Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
64: New Things Undertaken
1320, 2nd month, 4th day:
Today I received the first shipments into our secure storage. These were a number of wooden and leather chests. Most bound by iron chains and securely locked. We do not have the key to these locks, as we did not even wish to know what was in the chests. Each chest was marked by a number. That number identifies the owner but not directly. Each owner is assigned a number which he puts on his chests. A list is kept of the owner's name, his number and what space he pays for. A separate list shows how many chests are in each space. Each cell or space is locked by special locks that have very complex tumbler, pin and ward arrangements. Each key is different and both keys are needed to open the door or gate. One key is given to the client the other is kept by us. The keys must both be inserted and turned at the same time.
A spare set of keys is kept well hidden and secure at the Eastern Estate, under the protection of the Elite Marines. Each key has a serial number and a separate list of cell numbers and which serials are needed for it, is also kept. Each group of cells or spaces is also secured by a locked door as is the secured area. Only I and one trusted aid know the name of the account owner and his number. Another list shows which account number has which cell number. The key, account number and his secret password must all be presented for access to be granted. The password is attached to the key serial, not the other information.
About half of our spaces are rented, all on a five year term. Receipts are issued for each chest or delivery. These are also recorded in a log book. If a chest is removed a receipt is also issued. The receipts only show account number, date and number of items and their identification number or name should, one be provided. More shipments are expected over then next few months.
We had a meeting with the Argoanuts to look at the art they were commissioning. Five of them were now sculptor apprentices and for their final project, wished to carve a life size relief of all ten princes. The relief would be placed on the wall of the bath. The five apprentices were assembled with their masters, proudly showing us the sketches they had made. I noticed right off that four things were different about this relief. One, we were all smiling, not just that classical half smile of the Hellenistic style but full toothed grins. Two, one of each twin set was facing away but turning his head, looking over his shoulder. This showed their ever so lovely butts. Three, we all displayed erections. Four, we were all placed in a natural pose, gesturing or placing a foot on a bench and so on. Like many, if not most sculptures of this nature, it will be painted in vivid colors, eye, hair and any clothing or objects. Our skin will be left in the natural color of the marble.
Uncle Iason put it clearly, "Karyakos' penis head should be the brightest red of all, as it is truly so."
Father commented, "as long as our penises do not have wings attached, I think the artists should have full license." (TN: This is a reference to one of the symbols of the Dyosianians. Except for gods that had a connection to fertility, they are never portrayed erect or execrated, out of respect.)
Lysandros will be quite thrilled that he is being included. I know he has been a bit at ends since mother died. I was so glad that Uncle let him move into our apartments. It has complicated Alex's duties. He is mostly under the care of Herakleides. Aunt Lucia had wanted him to come and live with her and our cousins but Uncle decided it was best to keep him close to his older brothers, mostly Helladios and himself.
That means many more young boys visit. I find my family tolerates them better then I thought they would. It seems they are often under foot and often making much noise, as well as into pranks. From what I can see we have some excellent palace boys in the making.
1320, 2nd month, 6th day:
Lyuben and Panther are now firmly established as aids to the princes. Lyuben is now 16 and a level one knight. He has proven himself in the Elite Marines. I remember him telling me he would be the best Argonaut ever. He has never wavered from that effort. He is a mighty fighter, even at 16 and I am sure when older he will be the most formidable in Parga.
Dios and Helo came storming into our quarters telling us we should go to the balcony to see a most interesting sight. At their urging we all followed them. It was a most interesting sight, as they proudly pointed out.
Thoren was riding Alsexo with what looked like a boy. What was interesting was two young men were walking ahead of them being herded by the old horse and the occasional proud from Throne's cane, being wheedled by the boy. Using the "far see" to look at them, it was clear the boy was small and probably no more than 11 or 12. The two young men appeared to have been in some kind of battle and where both wounded with torn tunics and one limped slightly.
"It would appear Thoren has had an adventure of his own, I can not hold long to hear this new tail," Lyuben exclaimed.
We all assembled in the court yard to see just what this was all about. Thoren and his little troop came through the gate. He took them into the guard house, I assume to sign them in and then lead everyone to the stables. Shortly he returned with the young boy. The lad was pleasant looking, not very tall and walked with a distinctive limp.
We were all assembled on the landing, at the top of the steps, just before the main doors. They were almost at the steps when a heard of boys came running across the courtyard; shouting that Thoren had brought them a new playmate and without ceremony swept the poor lad into their midst and disappeared into the castle.
By the time we arrived in the baths Thoren had told us his story. It was quite an adventure. He stopped in a small village, about 1 hours walk from the Castle. He was sitting under a tree telling the children stories, while Alsexo rested. The lad Stephnos, sat next to him the entire time. A farmer with a cart load of apples was just passing when his wheel came off. Thoren and the children went to assist him.
Stephnos told the farmer that he saw two older boys doing something around the cart, earlier in the day. The farmer said those two were often implicated in mischievous behavior.
"I give the farmer a couple of coppers, purchasing apples for the children and a few for Alsexo. Just as I was about to go with the children over to Alsexo, Stephnos told me the same two boys were doing something to his saddle. When we came in that direction they ran off. He told me only a short distance. I sent one of the children to the farmer, asking for his assistance. While Stephnos fed the apples to Alsexo, I inspected my saddle and found the synch had been loosened. If I had tried to mount him I would have been dumped on the ground," Thoren said.
The farmer and one of the older children had circled around behind the boys. He grabbed them and forced them forward.
"When one came within reach I grabbed his ear and twisted it. I suggested it might be funny to see the blind man fall off his horse, but not for that man. I asked the children it they would like to see a sighted boy do the same, all the while twisting his ear.
They were much in favor of it but I did not want the hassle. I admonished them about what is funny and what is not. I pointed out pranks that did not hurt anyone were acceptable but ones that hurt others or caused damage were unacceptable. When questioned further they admitted to having loosened the locking pin on the cart's wheel. The wheel was not broken but would need some repair. After the farmer tightened the synch strap on my saddle we marched them to the cart. I made the boys unload the apples and cary the wheel to the wheel right. He was able to repair it quickly and I gave him two slivers. One for each boy. They then reloaded the cart. I took them to their parents, who were both unable or unwilling to give me the silvers, so I brought them to the castle. They will now work for me until the silvers are repaid. Kleitos feels a week of grooming Alsexo and other tasks around the stable will pay the silvers and their food."
We wanted to know more about Stephnos, the lame boy.
Thoren said he liked the boy right off and the lad was glade to be his eyes. "His parents were reluctant to let him come with me but he wanted and was not shy about saying so. I did need his eyes. I assured his father that he would be well cared for and returned soon.
While we road to the castle I realized he was not only likable but that he wanted to be a story teller and poet like me. I think it was the feelings that he generated in my crotch, as my arms wrapped around him, that were most important. I made him my apprentice. That is acceptable?"
We assured him it was and congratulated him on his swiftness of action and decision making. Panther volunteered to go the next day to the village and make arrangements with Stephnos' parents.
We arrived in the bath to see, Stephnos had already gained a following, that included all the boys, Uncle Iason and Father. He was sitting on Uncle's lap relating his adventures. All the boys immediately surrounded Thoren demanding his version be told. While he was telling his story I saw Uncle Iason whispering in Panther's ear and both were laughing.
Panther are you to share Uncle's joke? He smiled, "He did not say it was in confidence so I shall, but I think it should be in our confidence. When he learned I was to see Stephnos' father in the morning, he told me that the boy's mother is his cousin and that should make my task simpler, as it is she that runs that family. Then he added, she was a wild one as a young woman, who favored men with prodigious members. If she resists, smile and say `your cousin sent me to offer my special inducements,' draw your finger along your arm between the elbow and the palm." With that he smiled, as did we all, for that is about the length of his erection, slightly over one foot long.
I can not say his is the largest or longest in Parga but it must be close to that and we know he is skilled in application.
1320, 2nd month, 10th day:
While Panther is making a name for himself with the palace women, it is Lyuben that seems to enjoy sex with them the most, except perhaps for Ikaros. I still father more boys than anyone else but I think Lyuben will soon out do me.
Umar, Akakios, Zoe and Aisopos returned from Apollo's Temple with Euthalia. All are well and Umar is once again happy. I am happy to report that William and Alfred have become close friends of Umar and Akakios. The two singers especially so. Alfred has not shown any specific talent as yet. That does not seem to hinder his and Umar's friendship. Alfred is still most attached to my beloved Iason. I though Dios would become jealous but that has not happened. Dios seems to understand the lad's need for Iason's fatherly affection.
All of the boys seem to enjoy running and other sports as well. Dios is still the finest runner of his group. Hilarus and the others are all doing well but Dios is much like I was at that age and I feel he will one day replace me. If breading in men is as important as in horses, then I think many of my sons should have that ability and I hope will.
I am still amazed by the male beauty displayed in our apartments every day. We are all shapes and sizes. We are all fit and healthy. We all have well developed muscles and proudly display ourselves to each other. Except for the identical twins, we are each different but all seem to stimulate lust in the others. We all love the others but we are not all in love with each other. The love and respect we share is enhanced by our unselfish willingness, to share physically with the others. I see few other groups and none as large as ours, that have so great a common purpose or gentleness between.
We are not without rivalry nor are we without dissection. Everything is openly and freely debated. Games and sports are played with intensity. Each has some skill that he excels in. These are celebrated by the paramount and by all the others. Our competitions are intense. When one prevails he is celebrated. The celebrated seems to be as willing to encourage and celebrate the attempts of others as they are his victory. All of us older men give full encouragement to all of the boys. We are truly a brotherhood.
Disagreement is common, dissection rare. Harsh words almost never spoken but teasing and chiding frequent. I think we are often envious of our brother's endowments, skills or mastery but never jealous. Given other conditions we would certainly not all be close friends. Given our almost constant sexual interactions and the beauty displayed be each, we have become that and more.
What is most heartening, is our mutual desire to share our love physical and emotional, with each other. We seem to enjoy not just the actions but the observations of love between ourselves and others.
1320, 2nd month, 14th day:
The other day one of Kastor's postal riders begged entrance to our evening meal. The guards did not want to admit him, saying he should come to Kastor's office in the morning. When Kastor became aware of this he sent the young guard to bring the rider back. Kastor was most gentle in the doing. Thanking the guard for his concern but saying he was sure this must be important or the rider would not have come at such a late hour.
When the young man arrived we made space for him and the young guard at our table, and insisted he have food and drink before anything else. He was most surprised and I think much gladdened by our hospitality. I know he was both surprised and heartened by our response.
"My name is Iason, after the King," he said.
"My name is Iason too, also after the King," my beloved said thrusting out his hand to the rider. This little bit of humor was all that was needed to place the young man, probably no more than 17, at his ease.
"When I made my way through Ambelonia I noticed an old man sitting next to one of his olive trees. It had been chopped down and the man was crying. I could not stop, that is not permitted, I know something was very wrong. That man would not have chopped down his oldest and most productive olive tree. I know from passing several times a week how much pride the old farmer has in his olive grove and that old tree.
I have heard rummers of a gang that extorts protection money from the farmers in that area. I could not get the look of sorrow and pain in that farmer's face, out my mind. I know something terrible has happened. Prince you must..."
Iason stopped in mid sentence, as Darkon and Silas were already pulling the young guard to his feet.
I pointed to the kitchen and Nikias immediately ran off.
"Now draw a map to this farmer's house," Poly said pushing a paper and charcoal toward the young Iason. I was about to send for the Elite Marines but thought better of it, as we will need refuse most who would accompany us as it is. I know my brothers and myself. This will be a grand adventure. Just as I was about to summon Odo, he appeared dressed in light armor and carrying much of ours along with our chamber boys and Justus and Joulous. Nikias returned with Dios and Helladios and their guardians, The younger princes were protesting greatly at being herded by an older brother.
Iason stood, "We four, our guardians, Lyuben and Odo will ride tonight. I know you all wish to come on this adventure. Kleitos, Panther and Miltiades can escort all that our father gives permission in the morning." All the while Father and Uncle had been sitting at their table observing us. With that they came over to our table, each siting next to young Iason. I was sure the boy would faint when Uncle put his hand on his shoulder and said, "You know my name is also Iason, also after a king. We think you should join us while these young men go off to right wrongs and make Parga a safer place to live." As they lead him to their table Karyakos told the pages, "If any of you dream of accompanying the King and I in the morning, a good night's sleep would be best secured." They all disappeared faster then I could run one stadia, producing much laughter from the entire dining room.
We road all night arriving before first light. We held off until we could see the landmarks on the map. The old farmer was shocked as we entered his yard. Iason introduced us. At first he did not want to admit what had happened but when Kastor told him we knew about the loss of his prize olive tree, which we knew took many years to grow, he gave us his story; fighting tears the entire time.
We learned who was behind this attempted extortion and where they were to be found. It appeared their were five. The farmer thought one or more older men were behind them but he did not know for sure. He told us they had habit of having breakfast at the public house each morning. We quickly went into the town, hiding our horses and literally taking over the public house. We would need to sleep someplace anyway.
When the five came in, we four and Heron were seated at their favorite table. Lyuben was assisting the landlord and the others were out of sight. We had hidden our weapons and our armor, turning our tunics inside out. All of us needed a shave and we allowed our hair to look unkempt.
The five entered with a swagger and air of confidence. Seeing us at the table they desired, one demanded we immediately move. We said nothing. I could see this was not setting well. Another demanded the landlord have us move. He simply said no. With that, one started toward him saying he would pay for this insult. Lyuben stepped from his hiding place, confronting the man with his drawn sward.
"I think not. I think you should apologize to the landlord."
The man stopped short and laughed. "Do you think this boy can help you landlord?" The landlord said nothing. The man backed away a step or two.
Seeing he was unarmed Lyuben said. "Perhaps you should politely ask these guests if they would mind moving."
The man grunted and turned toward us. Lyuben put his sward in its' scabbard. When the man saw this he hesitated and wheeled around to strike Lyuben, who was expecting just such a move. Lyuben ducked and moved, kicking the man in the groin, the shins and hitting him in the face. He crashed back into his friends. They began moving but before they made more than a step or two we were up and on them. The one nearest me had obviously had some training. He fainted with his right and began to swing his left leg around. This puts him off balance for a brief moment. I moved to my right and grabbed his right hand with both my hands pulling him toward me. Drawing my left knee to his groin in the same motion. My long powerful legs give me a great advantage in this kind of fighting. Something this fellow quickly learned. He doubled over but I still had his hand in mine. I pushed it to my right and brought my right knee to contact his jaw. This sent him backward onto the table. By the time the fight ended several tables and benches were destroyed. The door knocked from its hinges and the five of them were laying in the dust of the street, begging for mercy.
It was not long after, we cleaned ourselves up and turned our tunics around showing our office, when the mayor appeared, wanting to know what all this was about. On seeing us he proceeded to announce to all assembled who we were and welcomed us to his humble community.
Volos searched the five and found enough coin to pay the landlord for the damage that was caused. I told the mayor why we had paid his humble village a surprise visit. I also told him I would hold a trial that afternoon and that my brothers would function as the inquisitors. He should work with them to assayable witnesses and list any additional complaints. We would hold the trial, in the heat of the day, immediately after the mid day meal. The proceedings would be open to the public.
Lyuben went about assisting the landlord to putting his establishment back in order and I interviewed the five. These seemed like the most recalcitrant criminals I had yet encountered. They simply refused to say anything. Since one of them appeared to be their leader, I thought he should be the target of our efforts. I got the distinct impression they were working for someone and that someone had convinced them they would be protected.
We had a little conference. Iason and Kastor reported that everyone seemed afraid of these five. They could find no one willing to press charges. Polydeukus reported that the old farmer, innkeeper and one other were willing.
A little later Odo came to us with about 10 children. The children were more than willing to tell us what they knew. I thanked them and ask Odo to speak with the local school teacher. I wanted the older children to be present, to witness the trial and thought he should also attend with them.
I must say I was beginning to get very tired, not having slept. The others must be tired too. It was now late morning and just as I was nodding off six Elite Marines came riding into town. On seeing us they come to the public house. I was surprised to see them.
"Princes, the King, Consort, many pages and your foster sons and Prince Lysandros, ride here now. We are at least two hours ahead to them. Twelve more of our unit escort them."
We welcomed the lieutenant and his men. In a few minutes they assumed our guard duties and we all retired to sleep a few hours.
I remember embracing my Iason and then nothing until Father's gentle hand touched my face. No sooner had I aroused than Umar and Akakios were in my arms. Father chuckled and kissed the top on my head and departed. Once their uncles stopped tickling them we learned about their little journey.
When we came down the landlord set a lunch for us. Umar and Akakios joined Lysandros and the pages, both female and male. Odo wanted them to meet the local children. Our fathers were with the mayor, three local knights and the old man. Miltiades and Kleitos were now interviewing the accused. Several Elite Marines were escorting an older man.
At the appointed hour we all took our positions and the mayor welcomed the citizens, the King and Consort and all the Princes. The King was next to speak. He thanked the mayor and then launched into one of his stories.
"Yesterday evening a young man, also named Iason, named after me you know, come to our dinner table. He is a very pleasant fellow and a dedicated citizen of Parga. Citizenship has both privileges and responsibilities. This young man saw something in your community that he believed was wrong. He knew it was his responsibility to correct that wrong. He knew what every citizen should know, that he has access to government. Our senior princes, lead by Prince Arden, Captain Pyrros and Captain Volos already Heroes of Parga, were on horseback and riding for Ambelonia, before Iason had an opportunity to even finish his meal.
Their purpose was to investigate this wrong and if possible correct the situation. No law abiding citizen need live in fear. In Parga we live by the rule of law, not fear or intimidation. Those who brake those laws will be found and punished. On arriving, just before first light, they went to the location of this supposed wrong and found that in fact it was so. Prince Karyakos and I are proud of our sons and their guardians. You too should be proud of them.
They acted swiftly and responsibly to come here and ascertain what the matter was and as we will soon see, correct, as best they can, the situation. They did not seek our permission or the permission to the Council. They acted in their capacities as chief law enforcement officers of Parga. Like young Iason they did not hesitate to discharge their responsibilities and duties. They act not in my name but in the name of Parga. In the name of Parga's citizens; you, the people of Ambelonia. They apprehended six without bloodshed and I am told personally engaging those that offered resistance.
I must correct one common misconception. You will notice that all of the senior princes of Parga are Third Class Knights, the three ranks come by merit and testing. It is a title earned and a title deserved. I give you Prince Arden, your chief adjudicator."
Thank you Sire. I am Prince Arden. Prince Iason will be the senior inquisitor and Princes Kastor and Polydeukus will be the court recorders and scribes. Please state your name when you begin speaking. We should all go slowly, as being scribes is new to my brothers. Justice will be done here today and you will all be wittiness to it. If anyone wishes to address the court on any matter, please stand and I will recognize you.
Before I could sit the teacher rose. "Prince, I have several students who would very much like to assist the court if that is possible?" I think that an excellent idea teacher, please send them forward. Two boys and a girl came. I had them sit next to me and called my brothers up. They were introduced and their names recorded. I ask them to stand and each state their name. I reminded them they were bound by their word to serve the people of Parga to the best of their ability and they must try and be impartial, looking at the evidence presented and holding until each side had been heard, before making a decision. I declared them junior adductor advisors to the chief justice. I suggested they signal me should any of them wish to ask questions of the witnesses or the inquisitor.