked his head again to clear the low doorway.

"Maybe not so tall, but big muscles," Zako remarked.

"How do you know, big muscles."

"Fighters. They were fighters. You call them gladiators. Big, hard men, like you"

"You serious? This place is that old?

"Very serious. Very old."

The light dimmed to blackness as door swung shut. Zako pulled out a lighter and led his friend to the end of the passage and down a long, heavily worn stone stairway. "Careful, my friend. This very slippery," Zako warned.

The stairway led down through an ancient, arched passage. Chris carried his leather jacket on his shoulder. He felt the cool, damp air against his bare chest and back. He felt the roughness of the narrow stone walls on his arms as he followed Zako to.. where ? The heat of the courtyard and his first meeting with this man who led him now seemed so far away. Perhaps it was, in this ancient place.

"Here we are, I show you now. No tourist sees here." Zako lightly jumped off the last step and disappeared.

Chris was alone in the darkness. Suddenly he felt cold. He didn't want Zako to think he was afraid. He gripped the old jacket tighter and waited. " Zak.....," Before he could get the word out, lights came on one by one. Each revealed a sector of an arched, circular room. Suddenly his muscular friend appeared naked in the center of the space, laughing.

" Step into the arena ! I tell you.. really old." Zako stretched his arms toward the still bewildered guest.

Scott's gaze circled the room. He let his jacket slip off his bare shoulder and onto the dirt floor. He took the last step. The arena, far below the modern city, was from another age. Scott and Zako would experience their pleasures on the same blood drenched soil where men like them had fought and died so long ago.

"Come, my friend. Come, be close to me." Zako's body was magnificent in the glow from the circle of lights. Slowly, he approached his new friend. They stood, facing each other in the center of the great space. Zako rubbed his hands over the bare chest he'd wanted to touch, enjoying the feel of each well defined muscle. Again, his strong fingers moved down inside the tight denim. He began opening the buttons straining against the pressure of Scott's hard cock. Soon, the Levi's came down around the biker's thighs and Zako fell to his knees. Scott allowed the young man to run his tongue over his hard cock and balls, then knelt down himself. Gently, Zako eased Scott back onto the dirt floor, stripped and laid on top of him. Their lips and cocks were pressed together. The naked mechanic ground his hips against the hard body he'd wanted all afternoon. Scott felt he was living a dream. In his mind, he heard the ancient crowds cheering for more blood and death. He imagined the sweating, armed, bare-chested men struggling against each other in fights to the death. The visions made him even harder and he lusted to drive his cock deep into Zako's beautiful ass. Wrapping his strong arms tight around the youth's naked back, Chris spread his legs in order the gain the leverage he needed to roll his friend into the bottom position. Zako was eager to receive what the biker had to offer. The rollover and entry were smooth and easy. Chris began the long slow fuck he'd needed for days. Zako pulled his lover close for a powerful kiss.

The sensations Chris felt were wilder than anything he'd experienced in years. He and Zako were making love in the middle of an ancient gladiator arena. It was all he could do to keep from exploding at the mere thought of the sex scene the two men were enjoying. Zako kept a tight grip around his hips, pulling him ever deeper with each fuck stroke. Chris revelled in the feel of the bronze-skinned mechnic's sharp- edged pecs and ribbed abs. The young man's ass was tight around his cock. Not eager to rush the scene, Chris alternated between a series of hard, quick thrusts and long, slow strokes when he felt about to shoot his load. He drove deep into Zako and then pulled slowly back so just the head of his cock was inside his friend. Over and over until Zako's moans of pleasure told him the boy was about to come. Chris drove in deep one more time and bent forward to take his friend's huge rod. As soon as Zako felt the biker's hot lips, he let go with a yell of pleasure and a stream of cum that was enough to fill the blonde's eager mouth. Chris finally let himself go, feeling like he might well blow Zako apart with the force of his explosion. The two naked lovers, covered with sweat and dirt from the arena floor collapsed beside each other. Lying on their backs, they clasped each others hands and closed their eyes. No words were needed.

Chris had felt a release, more complete than any he'd experienced in years. His one session with Zako, in this hidden, ancient arena had been more perfect than any fantasy he'd ever dreamed. After a long period of silence, he felt Zako stir next to him. Still and, smiling, he kept his eyes closed. The boy's hand moved across his chest and down his taught belly, reaching again for his cock. Chris began to roll toward his lover. Their lips to met in a long, deep kiss. At first, Chris thought it was just something sticking to his back. Something sharp. Something sharp and hard. The pressure increased to the point of pain, then he noticed the bare feet and muscular legs standing just inches away. A thrill of fear swept his body. There were two of them. Naked, armed with knives and swords. As Chris tried to raise himself, one pressed a blade against his naked chest. One at his back. He was pinned between the two deadly weapons. Chris knew by now that Zako was a young man filled with suprises. But was this another suprise or a dream ? In the dim light he could see the muscular figures who held him in their power. Both carried huge, sheathed knives on studded belts, low around their hips. Their cocks appeared as hard as the swords Chris feared might soon end his summer journey. The men's heads were covered with helmets and face shields. They could have risen from the earth where he and Zako had just made love. Chris tried hard to refocus on Zako's face. At this second it was his only link to reality. Zako lay on his back, relaxed, arms folded under his head. The boy's bright smile didn't help Chris understand whether he was about to be slaughtered, raped or just teased.

Recovering his voice, he looked straight at his friend. "Whoa, guys. What the hell is going on ? Am I dreamin' or what? Man, I didn't force you down here...." Zako and the two armed phantoms exchanged a few words. Chris didn't understand. The men pulled their blades away. Quickly, Chris got to his feet, prepared to defend himself as well as an unarmed man could. He looked down at Zako, still relaxed on the arena floor. "What's all this shit about, man?"

"Relax, beautiful one." Zako reached up toward his lover and urged him to resume his place beside him. Chris remained standing, eyeing the two intruders.

"These are my gladiators, Amir and Sammi." Zako waved his hand toward the two. Chris imagined for second, Zako as a young, general from the ancient eastern empire showing his newest boy- toys to a visitor from Rome. As if reading Chris' thoughts, Zako laughed and clapped his hands together. The two men pulled off their helmets and masks and bowed deeply toward the bewildered and still alarmed foreigner. Both smiled at Chris and spoke to Zako. "Amir and Sammi think you are incredibly beautiful too. My gladiators have good taste, yes ?" More words form the pair directed at Zako. All three laughed heartily. "And they taste good too." Zako rolled over laughing at the old joke. " We all taste good too." Zako motioned the pair to approach Chris.

Still wary of the blades the two men carried, Chris glanced back at Zako for reassurance.

"Don't worry, beautiful lover, they won't kill you without letting you fight back."

"I'm not scared of a fight, but you guys sure scared hell out me the way you showed up down here. I thought I was dreaming." Chris started to relax a little, but inside he was still angry with Zako and the pair he considerd intruders.

" Please, my apologies for the suprise," Zako said, rising to take Chris' hand. "I thought the place and my friends would excite you."

"You fuckin' know I'm excited." Chris tried a smile and took Zako's hand.

The mechanic reached for his friends and they stood closer. "We're friends now, yes?" The four gripped hands as they greeted each other. Zako considered the ice broken. "Me and my friends, we are fighters too, just like the old ones. We still enjoy the old games. This is where we meet to play. Just like the old times." Again, the youth flashed one of his bright smiles and made a quick bow toward Chris and his friends.

"You guys speak English?" Chris turned toward the men who'd briefly held him captive.

"Yes, yes of course." Both answered at once. "We are not Barbarians," one laughed. " I am Sammi, this is my friend Amir."

Sammi and Amir were taller than Zako and heavier. Both looked at home in the arena. Both men, Chris thought, looked perfectly natural and comfortable wearing their blades and helmets. Their bodies were as perfect as Zako's but of a size and weight closer to his own.

"We only meant to tease you a little, with the blades. On the phone, little time ago, Zako invite us to see you. He is right, you are beautiful to see and obvoiusly Zako like what you have to offer." Amir laughed and gave Zako a light slap on the chest with the flat of his sword. "You are a beautiful gladiator." Again, Amir held his hand out as if to affirm his apology for interrupting Chris' sexual pleasures. Chris smiled back and shook hands with both men again.

"I guess I can't be mad at you guys. But just for a second, there I thought you two were gonna cut me up from top to bottom and my little vacation was over." "But you were prepared to fight, though you had no weapons. I saw you would not have died without a fight." Sammi was admiring the muscular, still naked blonde. "I can tell when a man is truly afraid and when he is brave, but cautious. You are not truly afraid of anything, I believe."

"Like to think I'm more of a lover than fighter usually, but thanks for the compliment." Chris nodded toward the two, acknowledging their respect. "You guys say you play the old games. You mean with swords and knives ? Gladiators? Guys fighting to the death ?"

Without answering, Sammi stepped forward. He turned the sword blade toward his own chest and offered the curious foreigner the chance to take the weapon. Slowly, Chris reached out to accept the offer. "Take it my friend. Feel this beauty in your hand. It was made to kill men like us."

Chris gazed down at the weapon. He studied the bronze casting in the handle and let his fingers experience the roughness of the tanned cow tongue covering the grip. He studied the fine gold wirework which held it in place and then his eyes followed the tracery and careful foldings along the damascus blade which ended just inches from Sammi's ribbed midsection. Sammi,

Amir and Zako watched in silence as their hot guest examined the workmanship. Chris' forearms rippled as his fist tightened around the deadly sculpture.

"This is a beautiful piece, man." Chris spoke slowly, his eyes still on the weapon. "Fine piece of work. How old?" He held the blade steady and looked into Sammi's eyes. Sammi stayed put, not moving away from the sharp tip.

"I see you know good work. How old you think?"

"Maybe a couple hundred years ?"

Zako and Amir laughed. Sammi leaned forward so the blade touched his belly. "Mmmm. Couple hundred, you think. Old. Antique for sure, eh ?"

Amir and Zako moved closer. Chris pulled the blade away from Sammi's body and held it closer, across his chest. Zako put his arm around Chris' back and pulled Amir close with the other arm. The three stood facing Sammi.

"I would like to introduce to you, my beautiful American friend Chris, the finest swordmaker in Istanbul, if not the whole known world." Zako forced all three of them to bow in Sammi's direction. Sammi returned the bow and gave Chris a big smile. "And now," Zako pulled Chris and Sammi to his side," you must also truly meet my other great friend and fellow genius who is also the finest leather worker in Istanbul, if not the entire world, Amir." This time Amir received and returned the bow.

Chris extended his hands toward the pair. "You're all geniuses, man. I really mean it. Really something. Awesome." The three naked muscle studs shook hands. Chris turned back toward Zako. " And they're hot as hell to look at too ain't they?" No longer ill at ease with his naked new friends he took advantage of the chance to rub his hands over the two fine specimens. Feeling the chiseled pecs and abs, further stiffened his own cock. He wrapped his arms around the studs and pressed his own hard body against the hot warriors. "Man you guys are out of a dream! " Chris shouted the words across the arena and let out a whoop of unrestrained joy. His friends joined in the yell. Zako joined the others and then all four closed in for an unrestrained session of kissing, hugging, muscle feeling, cock and ball groping, grab ass that ended when they were all rolling around together in the dirt of the arena floor. The four muscular companions, like gladiators from centuries past, eager for the pains and pleasures only men can enjoy with each other.

Zako pulled himself out of the writhing, excited pile of muscles and stood up. After watching the mele for a few minutes, he clapped his hands together and whistled for attention. "Sammi! Amir!" The three studs slowed their play and looked in his direction."Our new friend must see how we play here."

Sammi and Amir expressed agreement. Before rising from the pile, each gave Chris one last playful slap on the chest. Both still wore the knife belts and sheathed blades they'd carried. Chris rolled back to watch as the men got to their feet and stood next to Zako.

"You too. Come, you must also play with us." Zako urged his friend to stand.

"What you guys got in mind now." Chris was in a good humored, relaxed mood but he wanted to continue the man-play the four had been enjoying . He stood up, stretched and flexed his muscles and wrapped a fist around his bursting hard cock. "I'm ready to play, guys. Who wants to take this weapon?"

"Maybe I do, If you convince me." Sammi smiled at Chris and slowly pulled a long, thick knife from the sheath at his hip. "If you're a real gladiator, I'd love to take the weapon you offer."

Chris let go of his cock and looked closely at his three naked, equally hard companions. Then, turning to Zako, "so, you guys really do play the old games. You fight for each others asses."

Zako nodded.

"To the death?"

"Only sometimes. Only by agreement. Not tonight. Not yet with you unless you wish it so. Does it frighten you ?"

"It's wild. Unbelievable. The ultimate. No.... it don't scare me. It's just...shit, you guys are so fuckin' hot. Any guy'd give anything to be where we are. Doin' what we're doin'.

"Not just any man would we allow to take part in what we do." Sammi spoke in a serious tone, his eyes studying Chris' reaction to the fresh challenge. "You are a special man. One, I think, not afraid of the arena and its possibilities."

"You really wanna fight me, friend ?" Chris looked hard at Sammi's face. "How far you figure to go. I just met you guys, man, I got no reason to try killing my friends. If we're just playin' around though, I got no problems. ' Fact, I'd dig hell out of it, whoever wins. But I wanna know what the scene is, you know ?"

Amir removed his knife belt and handed it to Chris. "Here my friend. Try it on for size. Sammi wants the right to take you and you have said you want one of us. You must fight to see which man gets his wish."

" O.K. by me guys. It's a real turn-on. I just wanted to know if you think we're goin' all the way, that's all. I mean, I like the fight scene, especially here, with you guys, but I got no reason to kill anybody, unless they're tryin' to stick me with a blade. I mean, you know, this could get dangerous if a guy's not careful." Chris' hard cock made it obvious to all that a naked gladiator- style knife fight in the old arena meshed with his ideas of what male sexual pleasures could involve. Zako and Amir stepped back from the two armed men. Chris studied the workmanship in the sheath and knife belt. Silently, he placed the leather low around his slim hips, adjusted the sheath over his right leg and tugged the large brass buckle tight. The muscular young biker enjoyed the cool stiffness of the leather just above his cock. He tied the thongs at the tip of the sheath to his thigh, not too tight, but enough to keep it secure. He shifted and settled the belt and sheath once again, making sure the fit was secure and comfortable for the action to come. Sammi watched every move, trying to assess the possible skill and courage of his untested opponent.

Satisfied with the feel of his weapon, Chris again looked into Sami's eyes. "So I got no problem with a fight, friend, maybe especially in front of Amir and Zako. That turns me on, guys watchin. It's your field. How far you wanna go ?" Sammi was eager for a fresh challenge. Deep inside, he knew he'd willingly face Chris in the utimate test of strength and courage, no matter what the outcome. The sight of the blonde visitor's hard, tanned muscles reminded him of Nordic gladiators, novel attractions in the ancient eastern city, who died long ago in this same place. Sami could imagine the lust filled audiences cheering every bloody cut and blade thrust. The slow, beautiful death of a gladiator like Chris would have driven them to a frenzy. After the lifeless golden hero was dragged from the dusty arena, men and women alike, in search of aphrodisial charms, would have fought for locks of hair or other relics from this perfect body. The thoughts hardened Sammi's cock even more. Imitating Chris' earlier challenging gesture, he wrapped his fist around the huge rod.

"We fight for this, my friend. Your blade to my chest, you take me. My blade to your chest.... you'll have all the man you want." Sammi laughed and stroked his cock again.

"I'm sure you will like it either way." Chris was still wary of his challenger. He wasn't afraid to fight, even to the death if need be, but in spite of the outward friendliness and sex play, deep inside, he knew he was alone in this strange land. Win or lose this fight, he would still be at the mercy of these new playmates. If Sammi meant to kill him, Chris knew that, at the very least, he'd make him pay a high price for the pleasure. If it really was a game, there was nothing to worry about. The fight and the sex in this rare place would be unforgettable. The challenge was how to begin. How hard should he fight or play ? His actions and judgement in the next few minutes in this man to man confrontation could determine his fate more certainly than his abilities with a blade. He glanced toward young Zako, the beautiful youth who'd happily led him to this fate. Zako's face was gleaming with excitement and encouragement. Amir too was watching him closely. The two were sprawled in the sand. A small but eager audience for the violent struggle about to begin. Again, Chris fisted his cock. "Tonight, Sammi, this is for you. And this.." His left hand moved slowly from his cock to the equally hard knife handle. There was no turning back now. The grip felt cool and hard in his fist. The long, oiled damascus blade pulled easily from the sheath. In spite of its size, the weapon was light, well balanced, maneuverable. Chris looked directly into Sammi's eyes. "Winner take all."

Sammi had been waiting for the moment. His opponent was everything he'd ever dreamed of. A fearless, graceful beauty with flowing blonde hair, and the perfect tanned muscles of a fighter and working man. Yes, Sammi thought, he is like a Nordic god. Soon, he will know where he comes from. Sammi knew the arena well. He, Amir and Zako had played here many times. Fighting for the privilege of sex. All three were proud of their hard bodies and fine definition. It was a supreme pleasure to test skills with each other. The arena Zako had discovered as a child had always been their secret. One shared with few others. It had always been a small fraternity, close childhood friends at first, then other young men, who shared their tastes for sex and blood sports. Through the years, some of their partners had died here when the games turned serious. On nights when youthful lust ruled their heads and hands all three had experienced the thrill of fighting to live and the exhilarating pleasure of driving cold steel into hard muscles. But, this experience in the arena had taught them to be patient, to appreciate the difference between vulgar slaughter and the satisfyingly beautiful death of a worthy opponent. Sammi had said the three were not barbarians. Theirs was, he thought, one of the highest art forms.

"Winner take all." Sammi raised his blade in salute and immediately lunged toward Chris' midsection. Chris leaned back and twisted his body to the right, narrowing the target and missing the thrust. Without retreating, he returned the threat with a long arcing swing of is left arm. The close sweep of steel forced Sammi to jump back. Chris moved in closer, on the attack, he repeated the movement, swinging the blade back to his right. Again, Sammi retreated and then circled to his right for another quick lunge at Chris' left side. In a flash, the biker brought his hands together on the blade and spun to face his attacker. Instead of twisting or retreating as Sammi expected, Chris dropped to one knee, and thrust his blade upward, toward Sammi's abs. The experienced gladiator sucked in his belly and jumped back again. Before Chris recovered his stance, Sammi raised his blade and swung down toward his opponent's neck. Chris, with no time to retreat, held his place, stiffened his arms and parried the blow which could have slit his throat. The ring of steel vibrated through all his tense muscles as the two blades collided. Sammi pressed on, his huge arms and lats straining to lever the weapon from Chris' grip. Working his strong legs, Chris fought to resist, then without warning, he fell back and quickly rolled to his left, away from the threat. After this sudden release from the exertion Sammi lurched forward. Stumbling to recover, he nearly lost his weapon in the sand. He was strong and beautifully muscled, a sight to behold, but Chris thought he lacked the agility a good fighter needs. Applause from Zako and Amir. The biker glanced toward the two naked spectators. He would soon regret the split second of distraction. Sammi recovered both his poise and his weapon and with astonishing speed was on top of him before he could recover his footing. With a shove to his chest, Sammi sent him sprawling backward with such force, Chris felt like he was sliding on hot sandpaper as his hard back muscles scraped the arena floor. He grimaced in pain and tried to recover before the bronze skinned attacker could bring a blade to his exposed chest. Sammi was fast. Strong and fast. Faster than Chris imagined a man of his build could be. No time to roll away this time. He raised his blade and braced himself for Sammi's attack. The bodybuilder fell to his knees next to him. A vicious downward thrust brought the blade within an inch of his pecs before he caught hold of the arm wielding it. Both men were now covered with sand and sweat. Each held the others knife arm in a grip hard as a vise. Holding off Sammi's weight put Chris to the ultimate test. His pecs and delts strained together like he was doing bench presses. His triceps were burning and his abs were crunched hard as marble. Sammi tried to apply even more pressure. Stiffening his firmly planted legs, he began to lever his body forward, hoping to make it impossible for Chris to resist the slow, constant, downward motion of his knife.

Chris realized he was facing inevitable death if he held his place. Taking advantage of Sammi's higher center of gravity, he quickly thrust his left leg as far in that direction as possible. With extended leg, and abs tightened even more than he thought possible, he forced his body into a sudden and violent twist to the right. Again, Sammi's muscles were unprepared for the change. Intent on the tip of his own blade and the imminent probability of its contact with bare flesh, he toppled onto his side. Knives still firmly held, both men lay facing each other, their legs working hard to gain a footing which could bring one on top to deliver a final death blow. Slowly, Sammi began to force Chris onto his back. Strong as he was, the Nordic god of Sammi's imagination was close to the limits of his endurance. Amir and Zako, sensing the end was near, moved closer so as not to miss any of the passion. They lay together, flat on their stomachs, eyes fixed on blades and straining muscles. Chris and Sammi had their eyes fixed on each other. They were both using all their strength. Chris was finally on his back again. Sammi had spread his legs wide and maneuvered himself into a position fully atop his opponent. Their hard cocks just touched each other. Chris knew the fight was over for him. Sammi knew he was about to pin the man he wanted enough to die for. Each knew one slip or misguess at this point would send ten inches of hand forged damascus steel into one of their chests. Eyes locked together they shared this mutual understanding. Imperceptably, Chris eased the muscle tension which had kept him alive. Sammi matched his action, but maintained the downward pressure on his blade. Chris knew Sammi could easily kill him at any time from this point on. This was a supreme moment for him. He had lost a fair fight with a hard muscled stud and was prepared to die if Sammi wished to exercise his right. His excitement was so great that he felt taking a gladiators blade in this place, a moment to be witnessed and remembered by three beautiful men, would be the perfect end to his life. The tip of Sammi's blade made its slow but inevitable way to the center of Chris' chest. He felt the sharpness first between his pecs and the top of his abs. If Sammi wished it Chris would feel the entire length of the blade he'd crafted move in one quick downward plunge through his hard muscles and into his heart. Death would be swift and Chris would feel little pain before he lost conciousness on the arena floor. The blonde gladiator continued to relax his muscles, still unsure whether Sammi would deliver quick death, the sexual pleasure he'd promised or both. Finally, Chris allowed the victor to move his clenched left hand aside. He relaxed his grip and the weapon fell to the sand.

"Winner take all." Sammi pressed his blade harder against the chest he had just won. His chest was heaving. Speech was difficult. Both men had fought to the point of near exhaustion.

"Winner take all." Chris was breathing hard. Saying the few words, acknowledging their earlier pledge took as much effort as he could manage. His muscles relaxed. He felt the same euphoria he always experienced after the most intense workout. No matter what came next, he would face it like a man. Sammi continued to hold his blade to Chris' sweating chest. His cock was as hard as it had been through the entire evening.

"Winner take all," Sammi repeated as he raised himself from the man he'd bested. The gladiator moved backward and squatted between Chris' muscular thighs. Placing his strong hands beneath the blonde's knees, he raised the legs to bring the gladiator's ass close to the head of his cock. Then, he pulled the muscular slab toward him to begin taking the prize he'd justly earned in the arena. Amir and Zako edged even closer, their eyes glazed with lust and desire for the defeated Chris. Both knew well the pain and pleasure Sammi could inflict with the weapon between his legs. Chris felt the huge head press hard against his tight ass. Few men had won the right to trespass. Those who had, like Sammi, were real men. Sammi pressed hard and without ceremony or hesitation, stabbed his huge cock deep inside his prize stud. Chris felt every muscle in his body wince at the rapid penetration. His mouth opened to emit a sharp gasp at the pain. Chris thought taking Sammi's blade in his chest might have been less painful and a quicker way to die than being fucked by this muscular rapist. He had no doubt Sammi could kill a man with a his knife, now, Chris believed he could easily kill a man with his cock as well.

"You take it well, beautiful one. You think my knife maybe would hurt less?"

"Man you are one helluva stud. Yeah, you could kill me either way." The initial shock easing, Chris let himself go, giving in to the pains and pleasures Sammi was inflicting. "Fuck me, buddy. You got the right.. Winner take all." His breath came in short bursts. He was naked, disarmed, defeated. Chris enjoyed the sight of Sammi's powerful muscles working over him. The thought of being taken by a victorious gladiator in this centuries old arena of death turned any pain he felt into the most exquisite pleasure. He wondered still whether, at the end of the scene, Sammi would use the right earlier gladiators had won here. The right to sheath a knife in his opponent's naked chest. His own knife lay beside him in the sand, within reach. Honor forbade him from trying to retrieve it. Sammi reached out to take it and the fucking continued.

"You will never forget tonight, my friend." Sammi pulled Chris' knife closer and gripped it in his fist. He caressed the biker's chest and hard belly with the edge of the weapon he'd forged himself. He allowed the blade to rest on Chris' chest. Then, as he continued fucking the hot slab, he pulled his own knife from its sheath. Chris was so hot for the scene he was almost hoping Sammi would offer him the sort of death a defeated gladitor should expect.

"Take me, man. Anything you want. You got the right." Chris enjoyed the feel of steel against his hot skin. He placed his hand over the blade and pressed it against his crunched abs. Then his fist moved down to slowly stroke his hard cock. "Fuck me to death, buddy. Take me out, man."

Sammi held his own knife and reached for the one resting on Chris' belly. He turned the identical weapons so their tips pointed in opposite directions. Chris knew their sexual pleasures would involve more knife play. Blood at least, if not his own death. Sammi leaned forward so his chest was directly over his lovers. Supporting himself with his right hand and legs, he rested the two blades just below Chris' pecs. Without applying more pressure, Sammi steadied the knives and lowered his own chest enough to contact them. Both men were feeling the sharp steel against their muscles and, if Sammi dropped his body, both men would die the same way, at the same time. Carefully, maintaining his cock inside Chris, the victorious gladitaor assumed the position of a man about to perform push-ups. Chris began to think Sammi was preparing to kill them both and the thought made him even more excited.

"Yes!" Chris hissed out the word. " Do it! Do it, Man. Take us out, buddy! Do it here! I want it!" He was ready to come, but wanted to make sure the release came just as Sammi dropped onto him and the blades ripped into their hard bodies. Nothing he thought could be more perfect here. All other thoughts about his trip, his life, his future, his past were gone. He existed only for the excitement of this perfect, brief moment. There could be no better way to end a man's life than this, he thought.

Sammi called to his friends Amir and Zako. The two were as hard as the two about to be impaled gladiators. Chris couldn't understand what was said, but soon, Amir laid himself atop Sami's back and drove his cock into his hard, bronzed ass. Sammi maintained his position over Chris. The blades were still in place, pressing against their chests. Sammi's strong body bore Amir's weight and the two men both enjoyed their fucks. Another word from Sammi. Zako moved into place behind Amir and without hesitation, assaulted his ass. Chris could see Sammi's delts, pecs and abs straining to support the pile of male beef on his back. He wondered just how many minutes of life the two of them had left as the sharp edged orgy of gladiator sex continued.

"Will you die with me?" Sammi's words were, Chris thought, an invitation to paradise. All they had to do was come together and Sammi would collapse onto him. The blades would do the rest. Death would be quick. Their perfect bodies impaled by choice on the weapons they'd used. Two gladiator lovers choosing to die together in the arena. If Sammi was willing, Chris was ready.

"Yes, beautiful one." Chris turned the description back on Sammi. "Winner take all. Anything you want. It would be perfect here with you. In this place. This is my last dream. I'm not afraid." Chris' cock needed no encouragement anymore. He put his muscular arms around Sammi's neck and pulled their lips together. The action pressed the blades even harder against their chests.

Chris felt Sammi drive his cock in deep one more time and then a sudden explosion inside him. Amir and Zako pressed their own cocks into the sheaths they enjoyed. At the same instant, his own cock blew off a load that covered Sammi's chest and belly. Chris felt the hot cream all the way up to his chin. He yearned for the perfect pain of steel driven through his abs, the flow of hot blood, Sammi's dying weight on top of him, slow loss of conciousness and then blackness forever. A gladiator's death.

All four men shouted in unison at the perfect release they' experienced together. After a moment, Zako pulled away from Amir. Chris heard Amir's cock pop out of Sammi's ass and the two sweat covered fighters were alone again. Sammi kept his cock pressed hard into Chris' ass. The blonde warrior, still experiencing the ecstacy of perfect sex, waited for Sammi to relax the strong arms that had kept them on the edge of death and finish the scene while Amir and Zako watched. Sammi moved his lips close to Chris' ear. The blades were still in place. Chris could see the blood on their chests where they'd both been cut.

"You are one of us, my Chris. Now, you are one of us forever."

"I'm ready to go with you. Forever. Take us together."

Zako and Amir moved in again. Slowly, Sammi raised himself. Amir's hand reached out to take the knives which spurred the passion that came close to killing his friends. Zako leaned over to kiss the small wound on Chris' abs. The boy ran his tongue over and around the bloody spot, then to the cum which covered the young man he could only only desire a few hours ago in that sunny courtyard. Chris threw his head back and closed his eyes. He had seen the edge of paradise and now, as perfect as it was for him in this arena with his gladiator friends, he was back in the real world. Life, for him and Sammi would continue.

Sammi leaned far enough forward to plant a kiss on Chris' open mouth. His blonde lover reached behind the strong neck and pulled Sami to him. The men needed no words to express their feelings. Neither would forget the passion they'd felt. Each new how close to death they'd come. Each knew how willing they were to face it together. "We need not rush to paradise, beautiful one." Sammi whispered the words into Chris' ear. "It is too soon for us to go, but someday, here, we will make the journey. Be happy now that you are one of our gladiator brothers."

Chris felt a warmth in his heart like he'd never experienced. His emotions were so strong, his eyes almost filled with tears. "This is love, man. Perfect. Like nothing ever. Chris pulled Amir and Zako closer to him. Sammi kissed Chris one last time before pulling out. The warrior stood erect, sheathed the knife Zako handed him and knelt again to return the second blade to Chris.

"This is yours, forever, my friend. Now, rise and follow me. There is something you must see here. You are a part of this place."

Chris, still trying to settle the emotions he'd just experienced, got to his feet, sheathed the blade Sammi had given him and followed his friends to the arched and columned edge of the circular room. He'd grown used to expecting suprises from these men.Sammi's voice carried a tone indicating he should prepare for something far more intense than what had already passed.

The arena proper was surrounded by a low wall, beyond which stood the remains of an arched colonade. Chris surmised that one time, there had been seats for spectators here and outside, vendors circled the bloody field selling food and drink to slake appetites heightened by the sight of blood and death. Sammi led the fighters through a particular archway, made a right turn through a low doorway and into a small ante-room. The ceilings were low and the walls rough. The lights from the arena were lost in this space.

Sammi led them through one room and then another. Chris wondered how much of the ancient city was buried like this and known only to his friends. In the blackness, Zako reached out to take his hand. Zako followed Amir and Sammi as if by instinct. Finally the group stopped. Amir struck a match and held it to a torch angling from the ancient wall. No one spoke. Sammi held another torch to the first and the room brightened enough for Chris to see low stone benches around the walls. Here, the floor was of polished marble and mosaic. The walls carried frescoes only slightly faded after many centuries. Zako and Amir moved close and gently pulled Chris toward the spot where Sammi stood gazing at the wall.

"Prepare to see your past, my Chris. Do not be afraid." Sammi stood motionless, reverently, as if making an offering at the altar of an ancient god. He raised his torch to fully illuminate the niche before him. Chris was led to the spot. Sammi put out his arm and wrapped it tight around Chris' shoulders. "This, Gladiator, is your place."

Chris looked up at the ancient painting. Sammi's tight grip held him erect. For a moment, he felt his strong legs would fail him. The man in the fresco stared back, blonde, blue eyed. He wore a wide leather belt around his hips, leather straps held his sandals in place. His fist was closed around a blade exactly like the one Sammi had prepared for their fight. The naked gladiator's fighting portrait was startlingly realistic. Coming upon this ancient image alone, Chris might have run away in fear. Sammi relaxed his iron grip. He handed the torch to Chris then stepped back with the others. The twentieth century tourist stood alone, face to face with a double who fought here two thousand years ago. Silence. Chris stared at the beauty before him. It was all there. His stance, muscles, face, attitude. It was impossible this could be a trick. The reality of what he was seeing hit the biker harder than Sammi ever could have. Eyes fixed on the portrait, he knelt down on the cool marble floor. The flickering light played over the ancient figure. With little difficulty, Chris could imagine the gladiator preparing for a death match in this room, his confident stride into the arena and the cheers of adoring fans eager to see him kill or die. No one spoke. Chris studied every detail of the portrait for a full five minutes. Finally, he stood, turned toward his waiting companions and held out his hands, bidding them to come closer.

"How can this be." Chris spoke slowly, softly to all of his friends at once. He badly needed an explanation, an explanation he knew might be impossible for them to give. "Who was he? Where did he come from ? Was he killed here? " And again,"How can this be?"

Zako embraced the man he'd met only a few hours ago in a courtyard far above this place. He'd known and loved an image since childhood, now the image had a voice, tanned, firm, hot, living muscles. "I knew it was you. I was almost afraid of you at first, up there. How to bring you here. How to keep you from leaving. All this at once. Then a miracle. You wanted me. I could not let you go away, never to come back."

Sammi and Amir hugged their friend again. The four naked men stood in silence for a few more minutes. Chris repeated his earlier fumbling questions.

"Who was he ? Did he fight here?"

"We do not know his name. It is clear from the painting he must have fought here. He must have been one of the greatest of the gladiators. A legend. A hero. Maybe a god." Sammi rubbed his hands over Chris' muscular chest and belly.

"Maybe even a god."

"I can't believe it. This is a powerful place. It had power over all of you. Now me too. I'm one of you. No matter where I go, I'll always be here with you."

"You lived here long ago, I believe." The reticent Amir spoke for the first time since the arena fight. "I believe you really are come to life again, reborn for us because we have honored this place so long. It is only we who carry on the old games here. Search your heart, my friend. Search your memory. It is you who must answer the many questions you put to us." Amir pressed his finger into Chris' chest, emphasizing the words of his final statement. "It is you who must learn these things and teach us." Again Chris turned to study the portrait. It was a lifesize work. Clear and almost photographically perfect in anatomical detail, but with a spirit and sensuality even the best photographers rarely achieve. The man's challenging stance and beauty made Chris hard. Unconciously, he rubbed the growing length of his cock. "Are there any other pictures here? I mean of him or others. Maybe he's buried here in this room?"

"Only few small pictures, not very clear ones. Less important fighters, maybe." Amir was now more animated. He seemed like the shy one who knew far more than he ever spoke about. "We can show you, come." The leather smith and gladiator led the four to another niche across the room. He held his torch high, revealing incomplete images of naked men. Muscular legs, wrapped in leather thongs. Broad torsos, chests and backs, all painted in action scenes on three sides of the space. There were no other complete images, just parts of ancient faces, parts of beautiful ancient musclemen, clinging to immortality on the thin, colorful layers of paint.

Chris raised his torch high, he moved again to the center of the room and turned slowly, taking in the images, the history, the smell of the old stones and plaster. He stopped again, facing his own image. He knelt down and reached for his knife. Eyes focused on the champion, he slowly pulled the tool of pleasure and death from the sheath, then raised it aloft in a gesture of salute. He stood up and walked closer. He put out his hand and carefully touched the painting. Closer still he moved until his hot muscles contacted those drawn in paint. He could feel the heat from his body soak into the cold plaster. He pressed his lips against the sensual face.

"We are still alive, here, my ancient friend," he whispered. "We will always be here." Moving back, he gestured for his friends to join him. In turn, without word or question each repeated Chris' action. The simple ritual and the discoveries they'd made together bound them closer than brothers. This was a powerful place, a holy place for these four men. The providence or power that brought them together was, as yet, beyond their understanding. Each would survive for a time in a life outside this shrine to male strength and beauty, but Chris and the others knew as they embraced in the dying torch light that at some time, perhaps not far off, the same force which brought them together would call them here again to join forever their ancient heros in a gladiator's paradise.

James Cody