Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
33: Before We Travel 2
1813, 3rd month, 22nd day:
The council has not met for some time now. We will meet in the morning, tomorrow but today is a sports day. The resident Argoanuts and Eagles have organized a youth sports festival. It is for boys and girls in and around the city. The schools have all closed for the day and most apprentices are also free to come. The house Eparchos' was able to get a number of solders to assist as group organizers, referees and judges. In the morning the youngest ones competed, this was the 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 year olds. They were in 8 divisions, boys and girls, 6 & 7 or 8 & 9 and 8 or 11. The youngest ones were not very competent but they were the most delightful to watch. We princes were mostly assigned as starters of races and tasks like that.
The Argoanuts and Eagles did not compete, they were all assigned organizational tasks. Their advisors made the presentations to the winners. I saw our coaches and teachers at every event, making sure they were being run properly. Arden's boys and girls seamed to be employed in making sure events like javelin and archery were safe and no one got in the way, crowd control. A few of the 10 and 11 year olds were competing with the 12 to 14 group but very few. Dios did in running. He is still hampered by short legs in the sprints but his exceptional stamina and natural style allowed him to be truly competitive in the longer distances.
All of the pages were on hand to cary messages and the castle Stentorian announced the events and the names of the winners. For the younger ones we had first, second and third places. For the older boys and girls just first. Many of the apprentices stopped myself and the others to thank us for the help and support we have given them over the years. The players and performance people put on little plays, juggling, music and so on, between the events.
We could see the children were all having fun. At one point I saw Helladios and his gang of boys making mischief, causing his sister and the girls she was with, much distress. They would run into their group pull the girls hair or grab their clothing and run off again. I thought it best to put a stop to his behavior. Being much faster than him, I ran up behind the group and picked Helladios off the ground, his little legs were still running as I held him in the air.
"Not fair Arden, your bigger than me." I laughed. If that is the only thing that is unfair in the world, it would be a very fair place. Alias, it is not. Fairness has nothing to do with princely behavior, Helladios.
"If being a Prince means I can't have any fun, I think I will just not be one."
I shook my head. Little brother, you have no choice in the matter. You don't get to choose your parents in this world. Yours just happens to be Royal and you are stuck with it. I somehow believe, it is less having fun or being a Prince that prompts your behavior. I suspect you are in need of something to do with your time.
"Are you going to spank me?" No, I am not. I think you should be forced to stay with me for the remainder of the day. The kid looked at me and his face lit up like my oil lamp, in a dark room. "You mean it Arden, you want me to stay with you?" Yes, I want you to be my assistant for the remainder of the day.
The poor boy was beside himself. He knew he would not be having fun with his friends but he so desperately wanted to be accepted by his older brothers, it seamed to take the sting out. I think he is just starved for older male attention. He wants recognition of Helladios, not prince. I sat him down and extended my hand. He hesitated, not wanting to appear to young to walk without an adult's hand but he wanted my attention and that was a sure sign he would get it.
As the day went on I got him to start races and help me to hand out awards. He also met and talked to hundreds of older boys and girls and men and women too. I think he was most impressed that few adults spoke to him in the diminutive.
Dios and Odo came along with Solon and Kalkrates. With them were a number of palace children, all leading a companion. They had found a number of blind children and were guiding them and describing what was happening. I got the idea, that they too could race, if we organized it correctly. I sent Helladios, accompanied by Volos to find a small bell. If we kept striking the bell, they could run toward the sound. If we spaced them out on the running track and kept them to the straight part, they would not crash into each other.
I explained my plan, the children, both boys and girls were very interested in giving it a try. When Volos returned I asked Pyrros to get the Stentorian, he would call the start after Helladios began ringing the bell. Their were 15 blind in all, so we would run three races of 5, three times. I organized them by approximate size, mixing both boys and girls. They did not seam to mind in the least. I think they were just glad to be included. I numbered each so when they crossed the finish line we could call to that number to stop running. Each guide lined up and positioned his charge at the start line. They were spaced out, one person apart, the guide stood next to his runner. I didn't realize until they began running, they could hear the foot falls of those around them, so they would not crash into each other.
Many of the sighted runners were still near the track and Odo went to fetch them. We placed them along the track on both sides, so the blind runners would know where the edges were, by the noise they were making. I don't know what he told them but they sent up a mighty cheer as each group finished the distance. Which is 1 stadia (TN: 600 Parga feet). The Stentorian raised his hands and asked for quiet. I was pleased that the onlookers quieted down, so the little bell could be clearly heard. He called: one, two, run and the first group tore down the stretch, as Helladios rang his bell in a steady rhythm. The first race was a great success but was hard for me to stop them all. One of the Argoanuts, seeing what was happening found the place judges and brought them to the finish line.
I could see Odo was gesturing to the crowd, urging them to cheer. As the races went on more and more people came over to see what was happening. It turned out that everyone was awarded a ribbon for at least one of the three races they ran and two of the girls placed first. I was very pleased with the results and said so. One of the older boys asked if some way could be found for him, and I guess others, to train, as he really liked to run. I told him we would find a way. The boys name is Thoren, he is about 14 and very pleasant to look at. More to the point, he is truly beautiful to look at. Normally, he used a cain to navigate in places he knew something about, but had none with him. I judged him very quick of mind and very articulate.
Helladios surprised me, suggesting Thoren spend his remaining time with us and to use him as his guide. As we walked around, Thoren's hand on Hello's shoulder, both of us would describe what was taking place. That is when I learned he had memorized all of Odo's songs and poems, along with the poems of others. After a while he very humbly asked if he could touch my face, to gain an idea what I looked like. Obviously telling him what color my hair and eyes are would mean nothing. Even dark and light have no meaning to one who have never seen either. Yes. I took his hands in mine and drew them to my face. His fingers inspected me, forehead, nosed, mouth, chin, cheeks, ears, hair neck and shoulders.
"I think you are most beautiful Prince. Your skin is so soft and smooth. Every feature is clearly defined. Long eye lashes and moderate eye brows. Mostly you smile a lot, he said."
I find your touch most gentle Thoren, perhaps we should closer inspect each other in privet? "I would most like that Prince."
"Are you going to feel what I look like Thoren," Helladios asked, in that little boy voice no one can resist.
"Of course, Prince." He held out his hands and Helladios pressed them against his face. Helladios was giggling as I guess his fingers tickled him.
"Arden you must liberate me from my mother's apartments to assist Thoren in his training. He needs me as a guide. I'll bet you can tell me lots of stories, can't you Thoren?"
"Well yes but I think the Princess will not want you to be liberated, as you put it."
"I'll see what I can do little brother."
"If you come and tell stories to me and Lysandros, mother will be very happy, please say you will?"
"Of course I will Helladios. That is what I am being trained to do. Blind men have few other opportunities to earn a living. I am no Homer but I do know most of his poems."
Just them Alexandros came to us, obviously wanting to take Helladios back to the Princess. I assured him he was needed here, being Thoren's trusted guide. We would see him returned before bed time. He protested that Volos and Heron could do that. "Not as well as I do," Helladios said. I made an introduction of Thoren to Alexandros. When Thoren thrust his hand into empty air, Alexandros realized he was blind and became very red with embarrassment. He clasp his hand. "I guess that will be fine, I will tell Princess Elpis, the young prince is being cared for by Arden, who tells me his is needed at his station."
Remind her also Alex, he is not like Iason or Nikias, he is more like Arden and needs his mother's understanding of that. I have need of him, mother will understand. Alexandros turned to Thoren. "Thoren, I see you have been captured by my brothers, as I was. Your life has changed, a change you will not regret, as I have not. Those stories that Odo writes, poems and songs about the princes are true. Also many he has not been permitted to publicize."
Alexandros shook his hand again and departed with Volos and Pyrros both laughing. "Does that mean I get to live with my brothers?" No Helladios, it means you have only been partly liberated. I am sure I can arrange for you to be Thoren's castle and sports filed guide. I am sure Thoren will be able to tell the children his stories. You must also try and make some accommodation for mother's desires. You must promise that you will not use Thoren as an excuse for or object of mischief."
"I promise, but what did Alexandros mean by us capturing Thoren?"
"When the princes of Parga identify a young man or boy of talent, they have this magic way of pulling them into our family," Volos added.
"But I still don't understand why Dios gets to live with the pages and I can't?"
"The simple answer is his father allowed it and your mother will not. Also Dios is not Helladios. Your time will come brother. You already have freedoms your brothers did not achieve until they were 12."
The day was finishing. We headed into the castle stopping at the carpenter's shop to pick up a temporary cain for Thoren. We called in at the stables to see Zephyros and Helladios' pony. I was quite surprised at how Zephyros reacted to Thoren. He just seamed to know the boy couldn't see him, he remained very still while he was near. With his cain and his hand on Helladios' shoulder, it was clear to others that Thoren was blind. I was amazed that as we encountered people they immediately identified themselves. When we came to our baths Helladios amazed me again. He just took Pyrros' hand and said, "Come with me to my bath uncle Pyrros, then they will let me come with you to dinner." Pyrros smiled and was lead away.
The door to our bath is straight ahead, I told him. The two guards came to attention and I introduced them to Thoren. We entered. I described the room and found a bench for us to place our clothing. He tapped his cain on it to get a sense of position and size. We were standing naked when most of the pages and the other boys came pounding down the stairs.
"Arden who is your friend," one called out? "He must be your brother, since he is as beautiful as you. Yes he is, see how red he gets. Just like you." That was true, he is truly a beautiful boy. His body is very well shaped and he has the most wonderful genitals. Thoren, these are my pages and other boys that live with my brothers and I. Line up and greet our new friend. Each one took his hand and identified himself. Thoren placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and head to gauge is approximate size. I found he had a marvelous memory for voices and immediately knew every name from the sound of his voice.
Once in the water we began washing our bodies and each others. Thoren inspected me even more completely than I inspected him. We both like what we found between each others legs. We didn't need to speak this, as our immediate stiffness gave that signal.
When we came up the stairs I found all the others naked and in an exceptionally happy mood. Before we had a chance to dress and find Thoren some clean clothing, Helladios and Pyrros arrived. He immediately began taking off his kilt, until Ikaros stopped him, we were all getting dressed. Instead of joining his brothers, who were now returning from the bath, he stayed by Thoren, after all he was his official palace guide.
Ikaros suggest we send a message to Thoren's parents, that he is staying at the castle tonight. Odo wrote it for him and one the older pages took it, after getting directions to his home. Thoren measured everything in steps and right or left from different landmarks.
When we came into the knights dining room, Father and Uncle Iason were already seated and telling jokes to all around. On seeing Helladios, he bid him bring his friend and sit with himself and Karyakos. Everyone moved a bit and they placed Helladios at his right and Thoren between them. We were at the other end of the table with several knights between us and our fathers. I could only hear part of what was being said. I think I would have been just a little upset had I got it all.
Helladios told the king that I had appointed him Thoren's official palace guide and had hired him to be story teller for the children and would teach him how to run races without seeing the track. I did hear him ask if his mother knew where he was. He responded that Arden told Alexandros to tell her I was needed here and would be back in her apartments by bedtime. I heard Karyakos ask whose bedtime, his or yours? Uncle Iason was shaking his head and giving Karyakos that same look I give Iason, for he knew I had meant Helladios' but Helladios answered Arden's. Father smiled and Uncle Iason had that look of, "How am I going to explain this to Elpis."
I could also hear them testing Thoren, he was reciting the Ganymede myth for the two servers. From the smiles on everyone's face he must be doing well, I thought. I was also impressed with Helladios' quick wit. I could see from the look on his face he knew Uncle Karyakos had given him an opportunity and he was taking it for all it was worth. Over at the page's table the three terrors were complaining, Helladios was getting privileges they had not until they were 12. Iason leaned over and told them, any privileges he gets he has earned, otherwise Arden would not have granted them.
I could see that we were to have a new bed partner tonight and so could Iason. I am sure he was looking forward to it, as was I. After the meal was finished, Uncle Iason took his young son to the boy's mother. Helladios knew better than to protest.
As we headed for our apartments, Father asked me when Thoren would be taking up residence in the castle. I stammered and Iason jumped in. "As soon as he can get his affairs in the city in order and Ikaros makes a place for him."
"I want you four at your stations in the council tomorrow along with all of the Argonaut officials. I don't know how you do it Arden but you boys have the most amazing talent for finding talent." Then he put his arm around Thoren's shoulders. I welcome to our family." He kissed the boy on the cheek. "Has my son made arrangements with your family?"
"No Sire, we have not had time to do that yet." We just had time to send a message that he was staying the night, I added. "I will go myself, I take it the page knows the way." I was about to protest that I was capable of this. "Arden, Thoren's parents have been more protective of him than those you have had dealings with in the past. I will speak to his father as your father, not as a Prince. I hope you have been well warned Thoren, about the kind of influence we princes will have on your life?"
`Yes sire, I have been told my life will never be the same again and it will only be for the better. Alexandros made that very clear."
"If anyone is to know, it is him. Since we are a family and you are now part of it, you must call me uncle Karyakos when we are not in official situations. The same for all of us, your princes are now your brothers."
"Uncle will Helladios be in any trouble with his mother because of me?"
"Absolutely not. Arden may need explain himself to his mother. Something that comes with being the older brother. Like all mothers, she wants to keep her children close to her as long as is possible. She may loose Helladios sooner than she would like. A mother knows her children and their needs. His are different than his older brothers were. Iason and I recognize this, as I suspect does Arden. He is not yet ready to completely leave her, some transition time is yet required. We will talk about this in the fall when the princes return. For the next six months you can let him be your guide and young companion."
When we returned to our apartments Ikaros gather everyone together and forbid anyone from moving anything or leaving anything out of place, for as long as Thoren is staying here.
1318, 3rd month, 23rd day:
Last night we kept Thoren between us and made love to him, as he had never experience before. I don't know where he gained his experience but he was that. He gave as good as he got or tied. His hands are like magic and his ardor as great or greater than ours. Being placed between us we managed to bring him to ecstasy several times before Hypnos claimed us.
At breakfast he met mother and the other children. Helladios was at his side as we entered the room, taking his role of guide with full serious attention. I was pleased, so was Iason and of course mother.
Helladios had his morning lesson and we had our duties as well. I left Thoren with Ikaros after explaining how he would be paid and what was expected of him. I know he was most surprised that his remuneration was so high and that his main duty for the next two years was to study with the scholars and of course tell stories to the palace children on a regular basis.
In the council, the first order of business was to praise the Argoanuts and Eagles for such a successful youth sports day. Special praise was given for having found ways to include those with disabilities (TN: Arden wrote difficulties and impairments). Kleitos was called forward and asked to examine ways of training animals to work with citizens that had different infirmities. Several of the coaches were also asked to develop training methods for them as well. "If the blind can run races, the lame can be archers, the one armed throw javelins and so on," Uncle Iason suggested.
The next item was the situation in Epirus. King Iason gave a signal and Eutukos was shown into the room. He was dressed as a lieutenant in their army. "You all remember Lt. Eutukos from his last visit. I fear this visit will become more permanent. Lt. Eutukos please tell us your story," Uncle Iason said.
"The day before yesterday, news came from the capital that Thomas was dead and that Nikholas had assumed the position of Despot. He is demanding loyalty from the army and others. We were told he had murdered Thomas and freed his wife from prison. This is with the blessing of the church, as he changed from Western to Eastern. My commander knows I am little interested in politics but he also knows my feelings about loyalty; he suggested that I should take my leave for Polykarpos' wedding that very day; presenting me with the order of leave dated the previous day and paid my salary, owing to that point. I did that in Polykarpos' father's fishing boat. I can not serve a sovereign that gains his position by treachery. I will not go back to Epirus."
"Do you seek employment here Eutukos," Karyakos inquired?
"Yes Sire, I do."
"When we are finished here, please report to Consus the Captain of the Palace Guards. Once settled, you should send a letter of resignation to your commander."
Several knights ask questions of Eutukos but he was not able to answer most of them, as Karavostasi is not a village with good communication links to the Court. King Iason ended this by saying, "We do not feel comfortable commenting on the happenings in other Courts. We did not know Thomas all that well, having only met him some years ago and at that time he was only a child. In our dealings with him, over the past few years, he was always honorable and reasoned. At times his position seamed weak or weakened but not by his doing. We are saddened that he was murdered. It seams reasonable to continue our border restrictions. However, should any Epirusian seek political asylum, we will not out of hand refuse."
The other business went quickly and we were released. I was not surprised that Nik murdered his uncle, after all he was not above having assassins attack us. I can not help but wonder how long he will be able to keep in power, before someone murders him. For us, the very thought of someone, other than one of our clan members, taking control of Parga, is beyond comprehension.
I think, if we had some manageable way of allowing all citizens to vote, on every issue of policy, we would be happy. Given our numbers and the distances between us, that is just not possible. It worked in ancient times as the city states were small and the number of voters, the male citizens were relatively few. The present system of a council of knights, which are elected from each small district, appears to work. Not every knight wishes to be a part of the council, of course. The only problem I see is a knight must have military training, which means he is probably not a scholar or tradesman. Parga is then run by the military. All knights are not active solders of course. In fact, our military is highly professional and quite small. Almost every farmer or tradesman is also a part time solder.
As I understand the situation, in most, if not all of the known world, some kind of nobel or non elected leader is heading things up. The Christine church is a good example of this. Sure the pope or patriarch is elected but by other church leaders, who are appointed by that same office. In other places, power and titles are inherited. Sometimes they are given but mostly they are inherited from the gifting onward. The Italians have a mix of systems and non are truly democratic; although, in some like Venice, the leader is elected by his council but that council is not elected.
The English are the only ones who seam to have any kind of ongoing charter or law, that limits the power of the nobility. From what I can see, we do have copies in the University Library, these limits are minimal and weak. Our code is much wider and limits the crown and the council. Our courts are ongoing and like the English, attempt to be both fair and procedural. Punishment can only be a result of process. Here, murder is against the law. Even the king can be brought to justice if he brakes the law.
Parga's democracy is unique to itself. It works here because we are all citizens, of equal stature before the law, we are a small place, we are all one clan and we have no state religion. Our nobility, of which I am a part, is appointed, based on merit, maintained based on performance and understands it is the guardian and representative of the peoples sovereignty, not its own.
Because we are small and not wealthy, we have never sought to expand or do the bidding of others. During the time of Iason the 4th the English were bankrupted by foreign wars, being waged at the bidding of the Pope.
We have been told, in no uncertain terms, not to engage in political or religious debates when visiting. That is not to say we should not answer questions or ask them. We must learn as much as we can, about how other places do things and if possible, understand why.
Karyakos visited us, just before our evening meal, to tell Thoren that he had made a contract with his father. Since his family lived in the city, he was expected to pay frequent visits. He also suggested that he take several Argoanuts with him, to help bring his personal possessions on his next visit. Karyakos brought his favorite cain.
Ikaros had not only found him some very nice clothing but given him a haircut. Solon and Kalkrates will assist him dressing each morning and make sure his hair is brushed and combed. Helladios, Dios and Thoren arrived at the running track shortly after I did. I was flying around, getting a little practice, when I saw them. Helladios was describing my efforts but I could not hear what he was saying.
As I walked over to them, Pyrros joined me. We were not speaking but Thoren said, "Arden and Pyrros, I hope your day is as good as mine."
"How did you know it was us," Pyrros asked.
"Oh that is easy, by the sound of your foot falls. Every one makes a different sound when he walks or runs."
Our day has been good and I think getting better now that we can run. I did not know everyone had a distinct foot fall, though.
"The difference are subtle but if the only source of information is sound, you learn to listen very carefully. It is not always accurate but for the most part good. Dios tell me he is the second best runner in Parga, you Arden are first."
Dios is anything but modest. He is quite good for his age and regularly runs against boys 2 and 3 years his senior. Are you here to train with Thoren or just to watch, Dios?
"I am here to train with him. Since he can tell so much about a person by the sound of his footfalls, I thought I could run just ahead of him and he might be able to follow me around the turns. That way we won't need a bell or be limited to the straight part. If you run behind or next to him, then you can tell him how to improve his style, like you do me."
Pyrros thought this a good idea, so did Helladios, who would also run with us. He is a competent runner for a boy of 10, perhaps this will help him to improve as well. Alexandros was sitting in the shade a short distance away and Pyrros went to join him.
We walked out to the track and positioned ourselves. Now, Dios go about 2 orgyia ahead and hold for my signal. Don't go to fast for the first round, let us work on style not speed. Helladios took a position, about 2 orgyia behind us. On the count of three: one, two, go. We started in a slow even pace. Thoren's longer legs wanted to catch up to Dios but he seamed to adjust to the sound, keeping about 2 orgyia distance behind him. Stretch your legs out more, longer strides. Try and land on the ball of the foot, don't quite set the heal down, that's correct.
We were about half way around, I called to Dios, just a bit faster now. Thoren increased his speed a bit. I kept giving him instructions and a few to Dios too. Helladios was right behind us all the way around. I couldn't see if he was learning from my instructions to the others or not. Pyrros assured me he had. By now, others were arriving at the track and making their runs. They kept to the outside and often passed us. I could hear their coaches calling instructions. We went about 5 times around and I could see Dios was beginning to tire, so I called it a day. As we headed for the stables one of the coaches stopped us. He thought Thoren and Helladios showed not only good progress but much promise. Coach, would you like to help with this experiment. I will be traveling soon and these boys will need help to improve while I am away. He assured me he would gladly do so.
Kleitos met us and taking Thoren hand lead him to a very large, white stallion. This one is very old but very well trained. "I think he will make an excellent mount for you Thoren. Have you ever ridden a horse before?"
"No, never, how can I?"
"You just get into the saddle and leave the rest to me and Alexo here. Alexo, I want you to meet your new master, Thoren." He placed his hands over Alexo's eyes. "Thoren can not see like you Alexo, so you must be his eyes. Thoren has never ridden before, so you must be very gentle with him. Since he can not see you must stand very still when he is near you. Thoren, I want you to reach out and touch Alexo. Feel along his body, get to know your mount."
Thoren handed Kleitos his cain and did just that, feeling all along his body, front to back. "It is not a good idea to walk behind him Thoren, come back to the front and go around him to the other side." And so it want, until Thoren had inspected most of his animal. Found the saddle and the bridal, his nose and his lips and so on. Kleitos gave Thoren several carrots and an apple. "He likes carrots and prizes apples above all. Give him a reward of a carrot for having stood still for so long. Just hold the carrot by its end and stretch your arm in the direction of his mouth, use his breath to guide. Thoren did just that. Alexo ever so gently took the carrot in his lips and when he judged it was free of Thoren's hand, into his mouth. He bent his head down a bit to receive a pet but Thoren did not know this, so the horse ever so gently moved his nose to the boy's hand and pushed. "He wants a pet or two. Give it and tell him how pleased you are and another carrot." Thoren did that petting his mussel with both hands.
Kleitos sent us off to run our animals but kept Thoren and Alexo in the paddock, after we boosted him into the saddle, that is. Kleitos walked beside, giving both instructions on how to communicate. I could hear him say, "if you want him to turn right or left just touch him with your knee in the direction and he will respond. If he does not, he realizes that signal is incorrect for the situation. Trust him Thoren. He is trained as a knights war horse, in battle they must form a team, with complete trust in each other. Their lives depend on it."
When we returned, we held at the paddock gate to observe. Alexo was trotting around and Thoren was laughing and giggling like a small child. I could see Alexo was also enjoying himself, his head was high and proud to again have work and purpose in his life. I called to Thoren and he looked in my direction and said something to Alexo, the horse immediately trotted over to us, stopping just short of Zephyros.
We helped Thoren dismount and when he found his cain took Alexo's lead and tapping his way down the line, to the fifth stall on the right. Alexo walked slowly behind, I noticed the lead was always slack and the horse seemed keenly interested in what Thoren was doing. "Is this the correct one Alexo," he asked. Alexo's head draped over his left shoulder and gently pushed him right. In they went.
On the way to the baths we chided Helladios, Thoren learned so quickly he will soon be out of a job. He just blushed as Iason rubbed his hair, giving the older brother approval Helladios so desperately sought. Thoren could talk about nothing else except his first riding lesson and his wonder mount. "I thought you said the blind could not ride," Polydeukus commented.
"It is easy with such a wonderful animal. I had no idea riding could be so much fun. I learned a lot today and not just about riding. The most important thing is, anything is possible if one puts a little effort and thought into it, given the opportunity. I just hope I will be able to ride him in the future."
"Why would you not," Kastor asked?
"He is not my horse and I have no the means to keep him if he were."
"Would you like him to be yours," Helladios asked?
"Yes, of course but I still lack the means."
"You do not need ownership to have exclusive use. Who pays for his keep now," Polydeukus asked?
"I do," Zokitos announced as he entered the pool. "I take it, this is the young man I saw riding him earlier today." We made introductions. "I must say Alexo has not held his head so high or shown as much pride for many years. If he serves you Thoren, half a well as he has served me these years, you can ask for nothing more. If exclusive use is what you desire, then you have it. Alexo deserves to spend his remaining days in meaningful service of someone who can appreciate his many talents. You seam like just that person.
It was a very difficult decision for me to retire him, after so many years of outstanding service. He is just to old to continue with me. I could see today he trotted as he did 20 years ago. That son, is all the reward I need." Thoren was speechless. Helladios jumped in. "Uncle Zokitos tell us how you came by Alexo."
"I was the most undisciplined and rebellious page in your grandfather's court. I am not proud of that, it is true. I think he feared for my future. It was grandfather Plato that found a way for me. Alexo was the most difficult of three year olds in the military training school, for young horses. I think the training master was about to send him into service pulling wagons. Plato came to me with a challenge; if I could train the animal, he would make me a gift of him. I was not sure until he was brought to the castle. I had never seen such a magnificent animal. I took the challenge and you see the results. He is the best of the best and I am a famous general. We trained each other. In battle, he has saved my life more than once. In peace, I have cared for him. Thoren, he will care for you as he did me. All he asks in return is love, friendship and a few apples, for he dearly loves them.
And now you have not only your own horse but a new story to tell the children."
"How can I ever thank you?"
"Simply by sharing your life and your adventure with him. He knows nothing else but service to his rider. He enjoys showing off too. You must be indulgent of him in that. No animal in the kingdom is better at the equine military arts. Let him perform for you and others. It will be all the sweeter as you are blind and he knows that. He will know how proud you are to be astride of him. I do not know how he knows this, I just know he is and I always was." He looked right at Helladios. "You are much like your grandfather, Helladios, it is like having him, well a much younger version of him, among us again. LIke that horse, Iason the 6th knew only service. For him it came naturally. For others it comes with work and training but not him. He just had to be always doing something, the only something that was meaningful to him, was service to his people. Now it is time for you to go to my sister." He patted him on the butt and he departed without any suggestion of protest.
Later, when we four princes were alone with Zokitos, he praised us for both our good judge of character and our indulgence of Helladios. Then he asked me if I had found a mentor for Thoren. I told him we had not thought about that. He suggested we look to one of the younger scholars, perhaps one that is studying for an advanced degree. Someone who would fully appreciate the boy's physical attributes as well as his keen mind. He is correct, Thoren does have a most desirable butt and genteel manor.
At our evening meal, the two knights were again paying close attention to Lyuben. Lyuben was obviously enjoying all this attention. I wondered what Adonis would say but he was not around. Knowing Adonis, he would not be jealous, he knows his lover.
As our departure grows closer, I notice that Nikias is becoming more and more attentive to me. I also notice he and Dios are closer friends. They both know Iason and I would have it so. The twins have each other. Me thinks Lyuben and Thoren will become friends. Lyuben still learns mostly by hearing, as his reading skills are yet to be honed. Thoren too, as he can not read script, only letters carved into something or raised from the surface.
I know we all love stories and none more than our boys. Thoren keeps them all captivated as he recites Homer and others, changing his voice with the characters. He also recites plays as if several actors are on the stage.