Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
42: Aftermath
1319, 5th month, 16th day
We have been very busy, as I expected. Many of the wounded on all sides, were treated at sea. We now have 325 in different hospitals with serious wounds. Only 3/4 are expected to recover but if the skills of our physicians is as high, as I believe it to be, better is possible. The most serious died before they could be treated, the funeral pyres burn all along the shore as bodies are found on the beaches. I am just as happy that our supervision is not needed for this task. I find it most disquieting.
In the morning we four inspected all of the operations and found our help was not needed. Fortunately, none of us thinks so highly of ourselves, to be anything but happy about it. By mid day Corrado reported that all the surviving pirate ship boys are now on shore. They total 85, some are still in hospital, all are expected to recover, a few were burned and will need much time. Six are less than ten year of age and they were placed with palace families. Seventeen are ten or eleven and they are with the others for now.
Corrado told us that these boys were greatly afraid but the Arabic speaking ones quickly calmed them down. At our noon meal my ensign was handing on the wall. The knights chided me some but all agreed it was a fitting gesture. Moreover many said when they witnessed the Prince Arden leading the charge, as it were, with my ensign so paramount they were proud to be serving such a fine collection of princes. Most thought my comment about a little salt with their meals was also most fitting.
In the afternoon we hosted the captains of all the ally warships, that took part in the battle,as well as our own. After reviewing the battle, Uncle Iason invited them to send all their ship's boys to a memorial service, for all the ship's boys that were lost at sea, not only in this but in all battles. He reviewed the origin of the Argoanuts and why his boys, as he described us, wanted to do this. All the religious institutions would hold simultaneous services, according their custom and the Argoanuts would perform a concert in the plaza.
The Argoanuts would also act as guides one for each galley. This would take place the next afternoon. We would feed them and they should be returned to their ships before dark. The King reminded all that slavery or bound servitude does not exist in Parga and our invitation was for all boys 16 or younger. Some grumbled that we were attempting to steal their crews away. Some understood better what we were about but expressed concern about efficiency, as they the boys were needed to work. Father addressed both concerns. He pointed out they were offering employment that provided education and training. That the Argoanuts paid better then they did and that he knew of many well trained young sailors in need of work to replace them.
A goodly number of the Arabic speaking boys are much darker then we are. I wondered how the two groups would mix as they are visibly identifiable. We hoped for the best. This was neutral ground and we trusted the commonalities between would out weigh any prejudice or fear.
Iason was planning with the Eparchos this afternoon, so I am sure he will have some mighty theater for us all. I thought we should include the palace boys and any apprentices or others that might be available, for the plaza portion.
I am sure those captains will admonish their charges not to be taken in and to reject any offer we might make to stay in Parga. The strong of spirit and the quick wilted will cease an opportunity, if they believe it is a good one. The others will not. It is my preference for the strong spirited anyway. The primary language will be Italian or some dialect of it. Fortunately most of the Argoanuts and many others speak it. We have one chance to impress them and convince them of our purpose and benefits. The most important things to boys and young men are food, sex, brotherhood, sports and opportunity, followed by food and sex. That is exactly what the Argoanuts are largely about.
Later we enjoyed the company of our family in the baths and dined with the Argoanuts. The hall was full to over flowing as it is, if more boys join we will need eat in shifts. Helladios and Alfred made a rope entrance, much to the delight of all the younger boys and joined their new friends. We also enjoyed much music and dancing displays, it was great fun for all of us.
I picked Helo up and carried him to our apartment. He told me Umar was much afraid his foster father would beat him. "I told him you would never do that, you won't will you?" Of course not but how am I his foster father? He giggled and said, "I told Euthalia you were most taken with him and sort of, you know , implied you wanted me to introduce him to her and maybe she could take him in. Did I do wrong?" He kissed me before I could reply. Yes and no little brother. I was much taken by him, that is true but I did not ask you to ask her to take him in or suggest I wanted to be his foster father. I think that was your idea. It is done now but in future, I think you need take greater care with putting words in my mouth or anticipating my intentions. He giggled. I know he meant well and I am not opposed as long as Euthalia is in agreement. How Uncle Iason will react I was not sure but fostering is not adoption. She is a gentle person and knows me. I suspect she realized Helo was stretching his story. She also knows him and must realize his intentions are honorable, if not his methods. I will go and see her and my babies in the morning.
1319, 5th month, 17th day:
Umar was in deed with Euthalia and the babies. He did not seem afraid of me but he was not glad to see me either. I have no idea why I expected him to be, as he knows only my name. Euthalia was glad to see me and made quite a show of it. I assumed that was partly for Umar's benefit. We have no idea what his home life was like. I am not even sure how old he is. She was not upset with Helo and saw through his explanation right off. She thinks he is nine. She said he only knows a few words of Greek. You are Ab and I am Umm, Zoe is Akht and Aisopos is Akh, Umar is our Ibn. Now we know a few words of Arabic.
Euthalia has already stitched his name on a boy sized tunic, with my symbol and royal colors. She is probably the finest, if not the fastest, embroider in the castle. A profession that allows her to work in her small apartment and look after the babies. The other women often bring her food, as it is difficult with two so young. I held my children and played with them for some time. Since it was time for them to be fed and they are still receiving mother's milk. I took his little kilt and wrapped it around him. I took Umar by the hand and lead him to the family dining room. Small children do not usually ware kilts but boys and girls of 8 or 9 will, often when in formal situations. This is formal.
As we passed through the halls everyone we encountered stopped us, to meet my new foster son and offer words of encouragement to me. By about the 6th person I could see Umar was learning from observation, that his new father figure was anything but ordinary. He realized he was under the protection of someone very powerful and admired. I introduced him to the two guards at the door. Just as they were opening the doors a heard of boys and girls came pounding down the hallway behind us. They stopped only long enough to take Umar's hand and with a nod from me pull him into the dining hall knocking one of the servers on his butt in the process. I helped him up and slowly strode over to my brothers, who were laughing uncontrollably.
Iason spoke first, "This time Arden you have proven to be truly mystical." I had no idea what he was talking about and must have looked so. "Have you not talked to Umar," Kastor asked. No, I have spoken to him but remember he does not speak Greek and I do not speak Arabic. "Then you do not know that he is the seventh son, of the seventh wife of the seventh Sultan of Bejaia," Poly added.
Oh, triple seven is a mystical sign of extraordinary good luck and power, as is its sum, also thought to be lucky and powerful as well. You know what I think about luck and this superstitious babble. How then did you learn this? "Odo told us, Umar told him. He also said he had been sent away on the galley by the first wife, who never liked him," Iason added.
I tell you this is foolishness. It is pure coincidence and nothing more. It also speaks to how that place is run. The boy is fortunate to have gotten away from it. "And fortunate to have been chosen by our resident sorcerer as his foster son," Poly chided.
Listen brothers, say absolutely nothing of this to anyone. This foster father business was not my idea. I am willing to do my duty to the best of my ability, that you know. As Euthalia desires it and Umar accepted the idea, it must stand. I will admit that the boy has taken a piece of my heart, as have many others including yourselves. This is pure chance and nothing more.
"Arden is correct and we must do as he asks. I think we may also make good use of it in future dealings with the Sultan. This pirate business is not finished." Kastor motioned for us to put our heads close and whispered. "If those people are as superstitious as they seem to be and if they already believe Arden is a sorcerer, we can make much of this. Think of it brothers, Arden has the power to reach across the water and cause the first wife to send this extraordinarily lucky child to us in Parga, to Arden as his ward. We must find or invent a soothsayer to write the Sultan with just this. Think of it, if Arden can do this and oversee the destruction of the fleet and so on, what might he do in the future. Other implications are also clear, as long as the boy remains here in Arden's household, much care must be give not to anger him or Parga for that matter."
"Kastor I would never..."
"Yes of course you would not and not anyone else we know but the Sultan and his seventh wife do not know this. Better yet we say in the letter, Arden saw the first wife's fear and her actions and took advantage, saving him and him alone from the doomed and sinking galley, where all other hands were lost."
Kastor we do not know that as a fact. I saw no such and did no such. I can not and will not spread lies.
"No brother you can not and should not and will not. We however, can and shall, not in your name but in the name of the soothsayer. Think of it as a play and we three, with a little help of course, as the playwrights," Iason interjected.
"Then we must do as Arden requested and say no more of it. This is a weakness in the Sultan's court and we must exploit all weaknesses our enemy possesses, especially if they cause no harm to the innocent."
You are right Kas but please make sure Umar and I are kept completely isolated from what ever it is you do. You should tell others I do not know this and should not be told. Others must believe my actions were always what they were and not tainted in any way. If Umar is to prosper here, others must believe it is merit alone and nothing more. I think you should make sure Odo tells Umar he did not tell me of this and I should not know of it, because he, Umar, needs believe I treat him as my son from love and nothing other.
Everyone was making a great fuss over the boy including Lysandros and Melitta. They see him as a new playmate. When Odo arrived he told me the boy was just 8 and had been sent to sea when he was 7. He is big for his age apparently. I had Odo bring him to me. I lifted him on to my lap and had Odo translate for me. I wanted to make sure he understood why he was in my care and not with the other boys. Seeing this Lysandros came over to us. Kastor immediately engaged him. I asked one of the nurses to make sure Umar was returned to Euthalia when finished playing with the other children.
Odo assured me he was aware of what was happening to him and why. He told me, "Umar really likes you." I asked him if Umar was upset about not going home. "I don't think he is to much, since he told me," then he stammered a bit, "his being on the ship was not his doing."
Just as quickly as they came in the heard of pages and apprentices disappeared to their duties. I have noticed that the male and female pages all seem to eat together. The interaction is spirited but dissension limited. I am please with this and I know Kastor must be as well. They do seem to be a family.
Just after our mid day meal the guests began arriving. All were gathering in the plaza before the statue and among the gardens the Argoanuts have established over the years. Iason has told the Argoanuts to extend the invitation to join us but not to try and sell it. Just answer questions and explain things, tell them about yourselves. The memorial services were held at the 14th hour. By the 15th hour all were reassembled in the plaza.
Iason had seen a small platform was put up near one of the fountains. A group of Argoanuts performed a number of instrumental songs, many written by themselves. When they finished all of us princes from Helladios through the King were introduced. King Iason welcomed everyone to Parga and thanked them for coming to remember those who are gone from us.
Nikias, Justus and Joulous came next, sending us senior princes to the audience, they pointed out that the Argoanuts and everything about them were the creation of boys, by boys and for boys. The music, statues, gardens, the food we will eat was grown, cooked and will be served by boys. When their brothers founded this organization they were boys. "Since they are now men, it is up to us boy princes, they call us the three terrors," which got quite a laugh, "to represent the Argonaut movement. We are boys and boys can do anything they put their hearts and mind to." That got minutes of cheers and shouting and hooting.
Odo came up on the platform, "I'm Odovacar and I'm still a boy. I am also the poet laureate of the Argoanuts. One of the first poems I wrote was the ode to the Ganymede of Parga," he pointed to the statue. That was the fist project the Argoanuts did. It was all done by boys, the sculpture, model, instillation and idea for it, were all done by us boys. Please look at the statue while I read my ode. I am the Ganymede of Parga..." No sooner had he finished than the Argoanuts all began singing the ode, their voices could be heard from every part of the large plaza. While they were singing about 30 Argoanuts moved to the front of the little platform. After the ode finished they started to sing a number of other songs, including the marching song of each house.
Corrado came up next he was dressed in his Elite Marine uniform, which does have a large Alpha on the left shoulder. He explained quickly the EM's connection with the Argoanuts and gave instructions on how to line up for the food. He had them form up 8 lines. In all we were prepared to feed 900. I don't think that many were here but I am sure it was close to 800.
While they moved up in the food lines one of us princes were near the head greeting everyone. I know all the guests were impressed that we knew every Argonaut's name and spoke to every one, mostly to them. Many apprentices from different trades were scattered among them and others as well, students and so on. Very few questions were asked of us but they were sure asking them of the hosts Argoanuts and others.
As the lines were almost finished I saw one young lad hanging back. It looked like he had been crying. I approached him. Are you not hungry? He looked down. "Yes prince Arden." Well then, I said extending my hand, let us get in line as I need some food too. He did not take it but did step up. "I guess this has been quite emotional a time, I know I always cry when we sing the ode. Now he looked at me. "You do? no princes don't cry." Oh yes they do, well this one does and my brothers too. We are human just like you. We got our food and moved off to one side. Are you planning on staying here? "I want to but my mother is a widow and needs my pay for the younger children." How much is that pay? "It is 1 florin for each three months." How old are you? "I am 14 sire." Well if that is all you are concerned about. A 14 year old Argonaut earns 6 florins a year and 12 at 16 and at 18 the pay goes up even more, how much depends on what profession or military rank you might achieve.
"You mean I will get paid 6 florins a year for this and next year to go to school, do sports and help out with chores?" It is a bit more than that, yes that is the essence. You need learn some music, depending on your skills and interests, learn a trade and help out in the fields and orchards. Oh, food, clothing, tools and things like that are all provided.
He looked at the ground again. How will I pay back the advance the captain made my mother? I handed him a gold florin. "You would do that for me, why?" Of course I will do that for you or any of the others. As to why, I can only think of about 100 reasons. How about this, any boy who puts his family before himself is the kind of person I want in my service. To get into my service you need to be an Argonaut first. Do we have a deal?
"Yes prince Arden we have a deal," the smile on his face told all. I signaled Pyrros and he came close. I have just made a deal with," I looked at him. "Michael." With Michael here. He needs to collect his belongings and pay his captain the florin, would you see to it Pyrros? "It is always a pleasure prince. You know Michael, it is said these princes of Parga are magic..." Pyrros lead him away. Well we recruited one at least, I thought. Just then one of the cooks called to me, asking if I wanted more to eat. I said yes but before I could rise from the little bench I was seated on, about 6 boys rushed over all with food in hand. The smallest had two flatbeds and I took the one offered. "These are Michael's ship mates prince," their Argonaut guide said. I smiled. "Is Michael staying?" one asked. Yes, we shook hands on it. "Then we will also." Why?
"Michael is the cleverest one among us, if he is staying we should too." The Argonaut nodded to me. Welcome to Parga and to Prince Iason Argoanuts.
The sun was setting as the last of the boats left the quay. Of the 480 that came ashore 256 signed up to stay and be Argoanuts. I was amazed. I think more would have stayed but many told me they had obligations that prevented it. Some did not go back to their ships, those that did will be picked up by the EM's in the morning. We did need buy out about 35 contracts but the price was not high.
I'm cutting this off now as my Iason is laying on our bed with his cute, little, naked ass up and ready for me and I am afraid I can no longer resist his invitation to passion.
1319, 5th month, 20th day:
All of the ally ships and most of the combatants are now gone. A few of the pirates are still in our hospital, these are mostly burn victims and they will be some weeks in recovery. The Sicilians will get them in a few weeks. They were most puzzled by our care for these men. Uncle Iason reminded them that this attitude was inconsistent with their professed beliefs. To end the suffering of one that could not be repaired was merciful but to deny help to those that could was barbaric.
All of the boys and our people are back with their units or professions. The place is returning to normal. I am not sure what that is though. The Argoanuts will be camped here for another few days. The reorganization is almost complete. The solders are mostly back in their bases. Yesterday we visited the camp and gymnasium and were most pleased with the progress. It was nothing more than a huge orgy and we receive and gave much pleasure.
Uncle Iason read Parga's letter to the sultan before the council. Like the last one it will be translated. Since 15 of the 31 galleys were from ports other than Bejaia, this letter was being sent to all of them. We are in no mood to let any save face. The stories of this crushing defeat are spreading and I am sure will reach the sultan in a few days.
The letter was addressed to the Seventh Sultan of Bejaia and his Misguided Allies. It said: In less than a year Bejaia has sent 39 galleys against Parga. Thirty eight of those galleys were sunk or captured, one ran away. The captured galleys have been sold to other states and the captured crews are guests of the Sicilians. Given recent history we suggest the Ionian Sea is not a safe place for pirates to operate. Parga is not in the habit of giving advice to others. For you, Seventh Sultan of Bejaia, the Princes of Parga make an exception. A wise leader never promises anything he has not already in hand.
Later as we talked it over, Kastor outlined the reasoning for the content. Since results are everything and words nothing, all that needed to be said, was. It was his idea to tack on the little bit of advice, which he thought might goed the sultan into some rash action. I told him and the others that if those people ever attacked Parga or one of our ships again, I will see to it Bejaia is destroyed and the Sultan's head is displayed on a pike for all to see. They chided me for my bravado, claiming I was believing my so called magic powers. I showed them the intelligence reports received to date. It was clear that we could so devastate their harbor, that any other power could literally move in behind us and plunder the place. They were surprised at my apparent vindictiveness but understood it.
They were forced to admit that given the information we had, when combined with our superior ships and weapons, my threat was more that speculation. It is my contention that if the skimmers worked half as well as claimed this could be done from fast ships like our pretend fishing boats.
Poly and Iason thought this would probably not be needed, they reminded me that after Iason 4th defeated the pirates, it was many years before they returned. Parga is poor business for them and they are most about making treasure, not spending it.
I had told them I wanted no part in their soothsayer letter and left the room. Being a curious person by nature I made sure to find out. Later that afternoon I took Odo to my bed and after sharing passionate love with him, being both spent and resting, he told me what it said. The soothsayer claimed to have had a series of dreams but it took all this time for him to understand them, as the stars supported but did not confirm. The first dream, some two months ago was a speaking hand floating above a laurel branch. The soothsayer realized this was a powerful sorcerer speaking, did not at the time know who it was. "The hand was saying that, the seventh sultan had broken faith with me and would be punished'. The next dream a few days later was the same speaking hand and laurel, this time saying to his first wife, of the seventh son of the seventh wife of your husband, the seventh sultan, the boy has much magic about him and must be sent away. Do not try and kill him, at seven years old, he is already to powerful'. The next dream was just this happening. The boy called Umar was placed on a galley. The next dream several weeks ago showed the talking hand smashing many galleys. The galley with the boy disappeared completely and a small boy clinging to a piece or wreckage was all that remained. The hand scooped the boy from the sea saying, `Umar you will be my student and I will teach you to be a great magician'. When news of Bejaia's navel defeat came I understood what the dreams were to mean and when I was shown the symbol of Prince Arden of Parga, a hand over the laurel branch, something I did not know before; this humble soothsayer and astrologer writes to the great Sultan, that you and your seventh wife may know the boy Umar survived the battle."
He was positive it would cause much trouble in the harem. He said, on checking with the scholars they suggested, in that society the Sultan was all powerful and that for a wife to cause the loss of a son, even one far removed from power, would cause much trouble. They also told him that the power of the number 7 was very great and as we thought, when all lined up this boy would be considered most valuable. We will probably never know how much consternation this letter will cause but we hope considerable.
I imagine the sultan will try and confirm the story. As Umar is not in his household and has not been seen for some time, he will see the story has possible fact. Since he will have no reliable spies or other sources of information here he will probably try and contact the leaders at the mosque, probably through their counterparts in Bejaia or some other near by state. I will take Umar to the mosque and inquire about religious instructions for all the new recruits once he speaks Greek well enough. When the sultan attempts to find this fictional Egyptian soothsayer and can not, he will realize the letter is from Parga. If however my brothers are as cleaver as I believe them, they will turn this soothsayer into an astrologer of Alexandria, perhaps one who is recently dead. I think we will just need hold and see what if anything happens.