Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
74: Onesimos
(see footnote for explanation of the name Onesimos)
1320, 4th month, 18th day:
Janus reported early yesterday and we departed shortly after. He told us the boy was weak but able to speak. He was not able to tell him much except the father attacked him from behind and first, as his mother and sisters slept. He remembers little or nothing until traveling on the litter to the hospital.
On arriving at Apollo's Temple, Umar ran to Aunt Flavia, who was sitting by the boy.
"I am Umar, one of Prince Arden's sons, who are you?"
The poor lad looked puzzled for a moment. "I am Onesimos."
"Well Onesimos you know my Aunt Flavia and me. This is my daddy Prince Arden, my brother Akakios, my friends Prince Helladios, Thoren the Poet, Stephnos his apprentice, and our guardians, Uncles Volos, Pyrros and Hektor."
After each had greeted Onesimos they all left Helo and I alone with him. I knew Pyrros and Hektor would be just outside the door. Did they tell you what has happened, Onesimos?
"Yes, Flavia told me. Will I be able to thank those solders? Sir. Janus said they saved my life."
Absolutely, I will ask them to stop and see you on their way back to their base.
He looked away. "What will happen to my father?"
He will be apprehended and brought to my court for trail. Do you have any idea why he did this?
"No sir, not exactly. He had been acting strangely, he told me god was speaking to him. Telling him to do things."
He began crying and Helo held his hand and gently stroked his arm, telling him it was good to cry, good to let his feeling out. I was most surprised at the calming effect Helo was having. I could see he was inspecting Onesimos, paying close attention to the wound and how it had been sutured.
Within minutes Akakios had returned with a mug of water from the springs. Volos told me that Akakios had run all the way there and back. I could see Volos was breathing quite hard, so he must have run with him. Akakios departed to play with his cousins and I am sure seek some food, as this one seems not to ever be filled. I told Onesimos what actions we had taken. He was most appreciative that the Eagles would erect a monument for his dead sisters and mother. Then he cried again. I can understand that. Helo recognized his fatigue before I did.
"Arden we should go now and allow Onesimos to sleep. I am sure he will do it better if you give him your blessing."
I took the not so subtle hint. I placed my hand on his head admonishing him to be brave, heal quickly and well. Promising to return with music and stories, we left him to rest.
"Arden, I know his physical wounds will heal. How will his heart mend?"
Helo, I do not know. I know it will but not quickly.
"Go with me to the temple. I must seek the wisdom of Apollo and Eskulapus."
I went. Helo entered alone. It is a small place and open to view. He cleaned his feet in the little pool by the steps. Pyrros, Hektor and I sat near by. I did not think Helo was religious. I have no problem if he is. Hektor has been his guardian for only a short time and he seemed as puzzled as I. When he came out he joined us in the shade of some large trees.
"The gods do not speak to us in words. If we hear voices in our heads, other than our own, it is a sign of madness not divine speaking. Apollo and Eskulapes are not real. Those statues are only mortal representations of how the artist believe they would look if they were. The idea or the ideal of this god and his son are real. They can not heal and as you have said, `gods if they exist do not medal in the affairs of men'. None can mend his heart but we can show him the path and give assistance, so he can allow it to mend itself."
He turned to Hektor. "You vowed to serve and protect me, to follow me faithfully as long as you live, Hektor. I may be a prince but this prince will serve his people as the finest physician Parga has ever known. That is not quite the service you thought you were agreeing to. If you choose, and that choice does not need be made today, I will release you from that vow."
I could see a tear forming in Helo's eye he had formed a strong fondness for Hektor. I was proud of my little brother.
"If medicine is your calling, then medicine will be mine as well." Helo beamed and turned to me.
"Come along brother for I prescribe Prince Arden's magic and Thoren's stories as the cure for Onesimos' damaged heart. You know Arden that stature does look much like you, except you are taller."
Thoren and Stephnos had just finished telling stories to the children when we came along. They went to the hospital with us after making a stop at the Inn for some food. Perum and Flavia agreed to keep Onesimos at the Inn until I called for him at the castle. While the others went to visit I found the priests and made a donation, to cover any herbs or treatments the boy may required. When I inquired with the physician he told me Flavia had already taken care of any extra needs the lad might have. Since the Inn was so close by he would probably send him there in a day to two. Since he had lost so much blood it would take a while for him to completely regain his strength. He was best to do that recovery under her care.
I think all of the patients were happy to hear our singing and music. Thoren's stories are always popular with everyone. Onesimos is appreciative of the attention and a little embarrassed by it as well. He expressed his confusion wondering why so many important people were giving him so much attention.
"Daddy leads by example, he wants every person in Parga to help anyone who requires it. He never tells anyone that, he just goes around demonstrating it," Umar told him.
I was most surprised that he had recognized my methods at such a young age. Then he is one of those examples.
"How can I ever repay you?"
That son, is the easiest thing you will ever do. Every time you do a kindness for a stranger in need, no matter how great or small, it pays us ten times over; I willingly accept kisses too. I bent over and he kissed my cheek. The smile on his face told all.
1320, 4th month, 22nd day:
Kerion returned today, he made a report for himself and all the others. When they arrived some relatives were in the house and appeared to be prepared to remove anything of value, believing Onesimos was dead, that is what they said.
"I told them straight out, Onesimos was under the protection of the King and that any property that may belong to him need be protected. I placed the King's seal on the door and asked a neighbor, some distant cousin of the father, to make an inventory of the animals. We interviewed everyone in the village to learn as much as possible about what had happened. When the Eagles arrived we set them to arranging a funeral, cleaning the house and making as complete an inventory as they could.
No one knew where the man was; only that he had obviously disappeared on foot. Lyuben and the guards went in search. I contacted the King's representative, who is in the next village. I also contacted all the relatives, mostly sisters and brothers of the dead or missing.
I was quite displeased that many of the things in the house had been moved or disturbed. Using the blood pools and the fact that the bodies had not yet been moved, reconstructed the crime as best we could. The father had been a soldier and his weapons were missing. It did not appear he had taken any food or much of anything else with him.
I do not believe this was planned. The neighbors told us they heard some disturbances, mostly ravings from the man just before first light. At first light they went to the house and found the victims, they all assumed Onesimos was dead. The only horse in town was used to summon the soldiers. The neighbors, all being afraid the man would return, went into hiding and did not return until after the soldiers had gone.
They saw them taking Onesimos on a litter. The relatives showed up a few hours before we did. From all reports the man was a quiet fellow who did not interact much with them. The relatives said the same. This has come as a great surprise to all. The villagers all agreed he had been more withdrawn and sullen than usual.
Lyuben and the others found him several leagues to the east, sitting on a large rock. He held his dagger in his hands. They approached with some care. As they got close, they could see he had positioned his sward between several small rocks, as in preparation to fall upon it. He did not respond to them, even as they called his name, until they came very close. At that point he picked up a second sward and holding it in his right had and dagger in his left challenged them to kill him.
When they told him it was not their intention to do that but to bring him to the castle, he began raving and waving his weapons in the air; insisting he would die first and that they should kill him. Lyuben tried to reason with him but it was to no avail. They tried to rush him, all at once from different sides; just as they got within a swords reach, he dropped onto his other sword. He did not live long after. His last words were, "the voices will be silent, at last silent." The guards all agree he had obviously been a tormented soul.
The body was taken to the village and he was cremated with his dead wife and children. Only Onesimos survives. The Eagles constructed a cairn and placed the ashes in clay pots at its base. All the people in the village believe he must have been mad or possessed. None seemed to know about the voices and all assumed he was possessed by some kind of devil. These people are all followers of Dionikeous. The priests from the near by temple can and exorcized the evil spirits from the village. That seemed to ease their fears. The people did not want his ashes in the cairn but the priests insisted it was proper.
We made a copy of the inventory and left it in the house. The neighbor assured us he would look after the animals until he receives instructions from the court. I suggested the foul and other domestic animals be spread around the village, the sheep under his care."
What did the relatives say?
"Two of Onesimos' uncles offered to take him in; it was obvious they were more interested in seeing one of his cousins take over the farm and house then in Onesimos' welfare. I say this because they were both greatly upset that I had sealed the house, pending the King's ruling, and denying them access. They argued he should not be a ward to the crown, as he has family willing to care for him.
I reminded them that was already done, as he was placed under the King's protection the moment the solders discovered he was still alive. That did not mean that the king would not allow them to foster his ward. That was a decision I could not make. For now any inheritance Onesimos may receive must be protected, the ownership of the house, this and the lease to the land, his as well. That protection was part of my job and that of the Royal Guards. I suggested they talk among themselves, with both his mother's and father's relatives and make an appropriate proposal to the King. We stopped at the King's Representative home and asked him to check the seal frequently."
We talked about this at some length. Kerion believed some coin must have been in the home.
"The Eagles could find none, not even a copper, so it is assumed the relatives that were in the place when we arrived, had taken it."
Kerion had their names. I assumed Onesimos would know if any was there and perhaps how much. I pointed out that the sheep would be sheared in the next week or two and the neighbor should keep track of the wool produced. He would send a letter reminding him and offering him 10% for his efforts. The wool should be sold and the balance deposited in a Post Office account for Onesimos.
We discussed much of this case. It would appear that the madness was what some physicians call two persons. (TN: Schizophrenia, from the Greek roots schizein (sxiweiv, "to split") and phren, phren- (Frhn, Fren-, "mind"), Although a broad concept of madness has existed for thousands of years, schizophrenia was only classified as a distinct mental disorder by Emil Kraepelin in 1893.) Hippokrates thought mental illness or madness related often to the physical.
Theories and treatments for mental illness developed in Islamic medicine from the 8th century, where the first psychiatric hospitals were built. Hippokrates only predates them by 1300 years. We still do not have any of these in Parga, however our need is small. The Baghdad Hospital was run by the Persian physician Rhazes. Unlike most ancient and modern societies, which believed mental illness to be caused by either demonic possession or as punishment from a God, Islamic neuro-ethics and many secular Greeks, held a more sympathetic attitude towards the mentally ill, as exemplified in Sura 4:5 of the Qur'an, which considers the mentally ill to be unfit to manage property but must be treated humanely and be kept under care by a guardian. I find this strange that they would use property. I find the mentally ill are unfit to manage people or often interact with others and that is why they need be kept separate and under the care of a guardian. I must remember in that society women and children are considered property.
European and other Christians have focused on demonic possession as the explanation of aberrant behavior. Some attribute it to different Pagan gods or other causes like the moon or strong winds, even volcanos. Some plants and I was told when in France, certain molds on grains, cause men to act as if possessed or mad. Extreme melancholy, extended hysterical behavior and unrealistic fear (TN: in our terms phobia, phobos=fear, and Arden wrote unrealistic fear not just phobos. The use of phobia, melancholy and hysteria by him are not used in our modern sense as official mental illnesses.) If we had many of these people among us we would need a place for them. The greatest danger is that the mad will and can act in such a way as hurt themselves, others or the state.
Some times we see people who have suffered a great shock or emotional dislocation, have a brief period of these. Time, friendship and sometimes hubris, often see them restored. Other times nothing seems to help. I do not ascribe to the god or daemons theory. I do not know the cause and I suspect that it is not the same in all instances. I strongly suspect it is something within ourselves that is not properly balanced. Since we see madness displayed differently in different people I think it is not a thing but different things, all effecting the heads.
It is most strange. Those that say god has talked to them and if what is being said is consistent with what other people already believe, are considered prophets. Those who hear this voice and what is being said is not what others want to hear, are possessed by the devil. I think they are both possessed but not by either a god or a devil. They are possessed by their own imaginations.
1320, 4th month, 24th day:
I took my children and about 10 others to Apollo's Temple today. Onesimos is much improved and his wound is healing well. While the children and Euthalia socialized with Flavia and their cousins, Perum and I took the baths with Ones. I must say this is the first time I had a good look as his legs. He has a runners physique and the nicest, round buttocks imaginable. His calf and thigh muscles are strong, his waist is small and his chest well developed. For a boy he was most pleasant to look at. Perum seems to be more than a little interested in him and I can see why. The physicians feel he can leave their care in about a week.
He was most appreciative that the soldiers had called on him. Perum told me Ones is most helpful at the Inn and he would have him stay on as his apprentice. When I asked him about returning to his village he was unsure. I suggested he needed a visit if only to pay his respects to his mother and sisters. I reviewed his situation with him; encouraging him not to make any quick decisions, but to visit the castle and speak with King Iason first. Being the King's ward offers many opportunities for the future.
"I will gladly come to the castle and city, I have never seen either. I doubt that the King will have time for me."
I have time for you, as do all the princes, why not the king?
"He must be very busy and I am just a lowly orphan."
He is busy that is true. We are all busy, even yourself. That does not mean we refuse to make time for important things. Knowing each and every ward and making sure each and every one is given opportunity, is about as important as anything can be.
"Arden is serious, I have seen it. You will find King Iason is most earnest about making sure all who come under his protection are given what ever is needed to grow and prosper," Perum told him.
To Uncle Iason and my father Prince Karyakos you are now their son, their children are many things, lowly is not one of them. They want for all their children, what every parent wants. Given their resources, either can fill or have filled, almost any desire and every need.
"What does he ask in return?"
He asked only that you grow, mature to take up your position as a citizen and do your best at what ever that position may be. I know he will work hard to earn your respect and loyalty perhaps even your love. He looked quite shocked. No Onesimos, not the loyalty and respect of office but the loyalty and respect of the child for the parent. Prince Karyakos and King Iason are loved and respected as the royal couple but to their wards they would be fathers as I am to Umar and Akakios. That is not to say many are not adopted. That is to say those that are not or who do not wish to be adopted, do not suffer and are not parentless. A good example of this is Lyuben. He came to us as a runaway slave and today he is one of the Princes' assistants.
"You are welcome to stay here with Flavia and I. Inn keeping is not for everyone, we know that and we understand if you choose another path. You may choose to return to your extended family. You may choose some kind of adventure and join the Argonauts. You could, if you feel inclined, attend more schooling or some other apprenticeship. I know many men who were Royal Wards. Few were pleased to loose their parents, all tell you with pride they were wards of the King."
1320, 4th month, 28th day:
Little of note has happened
1320, 5th month, 1st day:
Thoren and Stephnos brought Onesimos to the castle. Helo, Spiros and the other boys in Helo's group of friends, complained bitterly that Miltiades has taken over his orientation. Uncle Iason quieted them down by saying he had ordered it. Onesimos' business here was serious not some game for their amusement, nor were they or anyone else to influence Onesimos' decisions.
I would he attend the Academy, if he has the abilities. To my mind that gives a young man the best preparation. I know the Argonauts are always looking for good candidates. I am told the King has a number of proposals from relatives and non relatives, Perum among them. I have no doubt that Thoren filled his head with prince stories during the journey. I am sure he will not be sent away from the castle unless it is his desire.
We have felt several small earth tremors. The religious began gathering at their temples to make prayers and sacrifices. They obviously feel those efforts will influence the gods. I think they are misguided but it does no real harm. No damage is reported.
We did receive reports from Denmark that Hekia, a volcano in it's colony Iceland has erupted again, causing much damage. I wonder if today's tremor is related to Mt. Etna in Sicily, which seems to be one of the more active volcanos in our part of the world. I wonder what causes these things. I have only seen them, Etna and Vesuvius from a distance. Etna was producing smoke and steam and Vesuvius was quiet at the time. We could clearly see that the rocks resulting from these mountains were different in color and texture from those that are around them, or in most of Parga.
The marbles and limestones are white or cream in color. Most are made of shells and other things. Some are made of sand and can be of different colors. Shales and slates are also present they can be any color. Most of the rocks in Parga are these but some that resemble the volcanic rocks and look like glass are here as well. These glass like rocks are still used to make fine cutting tools.
I inspected the plaza and found it all in order. The plants are either reset or have re-grown. All of the graffiti has been removed and the statue is now bright and shining as it was when first installed. In the lights at night it positively gleams. Many new features have also been added. One is a large assembly area between the plaza and the water. Another are more benches many with little tables between, for people to play card games and backgammon. The market area has been moved further toward the castle. This allows for a wide street on that side. Most of the new benches and all of the little table are sponsored by various guilds. The prostitutes' guilds donated most of the little tables.
When Osmoses presented in the baths I could see first hand why Perum was so interested in him staying at the Inn. He is truly a beautiful boy with man sized genitals. He was somewhat shy at first. I could see he wanted to hide his scar but the boys would not allow it. To them it is a badge of courage and a symbol of his overcoming adversity. That scar is that, if nothing else. Many went up to him, kissing his scar in a form of greeting. It was clear that not only was this greeting appreciated but his mighty erection indicated his was also quite stimulated by the close interaction with all of these handsome men and beautiful boys. Father and Uncle have kept him close to them for the past few days. It is obvious they are in no hurry to send him away. I know my Iason can not hold from fucking him for much longer. He will be a very popular lad in the castle in very short order. Not only is his penis long like mine, it is fat like Iason's.
He does not walk with pride or confidence. I think that is just a matter of time. I suspect it will take some time for him to fully trust older men. For him trusting anyone over 30 years will be a problem. I see Miltiades often stands behind him. One would think he could trust his relatives; since it was his father that nearly killed him relatives are no more comforting than strangers. Death is all to common and we all experience the passing of loved ones and friends. When those deaths are at the hands of someone trusted and loved that shakes the confidence.
Father and Uncle left the baths with Onesimos between them. Most of us have been in this position before, we knew the boy was in for pleasure he never dreamed of. One of their favorite techniques is placing the boy between while one fucks him, he fucks the other. Stay or go, Wards of the king know his love for them. The intimacy developed can not replace the years of association between child and parent. It does give the royal couple and the ward a degree of it, not possible by other means. The god phallus has his ways and we all delight in worshiping at his temple, be we men or women.
I am sure Dysme will be sending the two regular Ganymedes to us for the next night or two.
1320, 5th month, 2nd day:
Eudoxia and Sophia are both very large now and they are having trouble just moving around. It will be another six weeks for them or perhaps even longer. From the size of their bellies I would guess shorter, then what do I know about this kind of thing.
1320, 5th month, 4th day
I visited Koalhurst today to check on the building process. All is well and progressing. I doubt that we will spend much, if any time, in it this summer. Next month I will bring Euthalia and the children to stay with my parents until the fall. I think Umar and Akakios should enjoy some of the freedom and farm work that I did as a boy. Alexandros will send a couple of female guardians with them.
Poly and Kastor are planning to send all the palace boys and pages 10 through 14, for a month with the Elite Marines at the Eastern Hunting Lodge. Not only will they learn valuable skills but the lodge offers excellent experiences in the woods and mountains.
....................
I'll bet you though the author was inventing words again. Not this time. Onesimus is an ancient Greek name. As used here it has of course a broader meaning.
Onesimus (disambiguation)
Onesimus, bishop of Byzantium (a runaway slave and early Christian convert mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible).