The Sekham Mansion

35 - The Last Emperor (Movie Main Theme)

(click on the audio title 35 - The Last Emperor for music/song accompaniment).

Bernard Foong (a.k.a. Young) is ranked amazon.com International Best Selling Author.

www.aharemboysaga.com

A Harem Boy's Saga - Book I I - Unbridled;

A memoir by Young

An Excerpt:

"Today a man discovered gold and fame, another flew the stormy seas; another set an unarmed world aflame, one found the germ of a disease. But what high fates my path attend for I-today-I found a friend."

Helen Barker Parker

In Court

Early next morning, our Abds prepared our baths and breakfast at the Maktub. As soon as we finished eating, a manservant led us to our appointed venue to meet Wazir Thabit. He was in the midst of a tennis game with his physical trainer and business partner, Gabrielli Marciano Castrogiovanni. I did not recognize the Wazir, who wore a polo shirt and shorts. At our previous meeting he was dressed in a traditional Arabian thobe and headdress. Gabrielli, a good looking athletic Italian, spoke perfect Arabic and English besides his mother tongue, Italian. Aziz was seated under a shady umbrella drinking Turkish coffee, observing the game while waiting for Andy and me to arrive. As soon as the match was over, the two men came over to join us. We stood up to greet them and they gave us friendly nose rubs (a traditional Arab greeting). The manservant in attendance brought our beverages before the Wazir spoke, "It is good to see the both of you. Did you guys have a nice vacation?"

I replied politely, "Yes Sir, Andy and I had a marvelous holiday and I'm ready to commence Aziz’s photography project." I didn’t know if it was appropriate to mention the project's name, in case the brothers did not wish the Italian to know the nature of our collaboration.

"Very good; my personal assistant had done some research and when we return into the house I'll fill you in, after your morning's tutorial with your teacher, Gabrielli." Aziz answered.

I was surprised to learn that the Italian was my Sekham’s professor, so I kept quiet when Gabrielli spoke. "You didn't expect an Italian tutor, did you?" He continued, "I am Thabit's business partner and I’m also his children's foreign language tutor. The Wazir had apportioned me to meliorate foreign students who are assigned to the Sekham. I'm so happy to meet you."

Thabit added, "This man is an excellent educator; he is very knowledgeable in international affairs and an honorary graduate from Cambridge University in international finance. I managed to convince him to be my business and financial consultant. Young, you’re in good hands."

"We'll start daily tutorials from 9 am to 1 pm, except Holy Fridays. The remainder of the afternoons you are free to pursue your personal interest and projects. I believe Aziz will be keeping you busy with "Sacred Sex In Sacred Places?" My tutor commented.

The weather was getting hot, so we proceeded inside the main house. Preparations

We assembled in a large living room in the main mansion and waited for our host and his partner to shower before our introduction to the Household members. I could hear dissonant noises and a cacophony of the Arabic language in an adjoining room while Aziz filled us in on the latest development regarding his photography project.

The Arab was the first to begin, "My assistant, Tahu, had made some contacts with a few props construction companies in America. Two of them are interested in working on the ‘Sacred Sex In Sacred Places’ construction project. We are waiting for their bids to arrive. A company is based in Los Angeles and the other in Las Vegas."

Andy inquired, "Once the company is selected, do we travel to America to meet with the construction team or will they come to see us here?"
"Once we finalized the confirmation, we’ll decide on the next move. With Thabit and Gabrielli's involvement, it’s likely that the Italian will be our representative and spokes-person for the project. Young can continue his private tutorials while we are circumnavigating the globe," Aziz announced.

"Who will be teaching Thabit’s children when the professor is away?" I enquired

The Arab, smilingly, said, "Don't worry about my nephews and nieces; they attend regular Islamic schools besides their foreign language lessons and tutorials with Gabrielli. The Sekham's governor will hire a temporary teacher to substitute him when he is unavailable."

The Sekham Household

As soon as the Wazir and his partner entered the living room, the Sekham Household procession began. Much like the march of the Siamese children from The King & I; the youngest boy, Jasim, aged 12, accompanied by his nanny, conjugated into the room followed by Mais, Thabit’s 13 year old sister. Behind Mais was Naira, similar in age to her half-sister. Then came the Wazir's oldest son, Sayid, aged 15 and finally the last of Thabit’s children, Sabiya aged 16. Marching behind the kids were the Wazir’s wives, Zeba and Ula. I guessed the women’s ages to be between 29 and 33 years at most. Although they didn't wear burkas, they wore hijabs and kabayas that were considered modern for Middle Eastern women in 1967.

The household agglomeration of eight males and fourteen females filed into the living room and I could not recall most of their names. I had no problem remembering the names of Thabit’s relations, as they were in daily classes with me; their mothers accompanied them regularly.

When the entire Sekham household members had assembled in the room, the patriarch formally introduced Andy and me. If Oscar had been available, he too would have been introduced with his new charge. Unfortunately, Srihan never made it to the Sekham. A week later, Oscar arrived at the Sekham with an Indian boy by the name of Devaj whom I nicknamed Vaj. We became friends.

Thabit informed his household that Andy and I were foreign students on a mission, learning Arabian culture and the traditions of their country. We would also be assisting Aziz with his project since we were interested in photography; he omitted the nature of our assignment. They queried no further when the meeting adjourned.

The Tour

Since photography by us, foreign students, was not permitted at the Household, I can only provide examples that illustrate similarities to the Sekham’s interior and exterior. For security reasons, unauthorized photography of the property would be confiscated by the Wazir, unless his permission was granted to the photographer.

After our Household introduction, Gabrielli offered to show us the property before I commenced my private tutorial with him. The Sekham covered many acres, and we took our time to cover the grounds. As per Islamic tradition the women's quarters were off limits to male visitors. My tutor led us through the main building, the children's quarters, several guest suites and the recreational facilities. He explained, "When I arrived at the Sekham, I couldn't find my way around the property. There are many chambers and I wasn't sure which were forbidden or allowed entry. It took me a week to become acquainted with the various chambers."

Andy asked, "How long have you been stationed here?"

"Close to three years. I met the Wazir when we were at a business conference in Geneva. I was a speaker at the event. Thabit was looking for a business and financial consultant to replace Makmud, his previous assistant, a remarkably intelligent man, who now works for The Prince."

My Valet continued, "How did you end up being a teacher? Isn’t looking after the Wazir's businesses and investments a full-time position?"

"If I organize my daily schedules with precision, I can always find time for other pursuits. A passion of mine is education of the young. Besides dispensing my experiences to them, I also learn valuable lessons from my students.” My professor answered.

I asked, "Is your family staying on the property?” I automatically assumed that my tutor was married.

"I'm not married; that's why I can travel and follow my destiny without emotional commitments. I go whenever and wherever I’m required."

I was curious about him. I asked, "Don't you get lonely if you don't have a companion or a family?"

Gabrielli replied smilingly, "There are plenty of vibrant people to keep me occupied in this household, and there is never a dull moment in this premise. You’ll soon discover that for yourselves. Besides, I enjoy spending time with the Wazir and we work and play well together."

As we continued the tour, I noticed several occupied guest suites, which Gabrielli suggested we not visit. Housed on the roof of the main building there was an Olympic-size pool and a well-equipped work-out facility located by the water's edge. Besides my regular studies, the Italian was also my physical trainer, coaching me and his other students three to four times per week.

Three large comfortable day beds surrounded the rooftop swimming pool deck. These were used mainly for the Wazir’s business soirées and private functions, which there were many. I like Gabrielli Marciano Castrogiovanni. He was a funny, educated and an intelligent man. I knew I would learn much from the Italian and my wisdom expanded greatly under his tutelage. Andy also liked Signor Castrogiovanni like I did.