Arden

Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

69: Prince and Diplomat

1320, 3rd month, 8th day:

The secure storage is now almost full. We can only take six more deposits of any appreciable physical size. This presents a problem. Should we increase our space for this or charge more or just make a waiting list? We still use part of the old dungeon as a short term jail. People waiting for trial or short sentences for less serious crimes. I have asked the architects to provide a cost estimate for building a new short term jail and converting the remaining dungeon. Since we have 5 year contracts we can't just charge more, except for the new space. Mohammed's study suggests that if we charge much more the users will resist, as the cost of space and transportation combined becomes more than what they could do in their own states. That might foster competition from other places and lower the income for both. In the future we can raise our fees because we will have demonstrated our reliability.

When I came into our apartments it seemed that everyone was already engaged. Mostly they were deep in the throws of love making. Hy was immediately ceased upon by Ikaros and Kalkrates. I joined Kass and Poly as my Iason was not with us today. They immediately placed me on the bottom and Kass sat on me, taking my cock into his anus while Poly serviced him with his lips. The sound of passion and fulfillment were so great that others seemed attracted. After some time, I am not sure how long but long enough for me to have sustained two orgasms, Uncle, Father and two of the new Palace Boys appeared from the terrace.

Karyakos gained our attention and directed everyone to the baths. We were to host a fine banquet for several guests and all were to attend. While we bathed captain Eutukos came to see us. He was concerned about something but did not wish to speak before the others. I took it this had to do with the visitors, he did not say.

Once by ourselves: Uncle, Father and the four of us, he explained the Patriarch that was leading the delegation from Atra, was the first of the church officials to accept Nikholas after his murder of Thomas. He did not trust him. The other's he knew nothing about. Uncle asked him to attend the dinner, as guest not guardian. A Patriarch or Bishop needs be political in both his church and in dealing with the state. He, like anyone else, can be trusted to do what he believes is in his or his church's best interest. This does have limits and caveats of course.

After we dressed and before we went to the dining room, Hesiodos briefed all of us, about what was expected. The younger princes were to be polite and cordial but not to say anything official. He told us four, we were expected to engage the Patriarch and others but to take care not to make any commitments on behalf of the state.

"I think some of your philosophical thoughts on statesmanship would most useful. My people tell us they bring a proposal from Nik. None of you should reject it or accept it but defer to the King and or reasoned assessment. If you think you will say something that will offend please do not, if necessary defer to Kastor of the honey mouth."

This brought much laughter. While it is true Kastor has the gift of diplomacy and his words can drip with both honey and irony, he can be as acid and biting as poorly aged vinegar, should he choose. In that he is like us.

The Patriarch of Arta was very finely dressed, even more so then our own. He had a number of priests with him. His people were spread out among our knights as were our own. I took this as some kind of unofficial delegation from Nik, probably to test the waters. He will not find them friendly. None of us trust Nicholas.

The Patriarch was on about Parga not having his church as our official religion. This was much to the consternation of our own Patriarch. Karyakos attempted to silence him by suggesting he have formal meetings with all the other religious groups in Parga. This he rejected. King Iason then told him flat out, by appointing one group official, his crown would then be no more secure than Thomas' had been.

"It was you Patriarch that was first to accept Nicholas was it not, as I recall by him simply choosing your church over his own, East over West. I realize that prevented a civil war or at lest you thought you were doing so. In Parga something like that would precipitate one, not prevent it. Arden, your thesis looks at the moral justification and underpinning of political decisions does it not?"

Yes it does. In my studies, I looked at many states besides Parga; I have found that political decisions are most often based on expediency, not the underlying morality. In all the moral systems I have looked at, I find none that can make a justification for murder. I believe this is the first of your ten commandments Patriarch. Nik's murder of his uncle was most certainly a political act, it was also an immoral one. Your subsequent action was a political act, a recognition of reality. Both were morally wrong by the very standards, your and Nicholas' official religion, espouse. One question often raised in both political and religious circles relates to sovereignty and the sovereign's moral position. The sovereign may be the supreme leader but even he is subordinate to his god or the Ideal of Good an all that entails.

I found no true justification, in my studies or examination, to suggest that a sovereign is outside or not subject to the morality of his culture, philosophy or religion. Since sovereignty in Parga rests with its citizens, not its crown or religious leaders, it is those rules that must govern all actions here.

Kastor added, "We in Parga do not pass judgment on others, only ourselves. We must as prudent leaders, representing the sovereignty of our people, make judgments about others, their intentions, trustworthiness and so on."

"Then you are saying you do not pass judgment but Prince Arden just did."

No Patriarch, I simply pointed out actions that were outside of Natural Morality and the inconsistency between those rules or guides and some of the actions of others. I find your faith has two sets of rules and often they are in conflict. One set as described by the Christ and another set from the old Hebrew texts.

"Do I not have a moral obligation to protect my followers and members?"

Yes, you do and by the doing you made a judgment. You valued the life of your Despot less than of your members. The one for the many. In my reading of the old Hebrew texts, I did not see anything that allowed one to appoint himself as god's interpreter. This is not to say many have not done so and continue to do so. It is only to say that either these moral rules are absolute or they are not. It they are absolute then they were violated; if not, they are no better then any other set of regulations, regardless of the supposed source.

That is why I can and did say, these were political actions and decisions not made on a moral basis. Politics is therefore amoral. Prince Kastor is then most correct, we must make judgments about the politics, intentions and character of others. This is not the same a passing moral judgment on them.

In Parga slavery is illegal. Our civil code not only forbids but goes on to say the people of Parga find this idea repaginate and outside our understanding of morality. We do not try and impose our philosophy or civil code on others. We pass no judgment on other societies that allow such things. We do expect our civil code to be honored here in Parga. If a slave visits us for any reason, other than military, he is not granted instant freedom. If he lives here for more than 14 consecutive days, he may ask to be freed. If he arrives here on his own and uninvited, he is considered a free man....This went on for some time. Many others made contributions.

"Why then do you refuse my escort galleys admittance but welcome the Venetians and Florentines?"

Uncle Iason replied,"that is a result of two factors. One, we have had long standing peace and friendships treaties with them. Both places are governed by long standing and more or less stable governments; we trust them not to suddenly repeal these agreements. We have exchanged Ambassadors and trade councils for many years. That goes back to Arden's idea of judgments and judgment. It is our judgment, partly based on demonstrated reliability, they honor their word and their treaties, at least with us and up until now."

Kastor added, "A treaty is a political document based on trust and mutual interest. If the mutual interest changes, the trust may not be sufficient for it to hold. Men of honor would recognize this and would agree to modify or abrogate it. They would do this between themselves. The realities of the world suggest this must be the situation.

Parga and Dubrovnik have never had a treaty, we are on friendly terms. Our merchants are often rivals but since we are both quiet small, find no advantage in hostilities. We often find advantage in cooperation where both can benefit."

This went on from some time and I have the feeling there is more to this than the Patriarch is willingly admitting. Patriarch Georgios often had that look of, I told you so, on his face, he said almost nothing. King Iason explained that Parga has had sound and friendly relations with our neighbors for hundreds if not thousands of year. Once Epirus started changing leadership, those relationships became periodically strained. We are greatly displeased by recent turns of event.

The Patriarch then asked if we would be willing to try and settle our differences with Epirus. Karyakos suggested it was not Epirus but Nicholas that needed to settle with us, if any settling was to be done. Kastor suggested that we had no significant differences with Epirus, that he was aware of, except for the continued attempts by their military to gain access to our land and ports.

"If there are no significant difficulties why is it Parga's borders have remained closed to Epirus?"

Probably for the same reason you are here Patriarch and not an accreted ambassador. I would suggest it is because the Despot thinks he has power and influence he simply lacks. He forgets history or chooses to remember only that which he wishes.

"Parga is small and relatively poor but we are a sovereign state and have always been so. We have aspects he simply does not understand. We are a free and proud people. We are Greeks. Unlike Epirus or the other Greek speaking peoples, we have never been concurred or ruled by anyone other than ourselves. Not any other Greek city or state, not Alexander, the Romans, the Serbs, Goths, Visigoths, Vandals or anyone else. We pay tribute to none, never have, never will. The Princes of Parga have allegiance to one and only one, its people. We are not perfect and do not claim to be so. We make mistakes and are not to proud to admit that. We recognize our limitations and our strengths. Never in our history have we attacked our neighbors or anyone else, except in defense. We are small in population and have no sources of wealth, except our hard work. At this we are no better than anyone else. It is obvious the Despot and others, he is not alone, has so little respect for us that he feels we will capitulate to his wishes. I suspect that lack of respect results from ignorance more than anything else." Kastor said.

The Patriarch looked at the King, as if to say do these princes speak for Parga.

"The Princes of Parga are of one voice and of one vocation. We strive for nothing more than continuing the good government our ancestors have established," King Iason said.

"Despot Nicholas believes his western flank is less than secure," the Pariarch said.

"It is his other flanks that he should be concerned about. Our army and navy are far to small to pose a threat. Our geography is such that we offer no strategic advantage to anyone, even Epirus. Were it not for our small navy, he might have the Duchy of Athens on two flanks, for all the good it would do them. That pass keeps us in as well as others out. Their fleet probably would not have been any more successful than the Florentines, a test we chose not to allow. I think he should be sending us tribute; not assassins, playwrights and Patriarchs," Iason blurted out.

"Nicholas has asked me to invite you to meet with him in Arta." The Patriarch was intending to continue but Kastor cut him off.

"No, we will meet with him on neutral ground or none. What would the purpose of such a meeting be, if it were to take place?"

The Patriarch hesitated a moment. "Nicholas desires to make amends and secure his his western flank."

"I think it most simple then, he should send us his written proposal, using a properly accredited envoy," Kastor replied.

"He can not do that Prince, that is why he sent me," the Patriarch replied.

"Well at least this time he sent someone of stature instead of incompetent assassins," Iason quipped. Uncle Iason frowned at him for saying it.

"My brother is sensitive about that incident, I think understandably so. I also disagree that Nikholas can not, `do that', as you say. Thomas and every government of Epirus before him did," Kastor added.

Just then a page brought in a message for the King. King Iason looked it over and stood.

"That is Nicholas' problem not ours. You Patriarch, however have a problem which I will solve for you. You, forthwith take your galleys and way anchor. Tell Nicholas that if he ever sends spies or solders to Parga again, I will not allow them to be captured but they will be killed or executed and a state of war between us will exist. That action by its very being constitutes and justifies such a state.

You office Patriarch is persona non grate, in Parga. Now go to the dock and depart along with the fifty marines that tried to come ashore and return to your galleys. Tell your captains that they had best row for all they are worth. Should any Epicurean war ships be visible in our waters by first light I will allow our navy to destroy them. They will not just be sunk or damaged, as those of the Company, they will be erased from the water. Is that crystal clear priest." He turned to Eutukos, "Captain please have your men escort the Patriarch and his entourage to the docks."

Father Georgio began to rise but Father placed his hand on his shoulder. "Stay with us a while, please." Georgio sat and smiled. I had thought we had seen the last of them but I guess I was in error.

Once they had left the room Father spoke. "We have not seen the last of them. I suspect we will need keep our vigil for some time to come. Patriarch Georgio, this incident has tarnished the reputation of your church. That is unfortunate, I know you and your people had no part in this. I need remind all here that other states are not like Parga. Most are not completely secular as we are. Religious leaders in those places are often involved in the political."

Later we talked before bed. Uncle told us reports from Byzantium are not encouraging. "They feel a civil war may be brewing and that will do no good for anyone. With chaos in Byzantium, the Serbs, strongly placed to his north and Athens to his east, the only weak place for Nikholas is south. They may appear to be weak but I know they are as independent and tough as we are. Once chaos begins in Byzantium Nik. will feel free to seek his own adventures. We are not worth the cost so he will strike south, as I just said."

1320, 3rd month, 10th day:

I am mystified about why we humans seem to do nothing but fight each other. I am not thinking about any one person but nations and states. I just don't understand why one state seems to always being attacking another. Wars are so costly in every respect. It just makes no sense to me. I understand one defending himself. Defense can be as costly as attack. I can understand the reasons for defense. I can some times understand the reasons for attacking as well. These seem limited. If resources are scarce, say food or access to water, one can at least understand the motivation for one group trying to rest control of that scarce resource from someone else. That does not make it correct, just understandable.

Here in Parga we have limited food and water. If we did not limit our population through our policies and political organization, i.e. our social order, I could see those resources becoming scarce enough to cause conflicts between villages or areas. This applies to any resources, such as forests, Koal, fish, pasture lands and so on. It even applies to living spaces. We try very hard to make sure people are building on land that is the least suitable for growing food and growing on land that is the most productive. It is our social order or government that moderates the disagreements which would occur, were no rules in place.

I have written about much of this in other journals. These situations seem limited however. Few wars are fought because access to food can only be achieved by this. Access to water is a bit different. What I mean is not water enough to drink. I am talking about access to rivers for navigation and power production or massive irrigation projects, situations such as that. Even these are not simple and seem to involve much more that just access.

When we read history we see protection or control of trade routs and the like, often becomes a flash point. Again these seem limited and specific. What is Nicholas' motivation to control us? I keep examining this question and I am still left with very unsatisfactory answers. I know he is afraid of us. He should be, as every time he has made some attempt, his nose has been bloodied. He seems not to learn.

Conflicts arise from numerous sources or places. Yesterday I was involved in one. As I passed by the wrestlers I saw a boy of about 14 sitting off to the side. I was curious why he was not participating. Having seen him training before, he had always been actively engaged. He was not the best but seemed to enjoy it, win or not.

I approached from behind him. When I got closer I could see his body was covered with bruises. It looked like he had been in a fist fight. I sat down and when he looked up I could see he and a black eye and more buries on his face. He looked away at the ground.

One will get buried, from time to time in boy's wresting and possibly even a black eye. I have never seen anything like this before, in boy's wrestling. I have seen men badly bruised, most recently in Ambelonia. Some one had given this lad a beating. It was obvious he was sitting out as his body was most tender.

We sat for a few minutes neither saying a word, watching the others in their practice. I am Arden, what is your name?

"Argyros, Prince."

No, my name is Arden, not Prince, I said. He looked up at me puzzled.

"You are Prince Arden, I have seen you running."

That is true, I have that title, in privet my friends call me Arden, it is my name. He half smiled. I am Arden, what is your name?

"I am Argyros."

It is obvious why you are not with the others, would you like to tell me about it?

"No, I am ashamed."

Was your attacker older and larger then you?

"Yes."

Did you fight back?

"Yes, I tried."

Then tell me what is to be ashamed of?

"I am not very good and can not defend myself."

I have seen you in practice Argyros, you may not win all the bouts, you are still learning. You seem to have mastered many of the skills. I think you like to wrestle, is that not so?

"Yes I do like to wrestle, my father said I should be winning all of my bouts, like he did as a boy. He told me he loved to fuck boys, well women too. He would beat and always win over those palace whores, he called them and have his way."

Did he rape you Argyros?

"Yes, he forced me, but I do like it." I motioned for him to stand and present. He raped the boy I could see from the bruising.

Your buries, from the bout or the rape?

"Mostly from the rape. I may like it but not being forced."

I asked him more questions. It appears the father is very controlling. Not only does he control everything and everyone but he does so by intimidating them with speech and physically. It appears that Argyros had no choice in his sports. He was expected to be a winner, no matter what. Argyros also confided that he knew he was not good enough to ever meet those expectations. When I asked why he thought that, it was because his father has always told him so. Nothing the boy ever does is done well enough for him.

I was not happy about this and even less so by the reference to the palace boys as whores. Some do serve in the profession of prostitution, in a manor of speaking. They are more often being fucked then performing other duties, they are not paid for their sexual favors, although their other work loads are lightened as a result. None have chosen to join that guild, so I assume they do not think of themselves as prostitutes.

Argyros had mention he liked being fucked. I asked him about that. He told me he relished sex and liked very much to receive, he had little experience in the giving part, except by mouth. Then he told me his father told him in the past, he hated being fucked and only liked fucking. He hated it so that it served as an incentive to win. I figure that is why the boy was raped; in the hope he would be motivated by the same incentives.

Our sons are not us. We may wish they were but they are not. Often they are much like us but can never be us. To be a winning wrestler Argyros, you must have three qualities: strength, skill and will. Strength and skill come from training and practice. The will comes from within. Look well at the older boys and young men, those who do well in any sport. First, they have the strength in the body parts that are needed. They were not born with those muscles. Some of us are more muscular than others but those muscles of the athlete come from hard work and time. No boy of 14 or 15 can possibly have the mussels of a man say 25, it is not possible; the boy is still growing and it takes time as well as work to build them.

Second, skills are learned. We are not all equally talented, that is why we have so many different professions. Some archers make excellent runners like me. Some runners make excellent wrestlers; athletic skills are not always interchangeable. Some are poor athletes in general, they will not ever be top in any sport. Some are natural athletes and they can excel in one or sometimes several. I have seen you wrestle and see your body. You have enough natural ability and the appropriate body shape to be a wrestler. I think not a runner, possibly an archer.

Three, the mind or inner self. One must believe they can achieve their goals. Not the goals of others, their own goals. One must have interest. No matter how skilled or talented one is, if we are applying it to something we dislike, we will not be the best. Speaking of best. I think the most anyone should or even can ask of another, is for that person to do his best, at what ever he does.

You know I am still the best runner in Parga. I am a very good archer and competent at most other sports. When I do any sport I do my best but it is not always the best. If you truly want to win wrestling matches you will do so. You may not win every one, but a good number of them. The desire to succeed at anything must come from within yourself. No one can make you. Others can help and encourage and support, only you can marshal the inner strength to succeed. You and only you can master yourself.

"How do you do that Arden, how do you control that which you do not completely understand?"

It is not easy and probably a life long task. I know no formula for it. Once the desire burns in your heart, as love burns, you will find that strength or control. I can advise this. Listen not to your father or even your family on this matter. Listen to your heart. You know if you have done your best. If you have not, you and only you know how to fix it. Listen to your coaches and listen to your team mates. Their praise or advice is objective or more so than a parent.

In our mother's eyes we can do no wrong. To our fathers we can do no right, because we do not do it exactly as they think they would or did. They can not be objective, mostly because they love you. You must measure yourself against your own scale. In running we now have the timing device. In wrestling it is points; in archery it is the bull's eye at a fixed distance. These are independent of bias, they are, or are not.

Strength can also be measured. Skill is more judgmental, that is what teachers and coaches are for. When a team mate tells you this or that is right or wrong, listen to him. He knows, he is in the circle with you.

Mostly it is living up to your expectations, not those of others. If you expect yourself to fail, you will. If you expect yourself to succeed, chances are you will.

Hy was approaching from his archery lessons. He is a long way from pulling a true Long bow, as I do. His bow is about three quarters of mine. It is still greater than a standard Greek bow. He hesitated to approach, not wanting to intrude. I motioned to him. Hy and Argyros know each other, not well, from doing sport together. He was most upset to see Argyros' bruised body.

"Arden, what are you intending to do about this?"

I was waiting for you Hyginos; I thought you would tell me. Hy turned bright red.

I want you to take Argyros to the baths and when that is finished bring him to our apartments. I think I have a plan but need consult with Prince Karyakos first.

Hy rubbed his hands together, "I just love my job," extending his hand to help Argyros rise.

"Your job?"

"I am Prince Arden's personal assistant, when I'm not in school or doing sports. Tell me what happened to you...."

My plan was simple, I would summon Argyros' father to my court on charges of rape. When I told Karyakos, he gave different advice.

"Arden son," when he starts like that I knew I was about to be redirected, "as aggrieves as rape and abuse of power are, this is a family matter. Since no lasting physical harm was done the court should not get officially involved. You can use your office and reputation as protector of boys to get what you desire. I remember Photois, he was just behind us. I know he was not as good as he has told his son. I am sure he fucked a number of the palace boys, not quite as he claims. He though overly well of himself and his abilities at that time and apparently still does.

I think you should invite him to the wrestling circle and challenge him to a match. As I recall Heron was quite a wrestler in his time and they are about the same size. Heron is younger but not all that much. He has kept up his training and Photois has not. Let me think, yes. If he looses he must submit to being fucked by the man of your choice. If Heron looses, it should be your butt on the line. I assume you will choose Panther.

If memory serves the man was strong enough and being a smith he probably still is, at least on his right, but he was never fast enough. He lacked the quickness that some are born with. Heron is as quick as a cat, even today. A slightly weaker but equally skilled opponent who was faster, always bested him. He knows this of course, his pride will not let him admit it."

How will we undue the damage he has and will cause to Argyos' confidence?

"You and his coaches will need do that. Once Photois' credibility has been questioned Argyos will be open to your council."

When Karyakos saw the bruises he called Heron and explained our plan. Heron was more than agreeable, I could see his rage being held in check. Argyros could not believe I would risk the humiliation of being fucked by his father, in such a public way. Heron smiled widely,

"The six of us have been protecting each other, sharing adventures and living together for 8 years now, Arden knows I would not fail him or you Argyros."

About 15 palace boys and pages swept into the room taking Argyros with them. From the chatter it was obvious his buries were not marks of defeat but badges of honor. They made him put his kilt on, but no tunic, so the female pages could see how brave he had been. It is important for boys this age to impress the girls. Impressing them with bravery is one that seems to work.

Heron insisted he issue the challenge. I thought it best if it came from me but stated I was making it on his behalf. That give me the right to set the rules, time and place.

Knights and other military people practice an art known as pankration, a blend of wrestling, boxing, strangulation, kicking and striking techniques, as well as joint locks. Indeed, the only practices not allowed in pankration is biting, gouging, or scratching -- all else are considered legal acts during competition. In true military combat there are no rules, except that which disables your opponent. My Elite Marines are all highly ranked in pankration.

(TN: As a word, pankration comes from the adjective pankrates (pankraten), meaning: "a complete contest", "all encompassing" or "all powers." Its earliest reference occurs in 648 B. C., when it made its debut in the 33rd ancient Olympic Games, but its introduction into the Olympic program denotes that it had to have become a systematized art long before this date. In short order it became the most popular event of every Greek athletic festival, including the Olympics, usually climaxing the festival following boxing and wrestling. A mark of its enormous popularity came in 200 B. C., when a boys' division was added to the Olympics. Pankration matches were significantly rugged endeavors -- serious injuries and even deaths were "occupational hazards" of the pankratist and not considered extraordinary events. See: http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=164 for a nice discussion and lucid description. I added this as Arden had no way to know that his reader would not be completely conversant with this "sport".)

Wrestling is just one of its components, boxing another. Boys under 14 are not permitted to take part in pankration training. We are all schooled in wrestling and boxing, along with athletics. (TN: From earlier notes and other documents found in Parga's archives we would call athletics, gymnastics. In Parga it was mostly tumbling, balance rails, rope climbing, military skills and things like that. Wrestling is more or less what we know today as Olympic or college wrestling and boxing is, well boxing.)

Boys as tall as Hy and myself have a limited number of competitors, as we are divided by weight and age until men, then only by weight. Boys between 14 and 18 mostly those training to be knights or officers learn pankration.

Some of us, Heron is one of them, have kept up in one sport or another. We all keep up in archery but not so much for competitions, as for military and hunting skill. Our new team sports seem to be gaining in popularity. Teams play each other on a weekly basis now that their are several in the city.

Uncle Iason was most displeased. He and Father took Argyros to one side talking to him for some time. The scribes had prepared my challenge and shortly after I signed and sealed the document; Uncle gave me a letter he had written himself to be included. He expressed his deep disappointment about what had apparently taken place. In it he flatly stated that, "I will personally interview Argyros each day and if any signs of brutality become apparent I will correct it." I noticed he did not place his official seal on the letter but signed it simply Iason. This and the king's use of a personal pronoun speaks loudly.

I sent Argyros home with two guards and Hy as escort. Before they departed I admonished Argyros not to make advantage of his Uncle Iason's statement.