Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
I just watched the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics and the sledge hockey game that followed. One of the songs, sang by a young lady backed by a large choir, was the same one slightly rearranged in the previous chapter. When I included that text in this story I did so with some reservation. Unlike Odo's ode and several other poem fragments, I tend to use my own work or un-copyrighted bits from the classics. That performance brought tears to my eyes and I suspect to many in the audience. I was never quite sure if the use of that song was fully true to the Arden character. My adding this brief message here confirms it is that and more. In subsequent chapters this song will be preformed in the plaza as forshadowed. In my description of this I attempted to describe the kind of power and feeling that this actual performance delivered. Most times I think imagination is more powerful then reality. I this instance I am not sure it always is.
56: Spies and Insurrection
1319, 11th month, day 12:
I summoned the Elite Marines yesterday. Father and Uncle did not like our plan but will come along dressed as Royal Guards. We will be dedicating a small war memorial, which is on a little rise of land, just outside a small village. That gives us the high ground. A Number of knights and their squires will also attend. It also make us targets.
Panther came to visit us today. He is now a second officer. We had quite a celebration with all our family in attendance.
I met with Archimedes today. He showed me new armor he has developed, that can stop a cross bow arrow or Greek bow and reduce the penetration of a long bow arrow, as well. It is made of new stronger armor with many thin layers of leather behind it. He is not sure why ten thin layers have more stooping power then two thick ones but they do. He will make this special armor for Iason and myself. It is full body armor but we only need to cover our upper bodies. This armor is heavier than the old armor and much heavier than our light armor. (TN: It was not until the 1390's that compound metal cross bows were developed to rival the deadliness, armor penetrating ability and range of the long bow. They still could not shoot as rapidly.)
The ingegneres have also been designing defensive devices for each of the access points along our coast. They may not stop a determined invader, they will make the price of advance very high and very slow. This gives our defenders more opportunity. For those that reach the top, they will find themselves facing even more, what Archimedes describes as a killing ground.
1319, 11th month, day 14:
Word came today that the Company's Korethian fleet of 6 galleys, is not being allowed west of the narrows at Patra and Lapanto. That means all must row from Athens. King Iason and Father had a long privet meeting with Patriarch Georgios. We were not told of the topic but one can speculate. I suspect that if the assignation attempt is even partly successful, that many will take revenge against the Christens. They will need defend themselves and our army will either take sides or be busy keeping the sides apart. If successful they believe it will also cause a power grab or disorganization, as you younger princes are not ready to govern. I think they forget about Tertius. They are also unaware of our nature. We may be fractious in some respects but since we are all one clan our people would band together to repel any enemy first. They love freedom more than their princes. Unlike our brethren in the southwestern Peloponnesus, we are only one clan not several and our families are neither powerful or prone to violence. Even when we do squabble, we live by the rule of law not the sword. We are like them in the fearsome defense of our independence and freedom.
Akakios, Umar, and the other boys along with Alexandros came to perform music for us. They sang my new song as well as others. I must say they did a wonderful job. Father, Umar and I played while the others all sang. Alfred and Akakios were like angles and the others helped with the refrain. It is a powerful song. I was also most pleased with Umar's playing. He has the soprano pipes that I had as a boy. Dios joined in on the other songs with his bagpipes. Soon all the others brought their instruments and we played and sang for hours.
As the evening went on I became aware of our numbers thinning. First the young ones were put to bed by our chamber boys. The pages, beloveds and mentors began drifting off. I woke up in the dark as Akakios and Umar snuggled close to me, pushing Nikias and Helladios out of the way, as the night air was decidedly cool. I drifted back to sleep and reawaken to see Nikias and Helladios giving sex lessons to Umar and Akakios. Just as I was about to object, Iason pressed me to the bed and took my breath away with the intensity of his kisses.
1319, 11th month, day 24:
This past while has produced nothing extraordinary to record. Yet it has been filled with activity. All of our projects have been making progress. Most are on schedule, such as the new prison. A few are ahead of schedule. Justus and Joulous are presently on their named ships training with them. The 10 of us have been training with the Elite Marines. These 25 are worth 75 ordinary solders.
Today we received more information about the Company, the monk and his assignation plot, as well as the second group of 12. I called on the General and asked Vitale to return to service for a few days. He will disguise himself and visit the monastery to meet this monk. He quickly appeared as a monk and was so well disguised had we not known him, we would not have recognized him.
Vitale and I visited Patriarch Georgios, although separately. I asked Georgios to provide credentials to a traveling monk we had met in Venice. He desired to visit the monastery. When I mentioned his name, Father Arno, he did not remember him but he met many, as we all did. I assure him Ambassador Dario had given him introduction to us but I could not provided him with it, as it was part of a longer document. He suspected I was making this up, I could tell from his mannerisms. You don't spend six months traveling with a man and not know him. He agreed and I departed. When I came out Vitale was talking to the priest that had given him sanctuary. He was not recognized, I was relieved.
Now that Iason and Sophia are both working again, I have the pleasure to spend much more time with her. I can see why Iason seems so happy. She is truly a delightful person, full of energy and ideas. Kass and Poly feel the same. Mother must be happy about this. Her health is improving but she is not the princess I have grown up to know. She seems to tire easily.
Eudoxia has resumed as mistress to the female pages and is working to reorganize the children's education in the castle.
1319, 11th month, day 25:
The Sheriff brought a man before my court this morning, accused of attacking a knight. The knight and his squire were both wounded but will recover. The accused's companion was dead. I had the Sheriff and the accused sit to one side of the court, until I dispensed with more routine matters. I also wanted to observe the fellow as he sat and listened.
The second to last matter was a man accused of robbery. The accused said it was not him, as he had never been in the man's house. The owner of the house said he did not see who it was. Witness said they saw him running away from the house.
The sheriff produced goods taken from the accused and identified as belonging to the house owner. A young lawyer was acting for the state as inquisitor. He had one more piece of evidence. He had a box filled with damp sand brought in and showed a plaster cast of a sandal impression. The impression was made by the thief as he jumped to the ground. He pointed out the sole of the sandal had several distinct marks on it. He also had measurements of its size.
The accused was asked to step into the damp sand and make impressions. When compared the impression of the right sandal matched that of the plaster cast.
I asked the accused again if he had or had not done this deed. He hesitated and admitted he had. I found him guilty. I then asked if all that was missing was recovered. It was. I then asked what atonement was suggested. He wanted the thief to be locked away for half a year. I looked at the guilty, You have admitted to this theft. Do you take responsibility for this crime? "Yes Prince, I did that. I am not proud of it but I take responsibility. It was wrong of me and I beg the forgiveness of all I have wronged."
Do you have family for which you are responsible? "Yes prince, a wife." I see no point in you sitting in jail for more than a few days. I do not believe that those few days equates to atonement, they are little more than punishment. I sentence you to serving as a cooks assistant on the Prince Arden for the next 4 months. Your wife will be given your pay, which will be one half of the normal pay for that service. You will return to this court in four months with a letter from the Prince Arden's captain, that comments on your attitude and performance of duty.
When you report to the cook you will tell him, Prince Arden, not Judge Arden, Prince Arden sent me as I have an overwhelming desire to assist the cook. Everyone looked at me, only my guardians knew the story. The crew of the Prince Arden will know by this that you are not sent as punishment but as atonement. The same atonement this prince suffered when he had need of making it. "Thank you Prince, thank you, I will not disappoint."
I could see my next accused was puzzled by what he had witnessed. I sent a page for Squire Miltiades and Captain Eutukos and asked the guards to clear the courtroom of all but those that need be here.
When they arrived I asked the Sheriff for his details. He gave them and I dismissed him. Then I came down from my perch and sat at a table, inviting the others to join me. I asked his name. "Phokas", he answered. Do you have anything to say about this matter? "No Prince, I have nothing to say." Attempted murder is very serious and if convicted the prison sentence will be long. Atonement, I am afraid will not be easily found. This court is merciful and I am a reasonable man. You should consider that before this comes to trial.
Miltiades I want you to see that Phokas is properly cared for while in our prison. He must be kept in solitary confinement for his own protection, not as a punishment. Captain Eutukos you and your men are responsible for Phokas' security. I will explain all in a moment. I then dismissed the scribes and guards. What I am about to tell you must be kept in complete confidence. Do not discuss this among yourselves, as we know the walls here have ears. I fear Phokas' life depends on your diligence. There are assassins loose in Parga and Phokas is part of them. His face told all when he heard this but he said nothing. Those assassins can not leave Phokas alive in our custody, for fear he will confess and expose them and their plan. They do not know that we know who they are or what that plan is. Phokas here and his dead companion were acting on their own in this, it was not part of the plan. Isn't that correct Phokas? He nodded in agreement. Phokas here is willing to die for his cause and will try to end his own life if it should come to that. We will not let that happen. Nor will we be placed in the position of making Phokas into a martyr.
Now you know why you are being kept isolated Phokas. So you can not communicate what we know and so your comrades can not kill you, which they would do without hesitation; the success of their mission depends on it, so they believe. A belief I want to make sure they keep. To that end, Phokas will not be kept in the dungeon but in the highest room of the southwest tower. We will also spread the word that Phokas died of his wounds. Phokas lay on the floor. Do it now and look dead. We will all draw our swords and Volos open the door but not all the way, summon a physician. The physician came and we let him in. I told him this was a matter of absolute state security he was to announce Phokas was dead of his wounds and nothing more is to be said. He went and did so. Pyrros and I went out and the others escorted Phokas to his safe place. I told the Sheriff and the others that Phokas had scrummed to his wounds and that it should be announced far and wide, the two common criminals that attacked our knight and squire are dead.
The Sheriff pulled me aside. He knew Phokas had no serious wounds when brought here. I wrung my hands and flexed the massive muscles of my shoulders. Not all wounds leave blood, at times my own strength astounds even me, I said. I motioned to the young inquisitor, You two should investigate this incident to see why it occurred and if it is linked to the other murders in that district over the past few months. I also want to know as much about these two dead men as can be learned. I think the area where this attack occurred should be closely guarded. Try and prevent anyone from entering or leaving it. I also want you Sheriff and any knights in your district to travel with no less that six solders. I will send my Elite Marines to assist you.
This theatrical business is much more fun than I thought, no wonder Iason loves it so. I am sure Miltiades will get all the information we need from Phokas. He may not know all that much. I suspect he is impressionable and easily lead. The monk is reported to be charismatic as well as a zealot. I think he is more than that however.
I met with Corrado before they departed to assist the sheriff. He needed to know some of what was already known. I thought is wise that he also scout the area around where the ceremony is to be held. It will be best if we can catch them in the act, thus removing any doubt to their intentions.
I suspect that Phokas and his friend did not attack the knight and squire by plan. They must have believed their group or plan was about to be discovered. I also told him that we had watchers in this area. They could be identified by our secret sign. Something the sheriff did not know and best that he remain ignorant of.
"Perhaps the knight had or was about to stumble on their encampment." Yes, I too thought that. Be careful Corrado, it would be good to know if such an encampment exists and where it is. We do not need any more assignations or murders.
We do need to know how they are communicating and if the network is greater than those already identified. I want to know the name of every person that leaves or enters the monastery for any reason what so ever. I also want a most complete inspection and inventory of any goods going or coming. I mean complete, if you need more men do not hesitate to ask.
1319, 11th month, day 27:
It did not take long for the rummers to start in the castle and I assume in the town. Today one of the Triangles came to us reporting that several strangers were inquiring if the young man you announced as having died, in fact is dead. "I told them I knew only what rummer had to say. I had neither seen a body or live person that did not belong here. Two of the guards came along and sent them away to the public area of the complex."
I went to see Eutukos. We decided to set a trap for anyone wishing to visit our dungeon, with the help of a bit more theater.
This morning the council was buzzing with rummers. Iason would need say something about this as he will surely be asked. That did not happen, instead they demanded I explain why I killed an accused man, without holding a proper trial. Councilors, I said, I killed no one. I was holding an interview with the accused, he collapsed on the floor, we called immediately for a physician. The physician announced he died of his wounds. It must be understood that the Sheriff brought a prisoner from having been captured by a knight and his squire, both wounded in the process, to my court.
They asked a number of other questions, some I refused to answer. One knight was very persistent. I finally told him that if he would meet with me after the meeting, I would take him to inspect the dead man, as no cremation had yet taken place. He insisted two of his brother knights need also accompany us. I agreed to this.
We exited the chamber into a small adjoining room with the King and the other princes. "Arden what in the name of all the gods were you doing," Uncle Iason said. I know I flushed red. I can not tell you until all that are to know swear an oath of silence on the Crown of Parga. The oath will expire on the new year, unless I release you first. If you are not prepared to swear than please leave the room. They each did so.
I sent Pyrros and Heron to the exits to stand outside. They knew what I was to say anyway. I explained all that had happened. In every detail. Iason said, "Beloved you have mastered the arts of deception and theater, now I must find another skill for I am second now in every other." He then kissed me deeply until Father grunted to indicate we need pay attention to our business. I lead them to our apartments, down the stairs to our privet bath and up another set to the tower room.
The guards were reluctant to let us pass until they realized who all was behind me. When we entered the room Phokas sat naked on the bed, talking to Miltiades. Both were most surprised. I identified everyone he did not already know and asked him. Phokas are you dead or alive? "Dead Sir."
The vociferous knight then smiled and said, "then we should allow Phokas to rest in peace for Prince Arden's next magical trick will be to resurrect him. You will have little peace after that."
We did just that, leave Phokas in peace, I had little of it. My brothers were most chiding of me. All wanted to know just when I was intending to inform them. Uncle came to my aid. He reminded them, now they all shared my burden of silence until this little play's final act.
In private Father and Uncle were a bit stronger in their words and their praise. "You must not keep this kind of thing from Iason and myself," Father said, "It is not your duty to protect us but is to not embarrass us. Something you have rarely ever done."
"Kary, Arden is trying to protect his prisoner and his operation. Was it not yourself that said, `the fewer that know the easier to keep a secret'."
The two swept me unto the bed and proceeded to make love to me in the most passionate and lustful way.
1319, 11th month, day 29:
Our little play began yesterday morning. We four were attending our classes at the university. No sooner had we passed over the drawbridge and started down the hill toward the university, when four solders appeared at the gate. We had seen them approaching but gave no recognition. When they did not come to attention and salute Iason, we knew they were impostors. Damao flashed a signal with his mirror and we continued on our way. When we returned Eutukos invited us into his office. He reported the four solders were indeed impostures. "They presented a letter from a captain I know to be dead, requesting they deliver some food to a prisoner named Phokas. I pretended not to know this Phokas, reminding them I did not know many prisoners anyway. I asked if they knew him. They all indicated they did. I gave them passes to the jail and had a page show them the way. That was shortly after you left for the University. I have not seen them since." He pointed to the pass pegs where four dungeon passes were missing. These are little wooden rectangles on a leather strap, with destinations marked on them. "I assume they like the place so much they decided to stay." We all laughed.
Instead of hurrying to meet our new guests we stopped for our midday meal in the family dining room. The castle gossip was ripe with speculation about the four. What was most upsetting however was a question asked by Darkon the Steward. He flashed the Triangle sign and spoke quietly. His question was simple, did the prisoner in the tower have anything to do with these new four? Kastor was very firm. "I was in the tower the other day and no prisoner is being kept there. Darkon put a stop to this speculation and please do it now."
"Why will the guards not let me pass?"
Because I gave them orders that no one not authorized by me is to pass. Not even those guards know the secret that is being kept there. I do not want anyone to even know that a secret is being kept in that place, if one is being kept at all.
We went to the dungeon, to see for ourselves, what was caught in our trap. The guards were in a most jovial mood when we arrived. They told me the story: The four young men came down and presented their orders. "They showed me the paper which ordered them to bring this food to Phokas of Anthousa." They did not know if the order was real or forged but they had been told what to do, if anyone should come asking after this Phokas by name or circumstance. They immediately denied having such a person in the dungeon and inquired how their captain knew this. They said they did not know but Phokas was their friend and the food was from his mother. They were only following orders. "I could see right off they were not trained solders. We told them his name was not on our list but we did have a young man in solitary confinement, perhaps that was their friend. We made them leave their swords and daggers as well as their sacks here and lead them to the furthest cell as instructed. I opened the door and handed a small lamp to the first one after he entered we pushed the others in behind him and locked the door."
He showed me their weapons, 4 swords and 4 daggers. He suggested they may have concealed weapons as they were not searched. We then inspected their sacks, which contained food and long, plain peasant tunics. I looked at the food, it was mostly cheese, olives, flatbeds and honey. I wondered how they planed to kill him. It is possible I was wrong about all of this. It is possible they planed to use their hands or it is possible the food or some part of it is poisoned. I reasoned that strong cheese, honey or preserved olives, the most likely was the cheese.
In the bottom of one sack was a small leather pouch. In that pouch was what I recognized as a opos and hemp resin (TN: opium and Hashish) "Ah something to give him comfort," the guard laughed. "If I was to poison someone, this is the stuff I would use. He would just go to sleep and not awake." A large quantity of opos, if eaten can kill but that would be much more than this. Since the stuff is bitter a little honey would make a good addition. Often poisons are also bitter but mixed with honey and another bitter component less identifiable.
I thought to test this by taking a small amount and feeding it to one of the old dogs. That test could hold for later. We could test all the food in this way except the olives. Dogs do not normally eat preserved olives. They do like the oil of olives so that to can be tested. We brought their tunics and with our personal guardians, paid a visit to our newest guests.
These were four very unhappy young men. Swift enough to realize they had been found out and tricked in the process. Kastor spoke for us. "Most people try and brake out of jail not into it. Would you like to tell us what your business here is?"
They protested they had not tried to brake into this jail or any other. They were simply following orders and bring food to their friend. "Your friend is dead. A fact that is well known. Perhaps you do not believe my brother, Prince Arden. We know you are not solders for several reasons. First, you do not act like solders. Second, your names are not in our records. Third, the Captain who signed this document has been dead at least half a year. Here take off those military tunics and put your own back on. Captain Darkon and Captain Volos will search you in he process." Each had a small dagger hidden in their kilts.
"Now do you wish to tell us why you have come here and who sent you?" They declined to answer. I think it wise to reconsider. Prince Arden when angered is capable of killing a man with one hand. I have seen it and it is very painful. His grip is so powerful that you can hear the bones in the neck cracking as he brakes them. Perhaps you should demonstrate brother." I held up my right hand and slowly examined it, flexing it and shaking my fingers as if in preparation.
That would be torture Prince Kastor and even we are forbidden but perhaps the king will make an exception. Who is to ask? I looked at the others. Iason volunteered. "My daddy can not say no to his oldest son, can he?"
I'm afraid he can, came a voice from just outside the cell. "Just when we were having fun," Polydeukus commented.
"What charges," King Iason asked?
"Impersonating solders, baring forged orders and attempted assignation," Kastor said.
"Since a dead man can not be killed a second time, the best you can do with that is intent to assassinate. Serious but not an offense that caries the death penalty. Just a very long prison sentence. Let us leave them to contemplate their fait and dine on leavened bread and water for a few days," Father added.
Once back at the guard station, Father was almost doubled over laughing. "I know my son is physically powerful but crush a man's neck with his one hand?" He laughed even more. "Arden may be physically capable of this, I know he could not, unless locked in mortal combat. The eyes of those young men said absolute terror."
"Guard I think you must lock this place down. Make absolutely sure no one has a chance to harm these new guests. Draw their water yourself and only accept food for them from our trusted kitchen staff. Make sure no one but the appointed inquisitor talks to them and that means the Princes too."
The king has spoken.