the caretakers of the temple."

"You worship Geb?"

"We do not so much worship as we are devoted to Geb. But, enough questions, you need rest. There will be time enough for answers later. For answers are what you truly seek, yes?" He pulled up the blanket that covered me from the waist down and for the first time it occurred to me that I was naked under the sheet. It was thus then that my attention focused on these priests who were only wearing the lightest of linens like a short skirt. And I could easily discern their impressive musculature from their bare chests down to the heavy cocks between their trunk like legs. I felt flushed but allowed myself to be directed back to tranquil slumber.

***

I won't write down his name. Nor any of the others. For here, as in several other ancient cultures, knowledge of someone's name bestows power on the one who knows it. I will say this however - he is my hero. He had pulled me from the bowels of the unforgiving desert and in these past days has shown me the virtues of purpose and selflessness unobliging to cynicism. He has tended to me with genuine concern. Consoled me when I openly wept for the men from my expedition whose lives were prematurely taken by the storm. Listened with undivided attention to my life's search for the Box of Answers. And with extraordinary patience answered my incessant, pestering questions, never once treating me like a dim-witted child though I sometimes felt like one in ignorance of the true significance of the Box.

Yes, he has confirmed the presence of the Box of Answers - stationed at the stone feet of the statue of Geb within the temple adjacent to their dwelling. I inquired if it was true, according to legend, that the Box held eternal life itself. His reply only heightened the enigma. "Contained in the Box are the answers. But only for those who have the wisdom to ask the right questions."

He promised me then that I would be allowed to see it - but only when I was ready. I was not sure what this meant. I felt completely recovered. Perhaps I needed to undergo some sort of initiation into their brotherhood. But if I were, I would gladly submit to it, to anything that he may ask of me. For I believe I am beginning to feel a lot more for this man than I ever have for any other human being during my entire lifetime.

***

How to begin relating what had transpired last night. Words to adequately convey the multitude of sensations I had felt elude me. They would be equaled only, I suspect, by the moment when I finally hold the Box in my hands. But allow me to collect my thoughts and feelings before I continue. The sun was about to set. He was pleased with my return to health. Faint bruises were all that remained of the injuries I had sustained. I was nevertheless pleasantly surprised when he offered to help me wash up. He took me to the back of the building to an enormous jar filled to the brim with clean water. It must have taken all my will power not to tremble when he helped me disrobe. And I almost gasped out loud when he took off the flimsy garment from around his own waist. From the moment I had regained consciousness, I had surreptitiously watched him. These garbs they