Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
66: Princes' Personal Assistant
1320, 2nd month, 16th day:
I have no real understanding of being alone. When a young boy in Koalhurst I did spend time alone, separated from others, sometimes for as long as half a day. Since coming to the castle I am almost never so. A few hours here and there in my office or reading in some corner of our apartment. Having Pyrros and Volos always at my side has become so much a part of who I am, at times I do not even notice them. Yet deep inside I know, one or both are ever present. I am never fearful, ever.
The only time I can remove myself from the world is when I am running. I move from the world of reality and social interaction into my own privet state. It is then I can reason and think, as one might if they are truly isolated from others. I hope you can understand what I have been trying to say.
"Yes, I think I understand Arden. I am sure I will learn how to live in such a state of turmoil," Hy said.
I am sure you will too. It is important to remember that without turmoil in our lives they would soon become dull and repetitive. It is the challenges of each new day that makes us desire to rise, that and the usual hunger.
"Hyginos," Volos said, "Many would think our profession, that of personal bodyguards, would be dull. The need for application of our skills is thankfully uncommon. The reality is much different. Our lives are filled with new and exciting things. We have traveled Parga and much of the world. We know people in many lands and every corner of the state. We ride, sail, do sports, have great parties, learn new thing and are privy to all the power of government without the responsibility. In another year we will adopt Akakios, so even though we are men who love men we will have a family, a son who will give us grandchildren."
"What Volos is trying to say, is we have all traded our privacy for the rewards of serving the people of Parga. Not every public servant works all day, every day, as we do; not every public servant has the rewards of directly serving her crown either. When Odo came to us he was embarrassed to even speak. Now listen to him, you would not know. You will learn the price you pay for your love of a prince is a pittance. One day, not far off you will think back on this moment and say how foolish of me to doubt my ability," Pyrros added.
Hy, you are never wrong to examine your motives and desires. Once you have identified those desires, you have a duty to yourself. That is to fulfill them as best your ability and circumstance allows. It is my responsibility to provide those opportunities. If you feel the need to be alone then I must facilitate that. You must not try to become me. You must try and be like me. I have never had a personal aid before. This is new to both of us.
"That offers a great opportunity. Arden is fond of giving others opportunities, just to see what they will make of them. Pyrros will agree with me, he has been highly successful in that. Look, we gave the Spirit of Parga to him at the Soloists," Volos added.
"Is that not you Arden?"
Yes, it is me. They thought it would inspire the students here.
"Did you found this school?"
Yes, I did but not by myself. The first groups of students were called Arden's boys by the King and that name has stuck but many are now women.
"They will make this their official insignia you know," Pyros added.
We will visit here in a few days, today I need spend some time at the university. We four senior princes will graduate in two months time.
We met up with the others and while we four attended to our business, the guardians took our newly appointed aid apparents on a tour. Except for Hy the other seven will be sorted out over the next week. So far I am impressed with the quality of these boys. They do all seem bright and have learned their lessons well. Even the one reported to be dull is anything but. He is just not interested in anything other than animals.
All of our aids will attend either the Civil Service Akadimeia or the University when 15. Kastor has decided our aids must be well educated and well trained. Eight boys will be chosen. Four will work as Pages and the other four with us until the fall, then they will change positions. All will attend morning classes. The younger ones are still with the castle touters. This will be a very difficult and demanding regimen. While they will not be expected to become knights they will need basic military training and sports. It is not different from what we all had to do and what the younger princes must also do. We all began at 12 most of them are older so need work harder at the non academic skills.
I think self doubt is normal and all is new, even his lust. This is to be expected. I suspect the most important learning will take place in the family or with the Palace Boys. That is where self confidence, pride in accomplishment, dedication to duty and such will be learned. It is hoped, each will model himself after one of us. It matters not who is chosen, all are fine men and fine examples. I was a bit concerned that so many were recruited from a single place; Polydeukus and Iason reminded me, the core of the Arden's Boys all came from Koalhurst. All having a common origin and all knowing each other simplifies and eases the transition from the known into the unknown. For Hyginos it is simpler as he is my young lover. For the others, those not the lovers of a senior prince, the comfort of familiar faces and persons will be helpful.
1320, 2nd month, 17th day:
I took Hy with me today to sail on the Prince Arden. Fortunately the seas were not rough; they can be this time of the year. Sotoris is now a second cook. He and his marine lover took care of Hyginos for most of the voyage. Once we were secured to the quay the entire company began singing the ships anthem while the third officer lowered my ensign. After it was folded, he kissed the flag and placed it in its storage box. Hyginos' eyes were wide with wonder at all of this. I know he was trying to make sense of the ceremony. Volos pulled him to one side and began explaining, as Pyrros and I greeted the crew members, who were now poring onto the quarterdeck. Now that my ensign was down and we no longer sailed, formality could be dispensed with.
It was dark as we descended the ramp to the quay. Hilarus and a very junior page were waiting for us. "Prince, the King requests your attendance to him as soon as is practical."
Thank you Hilarus, do you happen to know the nature of this?
"No, the King did not say. I do know we have official visitors from Bejaia."
Then I think we had best attend the King quickly, come walk with us. The plaza was lit brightly and it was filled with citizens. I would have gone to meet them had we not been summoned. Instead we kept to the shadows and hurried up the hill.
Ikaros had our finest cloths laid our for us. These are the parade tunics and capes that Iason had designed. When we arrived in the Knights dining room the meal was already in progress. The guards announced us: "Prince Arden, Sir Volos, Sir Pyrros, Hyginos Prince Arden's Personal Aid." Hy turned bright red as no one had ever announced his entrance to a room before. I looked around. One place was at the King's table between Umar and Prince Nikias. Next to Umar was Akakios and Helladios next to him. Pyrros steered Hyginos to a place at the pages table and they sat with some other knights.
As I approached the table the King stood along with the old man from Bejaia. I greeted them and before I could express my regret for being late Uncle said, "We know, when we heard your crew singing, I sent the pages to fetch you."
While we ate the conversation ranged over many topics. The envoy was most taken by our koallime lights, both in the dining room and throughout the castle, also lighting up the plaza and the statue. As we enjoyed a cup of wine the Envoy told me why he had come. The old Sultan was near death and the new Crown Prince, Ala Al-Din has request I bring Umar to Bejaia so his father could apologize to him before he died. I did not know what to say. I looked at Umar. He smiled, "Ala Al-Din is the best of the lot, from what I remember. I think he is much like you dad."
Ikraam, the old envoy smiled. "Umar is quite correct, although I never said that," I nodded in recognition of that request. "Ala Al-Din is much like you, being highly principled and very astute. He is also a respectful, kind and caring person. Yes, much like Prince Arden. Crown Prince Ala Al-Din has great respect for you and truly longs to meet you. He credits your, um, your exchange of ensigns, with clearing his path to the crown."
And you Envoy? "Again, not something you heard from me, but yes it did just that."
I nodded and turned to Umar. "Only if Akakios can come with me."
Envoy do young boys in Bejaia bargain with their fathers?
"Does the sun shine differently from one place to the next." With that everyone was laughing even Umar.
It did not take long for me to find out that everyone anticipated my reaction and agreement. My brothers had drawn lots and Kastor was to accompany us. Nikias and the twins were less than happy about this, but their father only offered the draw to the senior princes. The Prince Arden was being made ready and the Elite Marines had been summoned. The envoy had other business to attend, in Alexandria he said, but he had brought his youngest son, who would sail with us and be our guide. That young man, in his early 20's, is also a poet and speaks several languages. He and Odo were off some place assisting each other to translate the others poetry.
I took Umar and Akakios to their mother. I felt it best to tell her of this myself. Her reaction was most predictable. At first opposed. I assured her both boys would always be at my side. That partly mollified her but not completely. Women need to worry about something. This was a great something. Sailing in late winter, being on a ship with all those rough sailors and marines, visiting a place that has been hostile in the past, what if they insist on keeping Umar. I am sure if Euthalia had nothing to worry about she would invent it.
1320, 2nd month, 17th day:
In the morning Umar and Akakios came to our apartments with their clothing, Umar's instruments and a letter for his birth mother. The letter was quite long. In it Euthalia praised Umar, assuring her that the boy was a good and dutiful son, a good brother to Akakios and the twin babies, also helpful in the home and a good student. He was a happy child, with many friends among the palace children, who is liked by all he encounters. He shows great talent in music and even more so as an artist. His father and grandfathers are overly indulgent of him and so on.
Our party consists of: Kastor, Silas, Volos, Pyrros, Panther, Odo, Olympos, Agapios, Raffaele, Hyginos, Umar, Akakios and Ikraam the younger. I judged Ikraam to be much like Odo, a man who loves men. From the interactions between the two I judged them as interested in each other as in each others poetry.
Twenty five Elite Marines arrived and immediately reported to the Prince Arden. I know Lyuben wanted to attend us but Iason has other needs of him. Just as we were about to leave, Helladios and Nikolas came running up to me with a message. Kastor and I sent everyone else along and we reported to the council. They asked us to stop in Malta, which is under the crown of Aragon, for about 50 years now, and pay a courtesy call on the local nobles. One Guglielmo de Moncada is running things as far as we know. We were give letters of introduction and the name of our council there.
No sooner had we climbed onto the deck, the Prince Arden pushed off and headed for open waters. Once clear of the salt islands Hermogenes ordered all the sail that was possible. We had a good breeze from the north and east so our progress was very rapid.
Panther was welcomed as a long lost brother as every member of the crew made his way to the quarter deck to personally welcome us. This has become a tradition on the Prince Class ships when the honorary captain is on board. From what I know and have observed first hand, not done in any other states. About one quarter of them were new to us. Panther took charge of the boys including Hy, keeping them busy learning the ship and how to sail it. We got to know our guest and he us. Ikraam's command of Greek was solid and communication was easy.
Odo praised the quality of his poetry and Ikraam praised Odo's. When Odo read some of Ikraam's work translated for us, it was good. He told us his efforts are appreciated by the court and a few of the people but most were not interested. Most could not read and if they did it was mostly the Quoran. He was most surprised when Odo told him almost everyone in Parga can read, man or woman and his works, when translated, would be greatly appreciated.
When Akakios and Umar returned Odo had them begin practicing one of his and Ikraam's Greek to Arabic translations. It was my song.
As night fell on our first day the winds began to shift more easterly, the skies were mostly clear. Several of us came on deck to view the stars. I am still amazed when looking at the night sky filled with such a array of sparkling lights. When we returned Umar and Akakios were both fast asleep. At first I thought it the motion of the ship. When I looked at Hy he held up his longest finger and crooked it back and forth to indicate he had given the boys pleasure. Young boys following sexual climax seem to need sleep. I understand the desire of the boys to receive this pleasure even if they can not yet ejaculate. It is built in all of us. I think we become addicted to it, I know not how that should be. Sex of any kind, that is satisfying, seems to be so.
I can see it now, my boys begging me to fuck them before their time. Not that this has not happened before. It is possible. I guess I will just need hold until that happens. It may not for some time, it may never before they are 12.
Hy was upon me moments later, fiercely pulling at my tunic. He was so prepared by what he had been doing any protest I might have made would have been for naught.
1320, 2nd month, 20th day:
We arrived in the morning. By the time our little boat took us to shore an honor guard was assembled. Ikraam spoke to the captain who upon hearing our names brought his men to attention. Several older men came forward. Ikraam introduced them as the Harbormaster and the Mayor of the city.
I think they had never received such a high level delegation before. Two Princes, a Rear Admiral, five Level Three Knights, and what I must say is the best looking group of young men possible. They did not recognize Umar nor he them. I held out my hand and Hy placed our letter of invitation into it. The look on their faces was priceless. Odo translated what they were saying to the military escort. Which was: the old Sultan and Crown Prince have invited these dignitaries to Bejaia and they are honored guests. Ikraam then told them as honored guests they must give Rear Admiral Hermogenes' sailors and marines the freedom of the city; just as my father and I were given in Parga. He pointed to the Castle which now few Parga's ensign the same as the Prince Arden.
The mayor made that deceleration and told us he and the Harbormaster would see to it. Corrado selected 5 Marines to accompany us and we were lead to the castle. Just before we reached the gates they opened revealing a court yard with a number of finely dressed men. Ikraam told us the short one in the middle was the Crown Prince.
We bowed before each other. I said, I am Prince Arden of Parga. In the best Arabic I could muster. He smiled widely, "I am Crown Prince Ala Al-Din. Welcome to Bejaia."
These are my foster sons Umar and Akakios, my brother Prince Kastor....He introduced the Vizier, and several of his brother princes. We went into the castle for refreshments and conversation.
They had several translators at the ready, between them, Ikraam and Odo all went smoothly. Umar and Akakios sat next to me. Prince, I trust we have come in time?
"Yes Prince, my father sleeps. His staff will signal when he wakes. This is more family than state, perhaps we can dispense with all this formality, please address me as Ala."
"I most agree, I am Arden, Ala." I thrust out my hand which he took, with a powerful grip.
"My father has little time left, Umar's coming here will mean much to him. You favor him greatly Umar."
"I do?"
"Yes you do. I favor my mother. You may not realize this but our father remembered the name of every child. In his later years when you were younger he did not always put the right face to those names but he did truly care for every one of us."
"I made daddy bring my older brother Akakios, as we have a gift for him and for my mother."
"You made Arden bring Akakios?"
"Yes he sings like a bird and I play." Ala nodded but was still puzzled.
Umar said he would only come if Akakios came as well. I asked Ikraam the Elder if boys in Bejaia bargain with the fathers. He thought the sun shines the same in all places. Ala smiled widely and nodded.
"Akakios, does the Greek bird sing in Arabic"
"Yes, Ikraam and Odo have translated one of daddy's songs and taught me the words. Get your flute brother."
Umar ran over to Hy and returned with his flute. I was about to ask if it was appropriate but Ala waved his hand. Umar began to play and Akakios sang as beautiful as I have ever heard him. The room fell silent. Arabic is a very musical language and the poets were able to make my words, when translated, match the melody.
After the song we shared more tea. Umar ran back to Hy and returned with his pipes and mine.
"Daddy gave these to me, they were his as a boy and he taught me how to play them."
"Have you written more songs Arden."
Yes several, but none others with words just the melody.
"Please."
Umar and I played two melodies I had written while still a lad of 11 or 12. His soprano and my baritone pipes combined to make the most lovely sound which echoed in the cavernous room. Just after we finished a page whispered something to Ala.
"Umar our father is awake, this page will take you and Akakios to him. Do you remember enough of our language?" Umar answered him in Arabic and the boys followed the page out of the room.
"Ikraam the elder told us you are a man of many talents Arden, and I can see he was not overstating your case. I need to thank you for waking the old man from his mental sleep, by placing your flag on our customs house. I don't even want to know how you did that, but I would like to know why?"
"I was very angry that so many brave men and so much treasure had been wasted. When those kidnappers came to Parga, with counterfeit money, I knew this could not be the work of an honorable man. I also knew you father had a reputation for being honorable. At first I was thinking, and had even planned, to send our fleet here and destroy every vessel in the harbor.
It was the scholar Raffaele, I pointed to him, he reminded me that action was the last, not the first, that should be taken. We talked it over, my brothers and I. Perhaps if we can gain the Sultan's attention, without doing any harm, our message would not only be understood but listened to."
"When my father found out what had happened and how it happened, he was livid. But he did not act. When your ensign appeared on the customs house and those other massages on the palace gates he realized two things. One, that Parga could and would bring this matter to his doorstep. Two, his reputation and authority had been misused by those he trusted."
Never embarrass you leader, I said. His smile got even bigger.
"We do think much alike. Father demoted my three older brothers and banished the two oldest of his second wife. That made me Crown Prince. He and I reformed our council and appointed a new vizier. When Ikraam the elder returned and told me how you and Crown Prince Iason managed with almost as many princes as I have, I instituted many changes. Is it true in Parga, even the King must live by the civil laws?"
That is true but you need remember, in Parga the crown is not sovereign. It is the people who are sovereign and we only represent it. The crown is the chief administrator, it is the council that makes the laws. The only inherited titles in Parga are Citizen and Crown Prince.
We have no slaves or bound servants. Ranks such as Knight are little more than professional designations like potter, physician or clock maker. Parga is a state based on merit and the Crown Prince is not guaranteed kingship until the council votes. As for us other princes, we are given our titles in provision; they are confirmed at 12 and we can use our seal of office at 16, again on confirmation. The shared kingship is also unique to us, as is mine and my fathers positions of consort. The King or Crown Prince will tell you that they are first among equals. For our fathers that is true, for Iason and the others of us, also true. In addition, the King may only have one wife at a time and the consort may not marry a woman, he must adopt his son from a list of approved candidates.
This idea of first among equals may work for your Crown Prince and the other princes. It may not reduce the squabbling, but should help keep the competition under control. He asked many more questions.
Yes, that is why Umar and Akakios are my foster sons. My two personal body guards will adopt Akakios at age 12. That is what they and Akakios want. As for Umar. He is to young to make that choice. Many fatherless boys in Parga choose not to be adopted. They still prosper in our system, anyone classed as an orphan, boy or girl, are automatically wards of the King. The King and Consort are very diligent in seeing all their children can rise, as far as their talent and ability will take them; Prince Kastor and his twin brother Polydeukus are examples of it.
That is true, it is a very complex society. Not any more so than most others, just different. Yes, Euthalia my concubine, Umar and Akakios' foster mother, has two children, a boy and a girl by me, twins. I have six others among the palace women. These are called Palace Boys and Palace Girls. All are educated, and trained as their talent dictate. Several of those Knights were Palace boys, most of our stewards and many civil servants and scholars as well.
One thing we do, that you can implement here, has to do with the pages. Our page core is large, the training is highly valuable. If anyone wishes to rise and has the appropriate talent, in government or the castle, even the military, he had best spend at least six months as a page. The insight in how government works is most valuable. All of my contemporary companions are or were pages with us. That means we know each others as equals. We have worked together, done mischief together, even whored together. Yes, and that too.
In Parga men who love men are accepted, it has always been so. Once the page's hat is placed on your head, any other title you my have are suspended. Even the Crown Prince's station is temporally set aside. This allows us to build our political power base. They are loyal to the King's office of course, but they have a personal loyalty to us, as men and friends, that comes from choice, brotherhood and friendship. We know their strengths and weaknesses, they know ours as well. When it is our turn to take full leadership we will already know who can be depended on and for what. Kastor is now in charge to their training and education. He keeps them close to us and we socialize much with them even now that we are older. We four are older brothers to them as well, as the younger princes. It is a brotherhood, a family, to which all are fiercely loyal.
I can remember many times sitting in the council chamber with the other pages and being called to become a prince for this or that ceremony and back to being a page in the same afternoon.
Yes, each of us have been given a specific role in government, I head the treasury and law courts, Iason the military in conjunction with our uncle, Kastor the pages, castle and postal service; Polydeukus the schools, roads and civil works. We report directly to the king and consort and through them to the council. We each have meaningful jobs, do sports, study and have social lives. We have been together as a four person team since 16 when we were give our seals of office. Kastor and Polydeukus were pages with Iason and I since we were 12. We know each other so well, that often no words need be spoken between. If the truth be told we are interchangeable in the role of prince. We live and work together with our six body guards, steward and a few close associates like the poet/translator Odo. The next four princes are now pages and students. Next year three will be 16. They will give up being pages and be assigned as junior officials in different government departments. When 18 they will be given jobs as meaningful as ours. Nikias to the military, the others we are not sure of as yet.
Our fathers live in the next apartment and we are in close contact with them. The junior princes will move into our quarters at 16. Iason lives part of his time with his wife and Kastor and Polydeukus will marry next year and they will also.
They trust us to do our duty. That trust has been earned by past performance. They have this wonderful way of presenting opportunities and standing aside to see what we will do with them.
Yes, Hyginos is an example of just that. I related the whole story. "Arden we truly much alike. I have more years but you have more experience. I think we can learn much from each other."
Umar returned and we went back to the Prince Arden with the promise to return the next morning. I know the Crown Prince wanted to host some kind of banquet but he obviously needed some time to do so. Umar said the old Sultan was very happy to see him and was most taken with Akakios' singing and with my song.
"When I told him you wrote the song and that I was very happy in Parga he said the strangest thing about it being meant to be." He did not think his birth father had long to live.
"Am I being a dutiful son daddy?"
Yes, you are being a most dutiful son. More important you are being respectful of the old man, another person, not just because he had sex with your mother but because by doing so, you allow him to feel at ease within his soul. You are doing the right thing, because it is the right thing to do, not for some gain or personal benefit or obligation. That son is what separates us from ordinary men.
"Is that why mommy wrote that letter?"
Yes, I believe it is. Euthalia is a mother too. She knows what a mother must feel when her child is taken from her. She knows, that if one of you were taken from her, she would never stop thinking about you. If she can ease the pain of another mother, she feels the need to do so.
"The letter is the right thing to do?"
Yes it is.
"Can I write my birth mother?"
Yes of course you can, I know she will appreciate it. That is the way mothers are.
"I don't think she can read?"
If you ask your older brother, he will see someone reads them to her, I am sure he will do that for you. He too knows what the right thing is and I am confident he does them.