Arden

Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

59: In Defense of Mother Parga

1319, 12th month, 17th day, continued

In the morning we arose to find the sky clearing and the wind so fresh that the sails had been trimmed, to keep us just behind the storm. The Admiral was sending messages to the fleet, giving us instructions. Soon the marines were busy uncovering all the armaments and preparing for the coming battle.

We would sail past Stroades Island, on the west side, dropping off the frogmen. We would continue south and turn about, coming on the east side from the south, hit the Company fleet and continue north. The plan was not to engage them at sea but while they lay at anchor, waiting out the storm. We do not need sink every one of them, only damage as many as possible. Between being badly damaged and having lost surprise, we reasoned they would turn for home.

We arrived in the late afternoon, off the western shore of Stroades. Between us and Stroades lay a small unnamed island, also uninhabited. I saw the frogmen rowing toward it. I assumed they would move to Stroades after dark. Tonight would have a first quarter moon, if the clouds continue to move off.

As darkness fell the Admiral signaled us, using a spirit lamp and we struck our sails. Sometime during the night the moon came into view and the fleet moved into position. About one hour before first light Captain Hermogenes woke us up. We put on our armor. This was the first time I had used the new armor. I found it much more comfortable than I imagined it would be. Volos and Pyrros found it comfortable enough but thought it restricted movement more than the old style.

We took our positions just at first light. I could see about 25 galleys anchored in the shallow bay. On the shore were many tents and animals grazing behind them. It looked like a smooth sandy beach but I was to far away, it was to dark, to see clearly. The Admiral would signal when all were to commence by using a chinese rocket. These will explode in the air above the island. All the artillery marines were taking aim, I could see on the Prince Arden all were ready.

Our ships were strung along the outer edge of the little bay about 3 staid from the shore. We were line astern. The Prince Arden was in the middle. Prince Joulous was to our bow and the Prince Nikias to our stern. The King Iason furthest north and the Prince Karyakos furthest south. I could just make out men at the top of the Prince Nikias' masts. Just as the light was sufficient to distinguish figures on the shore one of them raised an alarm. We could hear the shouting as the water was almost calm and the air quite still.

The signal rocket went up and exploded with a loud noise and much bright, reddish light. This caused full panic on the shore. I could see the animals running wildly. An instant later all 10 of our fleet began launching rockets. Before any could pull up their anchors all had been struck at least once, most several times. Some of the rockets from the third volley must have been aimed at the shore as suddenly the entire encampment seemed to be on fire.

The rocket attack stopped as suddenly as it had begun. Now the Kannons began. Each gun fired in turn from the bow to the stern. Using the "far see" I could clearly make out the distraction and panic. I also saw our frog men rowing for the nearest ship to their positions.

A second rocket went up which was our signal to stop, raise our sails and sail for Parga. The breeze was very modest and we moved slowly. As we sailed away I heard Kannon fire and rushed back to the quarter deck. Hermogenes pointed and handed me the "far see". Two galleys had come from the south and tried to engage the Prince Karyakos. Two rounds from its' stern Kannons were sufficient to dissuade them from further pursuit. The Admiral had the fleet line up in pairs, line astern. The breeze freshened, speed was increasing and soon we were sailing at our normal rate with a westerly breeze. The sun was high in the sky and the day quite warm.

I wanted to shed this armor as quickly as possible, it may not be uncomfortable but got hot in the sun. We archers all felt a little deprived, we had nothing to do during the battle but watch. Perhaps that is a good thing, none of us were killed or wounded nor did we need kill other men ourselves. I am sure many died and were wounded by the rockets and Kannons. We just did not need see their faces. I did not want to think that some of those men were the Florentines. They are professionals and know the risks.

I doubt that we will know for sure how many galleys were sunk or how many men lost. The Prince Karyakos signaled that one galley was following us. They were keeping well astern but in sight. I thought at the time this was perhaps strange but they may not be sure who we are and by following they can confirm it. As we approached Parga the land observers signaled us a welcome home and the warning we were being followed.

We came into port, to a crowd of well wishers. Everyone in the city must be in the plaza I thought. As each prince came ashore a loud cheer went up. At first I thought this was a celebration of a great victory. I did not think it so great. A victory for sure but this did not test the metal of the enemy. It did not test their seamanship, strategy or bravery. It did test our abilities and or weapons. Nether were found wanting.

What was being celebrated was our safe return. I was overwhelmed by the affection we princes were being shown. Helladios was being carried on the shoulders of his officers and the citizens were cheering wildly. Helo is quick and he waved to everyone. It seems to be becoming a tradition that we stop at the statue on our way to the castle. Helo was in his glory as he and the three terrors stood before it; boldly declaring this was boy power in action, now that his older brothers are men, the four of them represented the boys of Parga. That got a tremendous response from every boy in the crowd and all of the Argoanuts as well.

Just as I was about to leave a shrill female voice call my name. I looked over to see a lovely young woman with the most pleading expression. I stopped and had a couple of Argoanuts make way for her. "Prince she said. I am Sotoris' wife." I could see, she not only missed him but was greatly concerned about something. She explained that Sotoris has not been at sea long enough to receive shore leave. I told her he is well and seems to have made a place for himself with the crew. She told me that she was with child and that his half pay was not adequate. Her father was very angry with him and is refusing to assist them. His parents are dead.

Volos knows me all to well, I think. He pressed several gold coins in my hand. I pressed them into her hand, telling her, thank you for bringing this to my attention. Please come to see me in the castle after the soloists week is finished and bring your father with you. I think he needs speak with me. "If he refuses?" Remind him requests from a powerful prince are little more than polite commands.

We were not quite to the castle when several Argoanuts haled us. Insisting Iason and I return to the quay on an urgent matter.

When I got to the quay I found a small boat with an injured boy, six unidentified seaman and a Florentine I immediately recognized. This was one of the Florentine officers we met in the Athens harbor. The boy I also recognized as one of the ship's boys we met that day. He was in great pain as his left arm was badly injured and he had other wounds that needed attending. The Argoanuts did not need any prompting and instantly scooped him into their arms to carry him off to the hospital. I went to him and even in his great pain he smiled. My brothers and I will visit you soon. "We will see to our new brother," they said, and departed. I know the army officers standing by wanted to appraise me of the situation but the Florentine spoke first.

Elpidus told me this ship's boy was wounded by Kannon fire from the Prince Karyakos. "I tried to tell the captain that we should not attack but he would not listen. It was obvious you had done your work and were leaving. When those Kannons fired on us and I saw this boy so badly wounded, with many of my men killed, I was so enraged that I killed the old fool on the spot." You followed us here to get aid for him, knowing I would not refuse assistance to any wounded ship's boy?

"Yes Prince, please take the other boys in as well. They should not be punished for the foolish and rash actions of their officers." I called several Argoanuts over and instructed them to go to the salt island and bring all those under 16 to shore. They are now your new brothers. I take it, by rash actions you mean mutiny and murder? "Yes, I have now placed all my crew in that situation. You should probably arrest me, it was I and I alone that did this."

Leadership is more than following orders. In the heat of battle decisions must be quick and logical. You did what you believed was right and best for your ship and its company. You accept full responsibility for those decisions. Why would I arrest you Elpidus. You have brought a complete crew and fine galley, all be it damaged, to offer us your service. I take it you are still mercenaries? "And now pirates, for we have stolen the galley."

I signaled to the solders to come close. Captain Elpidus has offered himself and his ships services to Parga. Please make them welcome in our port. Are their others wounded? "Yes 12 in all." See they get to the hospital. The harbor master will assign you a birth and you and your officers should join us for a bath and dinner this evening. I will ask the General to join us.

He looked puzzled. The General now lives in Parga, he is a professor of military history at the university, I told him. Elpidus was beside himself. "Prince Arden you can not be a man, you must be a god." No, just a man that lives by his principals, as best he can.

I hurried back to the castle. We must talk this over and decide what should be done. I contacted Corrado immediately and we devised a plan to neutralize any potential threat from the marines and oarsmen on Elpidus' galley. The Horse of Troy comes to mind.

Iason went to meet the new Argonaut requites, while Kastor and Poly worked out a proposal concerning the galley and its repairs. Father and Uncle seemed quite pleased, offering a few suggestions. They also suggested we meet with Elpidus and his people in privet before the dinner, which will be attended by many knights and councilors.

Karyakos did most of the talking and hammered out a deal. Kastor's' plan was only slightly modified. 1. We would help Elpidus write a letter to Athens, which our ambassador would deliver. In it he would tell them that the captain and 6 other men did not survive the battle. 2. Describe what had happened and what he saw as his and its companion galley arrived, after the battle had ended. 3. His captain and the other galley immediately engaged the Pargarian fleet. Which was in the process of withdrawing. The companion ship was so badly damaged it withdrew. 4. Having given chase, at the captain's orders and after the captain died; they found themselves grossly out numbered, far from assistance, with much damage and in danger of sinking. 5. Being first officer Elpidus assumed command and surrendered. 6. King Iason the 7th has ceased the galley and our contracts. 7. The dead were buried at sea and the Patriarch has said a mass in their memory. 8. King Iason will forward the dead captain's personal possessions to his family and a list of the dead and so on.

Karyakos told them straight out that we had no work for mercenariness or galleys of this design. Parga would give the mercenariness lease to the galley for a small annual fee. The mercenariness were to keep the vessel in good operating condition and repair, as if they themselves owned it. They were responsible for all operating costs. We would assist them in contracting their services and the galley to a mutually acceptable power such as Florence. They should rename the vessel and indicate its home port as Parga.

They had brought with them the ships log and their orders. Polydeukus suggested we sit down and examine them tomorrow. The dinner was a highly social event, with all of our boys relegated to another table. This kept the talk of battles to a minimum. The General managed to dominate the conversation discussing the rules of Chivalry as commonly held in the western part of Europe and the practice of those rules.

I found the discussion fascinating. I think the other Knights did too. His most important point was the term and therefore the concept arose in France, in the 10th century. In the roughly 400 years since, writers often used the word chivalry, its definition was never consistent between them. The meaning would change from region to region and over time. He feels a comprehensive definition of the term is elusive at best.

What I learned was: chivalry can be classified into three basic but overlapping areas: 1. Duties to countrymen and fellow Christians or in Parga, fellow Citizens: this contains virtues such as mercy, courage, valor, fairness, protection of the weak and the poor, and in the servant-hood of the knight to his lord. This also brings with it the idea of being willing to give one's life for another's; whether he would be giving his life for a poor man or his lord. In Parga we do not have lords as in other places, here we substitute Mother Parga for lord.

1. Duties to God: this would contain being faithful to God, protecting the innocent, being faithful to the church, being the champion of good against evil, being generous and obeying God above the feudal lord. This is difficult for us, we are not all religious and for those that are have different gods. Protecting the innocent, being faithful to your faith or philosophy, and so on can be substituted. Since we do not have the feudal system and feudal lords...

2. Duties to women: (TN: This would also mean what is often called courtly love.) The knight is to serve a lady, and after her all other ladies. Most especially is a general gentleness and graciousness to all women. We do not put our women on some stand, as these others seem to profess. Women here are citizens and have rights, duties and privileges, not found in other societies. Knights in Parga are bound to respect these and if he has a wife, her and her children. Because women are usually weaker than men, they may need be protected.

(TN: These three areas obviously overlap quite frequently in chivalry, and are often indistinguishable. Different weight given to different areas produced different strands of chivalry. (see http://www.astro.umd.edu/~marshall/chivalry.html for details.) Apparently knights in Parga had a code and from what we have already read, shared many of these "rules".)

1319, 12th month, 18th day:

We met to review the documents Elpidus had given us. Odo helped us translate as the log was not written in Greek. Little was new or strange to us. The galley's log indicated it had been commanded by competent people. It showed this vessel was like any in our navy, as to problems. It showed discipline was harsher but the crew make up was also quite different. The orders were more illuminating. They were straight forward. Meet up with the other ships and proceed to attack Parga on the 21st and 22 of the 12th month. It named the General's and Admiral's in command. They were signed and sealed by the leader of the Company. In our discussion last night Elpidus was not able to give us much information about the over all plan. He claimed that his galley and its companion were sent at the last moment. That is why they had so few marines.

Admiral Pantaleon was firm in his belief that the Company's fleet was so devastated by our attack, they would return to Athens. Stroades does not hold enough timber to repair even a quarter of the damage. The reports from the captains indicate that at least 17 galleys were sunk and the others were on fire or not seaworthy. He has dispatched all six of the Princess Class vessels to patrol as far south as Kephalonia. Our Prince Class vessels will all be on the water by the morning of the 21st. Judging from the size of the encampment most everyone was on the island when we struck. That was also the opinion of the frogmen. We have no way to know how many were killed or injured but the rockets that were aimed at the camp showed this was effective in causing panic and burning the tents. It is clear that anyone close to the impact point of an exploding rockets would be harmed. The rockets used against the land were charged with grape the ones against ships charged with incendiary materials and grape.

It will take the armorers six months to replace the rockets used so far in this venture. That is over half of the marine rockets in our inventory. The small signal rockets worked as envisioned. Every ship now has a supply of these, including the Princess Class and our observation posts. Tertius told us the land army also has these small rockets, of two types. One is for signaling the other is the same size but has grape in the explosive head. Many can be launched at once, like a volley of arrows. They move with such force, that if they hit something like a large shield, they will knock the man down and keep moving, exploding behind the shield carriers.

We went to the council meeting and King Iason outlined all that had happened since we learned of this impending attack. He urged them not to speculate but did say the dungeon was now full to overflowing with conspirators. The trial will be held after the soloists celebrations. He added that our military was ready and alert and to keep their armor at hand, should an attack still come.

The Admiral gave a report on our attack, singling out the eight junior princes for special praise. "The Crew of the Prince Helladios has asked me to make a special presentation to Prince Helladios, before the council." It was a bright blue tunic with a large golden sun and the words, Apollo's Child and a Captain's insignia. Helo was even redder than myself and his brother pages had to push him forward. He pulled off his page's hat and tunic and slipped on this new prize. It was a bit to large but that didn't matter, as all cheered especially his brothers. Kastor told the council that he would ware this proudly, even as a page for the soloists week.

It was later that we learned how he endeared himself to his crew. He managed to climb to the top of all three masts faster than any sailor during one of their competitions. I learned this from Odo as he was composing the ships anthem. I guess all the rope climbing was for some useful purpose after all.

On our way to the hospital, to see the injured ship's boy, we encountered Captain Hermogenes and Sotoris. To my surprise Sotoris began crying as soon as he saw me. My brothers began chiding me for causing this display of emotion. Why do you cry, has something happened? He could not speak. Captain Hermogenes showed me a message that came to the ship; it was from his wife, telling him what I had done for her.

Volos wrapped his arms around the young man letting him press his face into his massive chest. "We tried to tell him that was just the way you were prince," Hermogenes said.

"But I am not worthy," Sotoris' muffled voice said. Volos took him by the shoulders. "Sotoris, I have know Prince Arden for 8 years now and I have never seen him make a mistake in judging a man's worthiness. If he has judged you so, then it is up to you to make it so. Now you must find the strength within yourself to demonstrate the correctness of his assessment."

Kastor jumped in, "come with us and watch his magic. Perhaps then you will understand. Words can not describe what effect Arden has."

We visited all the wounded, welcoming them into our service. We spoke to everyone who was ill or injured. I think we need make more regular visits, as several of the elderly women seemed thrilled and inspired to see us young princes and that we would stop to speak with them.

Several of the wounded sailors were not expected to live by the physicians. I showed them my Hero of Parga metal and explained how it was won. Like those apprentices, who today are all at work in their trade, I expect to see all of you again sailing with Captain Elpidus.

The ship's boy was in much less pain, now that his broken bones had been set. He would live and looked forward to being an Argonaut, who he could see were boys not unlike himself. The physicians were not sure if he would ever have full use of his left arm. Taking his right hand I told him, then you will just need be twice as good with this one. He squeezed my hand and smiled, his eyes told me we have another follower whose loyalty would be unquestionable.

On our way home Sotoris spoke to me, this time without tears. He still had fears and trepidation, self doubts are normal I told him. If you do not feel worthy you will not act worthy. Your wife feels you so and we do as well, it is only you and your father in law that doubt. Listen to me on this, some times I too question what I do and why. Each of us must examine ourselves, judging ourselves. That judgment, harsh as it may sometimes be, is no reason to despair, it is only the signal of what we must do. We are often our own hardest critics. I told a young man once that he should trust the navigation Hermogenes teaches to guide his physical path and do as we princes would do for the spiritual. That is a hard path to follow, this I know, but great rewards come to great efforts.

"What if I fail?"

Volos will tell you failure is not possible. I am not so sanguine, you may not always fully succeed. None of us do in every instant. My brothers and I look to those times as learning experience. We try and understand why we did not fully succeed, so we know better how to do so the next time. Your captain and ship mates will not let you fail. You must have felt my spirit just being on the Prince Arden? "Oh yes, at times it makes me tingle." You have been captured by it and it will not let you go until you have succeeded. Sotoris you are never fully alone, we princes are always with you. Once captured, it is for ever.

Hermogenes smiled at me and placing his arm around the boy lead him to his ship. I was pleased that Hermogenes took his time to help a new temporary crew member, over his emotional difficulties. I am sure Sotoris will serve on the Prince Arden long after his atonement is completed. I think he will find his calling and the leadership he so badly needs. Would that I can help all that stray from the path. That is not possible, I know this. I must be content to do, what I can do. Setting an example for others to follow is one.

As we returned to the castle and in between greeting citizens of all kinds, we had a chance to begin our discussions about what to do with the wood be assassins. I had an idea based in part of Kleitos' methods and my own observations. These young men are still impressionable, they are accustomed to being manipulated by a leader figure and they have been trained to accept "higher authority" with little or no question. We can turn them into a valuable asset. They are all facing serious charges, some murder. Atonement will be hard and long, even for Phokas. I had already decided how to deal with him. I see much promise in this lad. He need learn some stern lessons and quickly. For him I will give him a two year sentence of service to Sir. Kapos and his Squire as I mentioned. Like Panther he will need to worship that great god phallus between our legs. He already has a good attitude so that part can be much gentler.

For his companions, given their numbers, some kind of group reeducation will be required. Polydeukus thought the discipline of military life was perhaps the best. Given their numbers, 15 in all, we could assign them to 15 different officers in different units. This would isolate them from each other and family influences. Iason was in favor of this concept, he was still angry that they were impersonating his solders. He thought being solders for real, a good lesson. Kastor thought we needed send a stronger message to potential traders and assassins.

I began formulating a plan. First we needed a complete readjustment in attitude, then and only then would reeducation work. We needed to send these men back to being boys for a while. To somehow restart the maturation process. As we talked about how to do this it came to me. 1. We shave all hair from their bodies and cut their head hair short. They can not have beards. 2. We insist they be addressed in the diminutive form. 3. They be treated at least for the first few months as if they knew nothing about anything. They will be given basic lessons as if still youths. 4. Being youths, the officer they are assigned to should take them on as chamber boys. 5. They should be dressed as boys, in very short kilts and fitted tunics. 6. They should be taught to worship at the temple of the phallus so fervently they become unit whores.

Kastor thought we should enroll them in the prostitutes guild. Poly suggested we start this now while they are still in the dungeon. I agreed. Iason suggested we have brass rings made for the base of the penis, behind the testicles so they will be hard and ready most of the time. Some other suggestions were made, mostly in fun.

I thought we should begin a new order called Prince Lysandros Order of the Phallus. They should be taught the philosophical principals and methods of the Stoics and Hedonists combined. That we call them Orderlies. Poly wanted to make sure they were all given the most physical of training so they had superior stamina in bed and the most desirable bodies.

Heron suggested they be given a tight fitting brass collar with a phallus inscribed on it and the letters PLOP. Since they had been trained to worship a false profit, worshiping the phallus would be an improvement, Damao thought, at least it was real.

When we returned, Dysme and Ikaros were brought into the discussion. They believed our idea had much merit and offered to give instructions on how they should behave and act around their new mentors. Miltiades suggested a leather lease be fixed to a small ring placed at the top of the scrotum so the new requites could be most easily controlled.

Ikaros suggested that we bring in a few male prostitutes to properly train them, except for Phokas, who Miltiades seemed to have well in hand. He gently fondled Miltiades' genitals, in making his point. We all agreed to put Kleitos in charge of this operation. He should start immediately.

1319, 12th month, 19th day:

Three of the merchant's young men, his two sons and one son in law were arrested today. The Inquisitor told me they were implicated in the avoidance of duties and some other customs offenses. Exporting more than was permitted and under reporting the value of imports among other things. We are still not sure what if anything the women in that family know or knew about any of this.

Tonight is the Princes Ballizien. I have been so busy that all about it will be a surprise. Euthalia will be joining me as will Kastor and Poly's betrothed twins. I often wondered why Father is never seen at any of these events with a lady. He has slept with many and is on amiable terms with all. I asked Thanatos once but he just shrugged his shoulders. I know he knows but will not brake Father's confidence. I did not press the point. I guess it is truly none of my business.

The Ballizien was a great success. I believe it was the best ever. Our ladies were all dressed in the fine silks, purchased from Augusts Grantzities the textile merchant. All of us were dressed in our finest military uniforms except for Helo who proudly displayed his sun tunic. This was the first Ballizien for many of the Argoanuts, it was clear they had been practicing our dances. The highlight for me was the Boy's Choir performing my song with Umar, Lysandros and Father playing. I think the clavichord added significantly to the performance. As in the past, the younger people were all guests and any servers and staff needed were the older ones. This reverses for the festivities aimed at our seniors. The female pages and Eagles proved to be very popular with the young men.

I did not realize until the Ballizien was almost over that Nikias had been given the job of making sure I paid sufficient attention to Euthalia. I observed his brothers doing the same for Kastor and Poly. I think Umar and Akakios were glad too, she was unable to send them to bed as early as she would have liked. During the evening a number of little plays and poetry recitations were held by the theatrical people. Much to Odo's delight most of the material was written by him.

Thoren was most popular with the single ladies. They quickly displaced Helo as his guide, taking over that position. It did not take him long to learn how to dance. Many of our dances are in lines, if one is between two others holding hands or a piece of cloth, it is easy to be directed. Thoren is very handsome and personable, his dependence on others, due to his blindness, lets the ladies feel needed. That seems to attract them more powerfully than anything else.

1219, 12th month, 21st day:

Yesterday the Venetian Ambassador, Doge's personal representative and Dario arrived in Parga. Olympia was delighted to visit with all her friends. We were delighted to welcome our cousin to us as well. She had the latest in fashions as did Dario. Venice seems to set the standards for this. While I am no fashion critic, I guess I know what I like and what I am comfortable with. For me, my military uniform is most sufficient, unless naked become the norm. In some respects I am still a boy and my views of clothing remain the same. Only as much as required by conditions and task. Now it is winter and I find my tunic, cape and kilt desirable. On very cool days and nights I will even allow stockings. Running for me must be naked.

It seems that since the 18th day I have been in one festival or dinner or another at all times. I think when this week is done I will be glad to put this business aside until the spring. All day long I checked the signals being sent from the observers. All day long the reported nothing unusual.

These new ship's boys, six in all, have proved to be an interesting group. They are from several different places and speak several languages each. One of them has asked if it would be possible for him to study for the Christine Priesthood. Iason took him to meet the Patriarch. The injured boy is now in the Gymnasium.

The fleet is now on the water save the Prince Kastor, which will be kept in port on stand by status. The Princess Eudoxia returned with news. They reported the Princess Class fleet was chased north, almost into our waters, by a fearsome storm that came from the west. They saw no traffic save a few merchants that ran before it also.

Our celebrations at the statue and plaza have been moved to just at sun set. The full moon should be visible in the eastern sky shortly after dark. We began assembling just an hour before. We marched from the Castle and through some of the streets singing our marching songs, many citizens followed along. In the plaza many were already assembled. The statue was glowing in a red gold color as the setting sun illuminated it. The sky was a deep red color as we began singing and the sun set. The lamps have been lit for the first time and the whole plaza was covered with their soft yellow light. They will be lighted every day from sunset to the 22nd hour. The lights focused on the statue will continue to be lit from sun down through sunrise as we have been doing.

The five junior princes came up to the statue base, where a small platform had been set up. They climbed on to a great cheer from all the boys and girls in the audience. Nikias did the talking but Helo was the most visible. He thanked everyone for attending. I could see right off Odo had written his little speech. Nikias delivered it with style and humor. "Ever since Joulous, Justus and I unvalued the Ganymede of Parga, this celebration has grown. We are here to honor the memory of service and dedication of boys. That was our first official act as princes. We will never forget it. Nor will we ever forget the spirits of countless boys this bronze represents. Hear our song spirits and know you are remembered and that memory is one of honor, praise and recognition.

The Argoanuts and all of us sang the Ode and it was powerfully delivered. The Boy's Choir was next and a number of Argoanuts with flutes and pipes followed the boys who were preceded by Dios and his bagpipes. He started playing as they marched through the crowd, continuing until all had taken positions. "The Palace Boy's Choir, accompanied by boys from the palace and the Argoanuts will now play a new song written by Prince Arden, he is no longer a boy in years but only in his heart. The music is by Odovacar who is still a boy and Arden." The flutes and pipes began and when they repeated the opening measures the boys came in strongly.

The sea sings waves roll onward over the waters.....

At each refrain the Argoanuts sang with them. Their clear voices spread across the crowd and water as the lights from the Plaza reflected from he dark shimmering surface. I know this, as they finished the Prince Kastor discharged a number of signal rockets high above the harbor. This was much to everyone's delight. When we turned again toward the stage King Iason was the loan figure to be seen.

"I am not a boy any more, like many of you, have not been for some time. Prince Iason will grant me leave to interrupt his so carefully planned program. Being a king does come with a few privileges. The greatest of which is having such creative, imaginative and dedicated boys and young men reporting to me. They not only make this job rewarding but at times almost easy.

Many of you will remember the day this statue was dedicated. Today, one quick look around reveals the most amazing plaza in the world. I know of no other kingdom that can boast artificial lights, allowing the citizens to enjoy a public space in the night. All that you see and enjoy was placed here by what our princes call boy power. Throughout Parga they have established public places and devote their time to improving life of all. This is the most spectacular. On behalf of all the land: Argoanuts, princes, palace boys and others, I thank you. You live your concept of citizenship, we are all richer because of it."

The cheers were loud and long. The Argonaut choir launched into a long series of songs that greatly entertained everyone. When they were finished many produced Helo lamps and once lit we marched back to the castle. I came out on the terrace and watched the lamps being extinguished as it was that hour. The lamps illuminating the statue remain lit, much as the eternal flame that once burned at Delphi. It is a truly inspiring sight to see the light shimmering on the waters of the harbor when all else is dark. Iason came and wrapped his arms around me pressing my back into his chest, kissing me between the shoulders.

(TN: I thought I would look up eternal flames for the one at Delphi had obviously been extinguished many centuries before Arden's time.

from Wikipedia: An eternal flame is a flame or torch that burns constantly. The flame that burned constantly at Delphi, was an archaic feature, "alien to the ordinary Greek temple".

The eternal fire was originally a religious aspect of Persian Zoroastrianism that later assimilated into Abrahamic religions, specifically Judaism. An eternal flame constantly tended by a dedicated priest was a feature of Zoroastrian religious culture that involved the Amesha Spenta Atar (Old Persian âdar, Middle Persian âtax?). According to Greek and Persian accounts, three "Great Fires" existed in the Achaemenid era of Persian history, which are collectively the earliest evidence of the eternal flame.

In ancient times eternal flames were fueled by wood or olive oil; modern examples by a measured supply of propane or natural gas. Eternal flames are most often used as a symbol to acknowledge and remember a person or event of national significance, or a group of brave and noble people connected to some event, or even a laudable goal such as international peace.

The eternal flame commemorating U.S. President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963 was the first time that an individual known person was given such an honor (as opposed to an Unknown Soldier). Henceforward, eternal flames would be designated more frequently around the world to honor the loss of persons of great significance, in addition to major tragic and momentous events.

Eternal flames exist in nature as well, as byproducts of natural gas deposits leaking through the ground. (Your translator was reading a scientific paper not long ago that presented evidence that the gases the Delphi Oracle breathed contained ethane that leaked through a major fault know to underlay the Oracle's chamber. The Delphi Eternal Flame burned in the inner hearth of Apollo's temple until sacked by the Roman general Sulla in 87 B.C. E. It is highly possible the Delphi flame was one of these natural ones, or perhaps started out that way. That may explain why it was not common at other ancient Greek temples. Your translator visited Delphi in 2008 but was unable to enter the inner or Oracle's chamber to confirm this.)

When we returned we handed out the gifts we had made for our family. They were all similar in size and shape. The Artists had created a small medallion that hung from a thin leather necklace. Each medallion was the Crown of Parga on one side and the symbol of your closest Prince, if different from the Crown Prince or Prince Consort or a prince yourself. The Pages had their symbol, Panther had the navy's symbol and so on. These were gold but not fine gold, it is to soft. They symbolized membership in our rather unique and elite, now quite large, royal family.

We held this in the family dining room as all were assembled. Iason presented the medallions on behalf of himself and the other princes. Everyone was absolutely thrilled.

They had a very large surprise for me. None would tell me what it was, forcing me hold until the morning.