Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
75: A New Adventure
1320, 5th month, 7th day
A storm with much rain and cool strong winds came upon us late yesterday afternoon. The rain was accompanied by much thunder and lightning. The storm was predicted and all the fishing boats and ships were called into safe harbor. We made advantage of this inviting all that sailed on them to dine with us. No one dining hall could hold everyone. The castle residents were fed early and the mariners later than normal. The Princess Class crews were all squeezed into the Family Dining room with Lady Lucia representing our dear departed mother. The Prince Class crews were spread to the others. Each prince and princess were seated with their crews. Given the numbers, Iason asked the Argonauts and pages to assist the palace staff.
Somehow the kitchens managed to prepare several times there normal. This was the first time Lysandros was to interact with his crew. He is learning the business of being a prince well and fast. He made a rope entrance much to the delight of his sailors, who clapped and cheered as he descended. The lad ran to the captain and then signaled. Six of his little friends then followed, Umar and Alfred among them were also cheered as they descended. Uncle Iason just rolled his eyes as this was taking place. I can only guess what he said to the captain, who greeted each and they were quickly distributed among the sailors and marines. In no time at all he was going along the tables receiving a greeting and Kiss from each one.
Lyuben stayed with the Prince Arden crew. Panther, having served on three, ate his meal with the Prince Nikias and after went to the other crews to spend some time.
Just thinking about Panther brings the image of his prodigious penis to mind. If the worshippers of the phallus, that is most of us, were to have a high priest it would be him.
1320, 5th month, 9th day
I was visiting the university this morning. Plouton, one of the history scholars, asked for a brief meeting when I finished with the philosophers. He had been reading Diodorus of Sicily. In his work Diodorus cites a lost account, set down 300 years before, which described, "a magnificent precinct sacred to Apollo and a notable spherical temple" on a large island far to the north, opposite what the Romans called Gaul, we now call Gaul, France. We do not have a complete set of his works, only parts of the 40 books he wrote. On checking other sources, mostly Roman, Plouton believes the large island is England.
Several Roman military people claim to have seen a large and old, circular temple made of up large blocks of stone, standing up right with lentils and earthworks. These references come from about the same time as Diodorus' lost accounts. He is sure they are the same, his references do not describe it except to say large, impressive and so on. As near as he can figure, the place lay to the west and north of a place now called Salisbury which lay north and west of Southampton.
From what he was able to learn, the Romans were drawn to this location which existed already and he believes the association with Apollo comes more from them than the locals. The Diodorus suggested the place was no longer used in an organized way or being maintained. It was apparently a place of healing for the locals. No mention is made of it in the later part of Roman occupation. (TN: This appears to be Stonehenge.)
Plouton told me that other round structures, of various types, are found throughout England and Europe. Most are very ancient and appear to be related to calendars and the need to know the seasons. Primary appears to be the solutes. This place seems to be know by scholars and some recent writings are available, however they tend to be religious types and sometimes are fanciful in their speculations. The present land owner is the Amesbury Abbey. They have little interest in it, not being a Christine place. According to a book published about 100 years ago by Geoffrey of Mornmouth, he wrote in Latin, the stones have healing properties. The legends he relates are more then fanciful. Other writings in Welch talk about this but they too are more fancy than fact.
The oral traditions seem to have been lost or so badly corrupted as to be useless. We know our ancestors traded for tin with the people on the west side of England as we do today. It is unlikely they believed in or even knew about Apollo. Perhaps the Romans gave this association as they knew his name.
Plouton would make a personal visit to England and he would like Royal sponsorship. You obviously believe it is important that you witness this place personally, why?
"I do not believe others, those I do not know, will not be looking objectively and accurately enough. I have read the descriptions of things that I have personally witnessed and described, written by others. They claim to be reporting what I have seen and when I compare that to my own descriptions they are significantly different. If this place is some how connected to Apollo then it must be recorded and examined. If it is not that too needs be documented.
When the Romans expanded north and west peoples occupied those places. Unlike Alexander they did much destruction, significantly more then when they defeated the Greeks. They did enough and much was lost to us as a result. When the Christians came to power they did significantly more destruction. I believe we must make a sound record of this place before it is completely taken away."
I believe your idea has merit. We will be sending ships to England for tin in the next few weeks. Perhaps you could go with them.
"The only problem is Southampton is not on their rout, which is to the South and West. They do not stay long enough for me to do much."
Let me think on it a bit. I have a few ides. Are you intending to bring others with you?
"I am well versed in history, I am not an engineer or artist. I also need a competent translator as I do not speak the local tongue and only limited French. You were in England not that long ago Prince, what do you suggest?"
I am sure of Edward II's cooperation and the Baron of Sussex. You are correct on the languages. Odo is well versed in most languages and he...I think I have a plan, I told him, promising to return in a day to two.
I do not think the Crown will just finance this. If we can find a reason to take one of the Prince Class ships for the tin and a few of us as passengers. I need talk to my brothers.
Nikias, Hy and myself engaged each other in a long and most satisfying round of lovemaking. The highlight of which was my giving Nikias oral pleasure while receiving Hy's penis in my bottom. His testicles slapping against my butt while taking Nikias full into my throat was most exciting and pleasurable.
1320, 5th month, 10th day
Pyrros and Volos officially adopted Akakios today. His uncles and cousins were in attendance as were all of us. Euthalia was happy for him but sad for herself. She has grown very fond of him. Umar will miss his company greatly, I am sure of that. They too have grown quite close. It is not like the boy will move away from the castle or the city. His new fathers will ensure he is a close part of our larger family for many years to come. I am also sure I will be daddy for some time yet.
I have given Plouton's request much thought, both as to the substance and the process. I decided that I should not make either a decision or plan, but should allow all the others to have input. Were it up to me the Prince Arden would sail in the morning for England. This sounds to be a great adventure, one I am most interested in attending. I am not sure others would see the cost as justified. I can not do so either. We could send one or two scholars on their own. It would be much cheaper. That would take much longer, not be as complete and would not cary as much political weight as the attendance of one or more princes.
Some would say this is a fools journey. That we do not need to know this or even care about it. Those involved were not our ancestors and it is so far away as to have no influence on us or understanding our history. It is fair to say that while making a contribution to scholarship, which only a hand full of academics will ever be aware of, it is just not worth the time and trouble. They will say I am interested in this for the adventure, it may provide little else.
Those thoughts are all true to some degree. Why would we not wish to visit ancient Olympia or Delphi? Places that hold some meaning to us as a people. Those places are fallen into rune. Even the Christine churches that were built at them are no longer used and are fallen down. I was most impressed with the Parthanon in Athens and the Temple of Hisphestis, even if they are now used as churches and greatly corrupted, they still stand as monuments to the skill and effort of our ancestors, if little else. We have a few small, well maintained temples, some from the same ancient time. From what I have witnessed our sculptures carve to the same standards.
Iason's specialty is in history so I will consult with him. I know he will be supportive. If nothing else he will desire the adventure. He will not leave Sophia until the baby is born. I know how guilty he felt not being here when Zoe died. If anything had happened to Euthalia or Aisopos I would feel the same.
I fear the situation in England is not stable. There is little love lost between the Welsh and Cornish with the English. The Crown Prince may be the Prince of Wales but he is no more than 8 or nine years old. The Earldom of Cornwall has changed hands several times recently as well. The most southerly part of this large island is called Lands End by the locals. Greek, Roman and before them others have called here for tin. Several small ports on the west side of the Lands End peninsula and several more along the cost north are the supply points for sea traffic. Copper is also present as is lead and Zinc. Since any Prince Class ships can cary more cargo than several of the merchants combined and since we have not released our merchants to trade in these commodities as yet, why not go and get a few loads ourselves?
That purpose, when combined with the nobility of historical scholarship and a little princely adventure, makes this a more palatable undertaking. We could also pay calls along the way with our friends and other political entities. I have good offices with Phillip of France and at least a speaking relationship with Edward. The conditions between France and England are strained. We are best to remain neutral wishing to trade with all.
Oxford and Cambridge universities are not along our path, they are not that far away from Salisbry. I am sure our scholars would wish to visit both. These places are most heavy into theology but like all other schools of today have scholars in many disciplines. I am told English universities have more independence than many others but none are truly Free Universities as is the King Iason 7th. Both are much larger than ours as well.
I called a meeting of the elder princes and advisors. The junior princes and others were asked to keep silent until requested. We began the discussions looking first at the metals trade. That moved on to the trade in high quality goods such as optics and instruments. From there we moved into Ambassadorial needs, exchanges in scholars and students and on to the history aspect.
"It is settled then," Iason said, "Three Prince Class and two Princess Class ships will leave in the 7th month to return by the 9th month."
"No Iason, it is not settled until some equitable way is found to select who is to represent Parga and which scholars and other professionals will accompany them," Father stated.
"I rather fancy that Kary and I travel, leaving all of you here. We are not to old to enjoy a little adventure and this idea is filled with it. Further, I believe two Prince Class and one Princess Class will be sufficient."
"Two plus one will work but how is not allowing any of us along equitable," Iason asked? He knew, as well as we all, that the most equitable thing would be all or none.
"Let us investigate this a little further," Father suggested, "Perhaps we would be prepared to allow all of you, even Lysandros to go if you are distributed between the two ships."
"All of us," Kastor said?
"Yes all, unless of course some do not wish."
"I thought you and Father wished to attend," Iason stammered?
"We do son, we most certainly do, we also realize it is our sons that will benefit most. When young princes we were given the opportunity to travel. We took those and are the better for it, Parga is the better for it. Personal desires are often substituted for the greater good. It is a price we pay for our office."
"Who among us does not wish to attend this adventure," Poly asked? None replied. I noticed Lysandros and Helo were both so excited. They found it difficult to sit still and remain silent, lest someone would think they did not wish to attend. Later Dios, Agapios, Umar, Akakios and several others came to see Iason and myself. It was obvious each was prepared to plead his and the others' cases for being included. Under most ordinary conditions Iason and I would have let them make their case and put forward moderate resistance. We were both quite tired and and capitulated before any had a chance to speak.
"Does that mean we sail on the Prince Arden," Dios asked? No, it only means he will be coming with us, it is the Rear Admiral who chooses the components of his fleet, it is best that he not be both Captain and Admiral at the same time. I know we would all like our named ships to be chosen. We are all confident Hermogenes will choose appropriately.
1320, 5th month, 12th day
Wan came today with a gift for Lysandros, it is called a Chinese Kithara. The instrument is a little different from our ancient Kithara. It features tuning pegs that turn, little feet and what he calls a bridge. The bridge or bridges as there are several, rise up slightly above the sounding board and guide the strings. In some respects it is like a harp with a sounding board behind. The thing is much more portable than his clavichord. The strings are plucked or struck with little hammers not like the clavichord, it has no keys. (TN: This must be like a Zither/Hammered Dulcimer combined.) Apparently a popular instrument in China for hundreds of years. He does not play it but remembered what they looked like and when shown a Kithara realized the similarity. He added the hammers to accommodate Lysandros' small hands. Most of the strings are gut but some are wire. The metal strings would be difficult for him to play with his boy sized and strength fingers. It gives more range like a clavichord with the combination. Lysandros was absolutely delighted as now he too has a portable instrument that can be taken on a ship.
Our lamp makers and engineers have installed the Koallime lamps on all our ships. We still have oil lamps and candles but the Koallime lamps are far superior. I am told the engineers have also developed this gas as a source of heat for cooking. Open fires are no longer needed as it is now contained in an iron box. A good thing on a wooden ship filled with gunpowder.
I do not look forward to eating dried: fruit, vegetables, beans, pasta and salted and smoked meat or fish. Cheese and olives are easy to cary and as good as we have on land. At least we need not depend on grinding our own grains and maize to make Tages and soups. Dried pasta makes a much better meal and it can be cooked in salt water. I trust we will stop frequently to refresh our fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. Fresh meat can be kept in cages covered with hemp cloth which are hung over the side, in the shade. If the hemp is kept damp the meat lasts much longer.
In France and Italy many do not like uncooked vegetables and fruits. I tend to like them if freshly gathered, if they are old, cooking seems to help them.
I met with the metal merchants and their trustees. We struck a deal such that they would receive a small fee from the metals imports and we would pretend it was them and not the crown which was doing the purchasing. They were all of equal minds on our mission. As are the merchant guilds. Two Prince Class ships can cary the cargo of 12 merchants with room to spare. I will take along all that has been ordered and many of other goods not ordered but which we will try and sell, establishing even greater markets. They reluctantly agreed to let Hilarus represent all their interests, with Polydeukus' guidance. Kastor agreed to second his Page Captain to our ranks for the period. They gave them letters of introduction and patents as their representative.
King Iason will also appoint our first ambassador to the English Court and he will establish an embassy and trade council office in London. Kastor has been busy sending letters to all the places we intend to visit announcing ourselves.
I wrote directly to the Earl of Sussex requesting his hospitality and to arrange the rent of a sufficient number of horses. King Iason wrote to King Edward.
I wanted to write to Phillip but Kastor insisted our ambassador should do that, Karyakos wrote to him. The ambassador has told us Phillip is either unable or uninterested in controlling the pirates that operate out of St. Malo in the Brittany, the north coast of France. This is a source of friction between France and England among many others. Apparently they have become much bolder then just a few years ago. The French Kings have been too fond of giving them letters of mark. The French Navy is not strong and mostly focused on coastal defense.
I went to Father and requested he include my privet and personal letter to Phillip, with his formal request. He agreed. Phillip and I have corresponded with each other for over two years. We have been trading ideas about pre-christian philosophers, leadership and princeship.
Iason and I had a very romantic time after our baths. I sat in a large chair without arms and my beloved sat on my erection allowing me to fuck him slowly and with a most gentle rhythm. He often would rotate his hips giving both of us the most wonderful feeling. I am very fond of this position given my height my legs can cradle him and my longer body allows him to lay back into my arms for many passionate and lasting kisses.
Our boys favor this for themselves. They most like me laying on my stomach and Iason laying on his side.
1320, 5th month, 16th day
I took a short respite and visited Koalhurst. My mother was most happy that Pyrros and Volos brought Akakios along. She is happy for them and Akakios but most grateful that they desire her to continue to be his surrogate grandmother. Their parents are also pleased to have at least one grandchild from their union. Akakios will not want for family relationships. He may at times be almost overwhelmed by them. Everyone is most delighted with his singing and his music touters are more than satisfied with his progress as well as his voice.
I asked Ajax to keep an eye on the construction while I was away, giving him the authority to make decisions that may be needed. Abernath is manager the financial aspects. I also learned some of our family history from Abrith. He told me our Welsh ancestors came from the area near Cardiff about 200 years ago. That was about all he knew. He did know they came as miners and brought the long bow with them. None were well educated by Parga's standards and that language has mostly been lost, except for names and some mining related terms.
Our chamber boys, at the prompting of Ikaros, have organized themselves and others into a pleasure group. In the winter months they always made sure to provide one or more warm bodies to our beds. Now that the nights are not so cool the temptation for many is to sleep alone. That is to leave the bed of their lover after sharing pleasure. Ikaros feels it is important that we not only share our bodies and affection but that we share our sleeping arrangements as well. He feels with our numbers, many will feel left out otherwise. I think it is important that the young boys are never made to feel that sex with the other boys or men results from the power differential that obviously exists. I would rather they participate willingly as it is our custom and and right of passage. I think this is mostly successful.
I often see minor disputes. They are almost always settled between and that settlement includes some kind of sexual interaction, often a kiss or intimate touch. I think it is our training as pages and Argonauts that keeps the princes and aids from using their station and the power it implies. I know this is not always the situation in the military. Our guardians seem most conscious of it and I am not aware of them using rank to demand sexual or social submission from others. Obedience to military orders is completely different.
I know many will be disappointed that they are not included in our expedition. We will need reward them with some kind of adventure or another after we return. I intend to purchase true Welsh longbows for all. Not that these are superior to ours. They are not, however they would come from a far away and exotic place. The English use a wood called Yew or boxwood and sometimes Ash, just as we do. Yew grows here but only in a few parts of the English island. I will take some fine well seasoned yew with me, about 100 staves. I am sure I can trade two or three for one. Their bows are like ours, 6 feet long with a 3 foot pull. Some of our shorter archers, and theirs too, make bows of 4 feet with the same pull distance. These are like large Greek bows but but due to the thicker wood, more powerful.
Edward would like to accompany us. He has said nothing but I can see it in his eyes. Perhaps we can arrange an exchange of herbs between Apollo's Temple and Amesbury Abbey. Perhaps the Patriarch can help us in this effort.
I know in his heart he would wish to encounter those responsible for his father's death. He is now skilled sufficiently to make good on his desire. That will not happen but like Lyuben he will be served by those he once was forced to be subservient to.
Ikaros and Solon, nine princes and our 11 guardians, Edward, Akakios, Umar, Dios, Agapios, Kleitos, Miltiades, Hilarus, six scholars and engineers, Umar's art tutor, Odo, 13 Elite Marines, one physician, Ambassador Koios and his family, Rear Admiral Hermogenes and the normal complement of men and officers from three ships, make up a most impressive group.
1320, 5th month, 18th day
Hermogenes announced his selection of ships today. We will sail on the King Iason, Prince Karyakos and Princess Elpis. Iason has been busy again redesigning our dress. He has not made major changes.
1320, 5th month, 24th day
The Prince Helladios and the Princess Sophia sailed into the harbor yesterday. They had a Dubronick based merchant in their company; reporting that the Prince Helladios, Prince Lysandros and the Princess Sophia came upon two pirates attacking the merchant. The Pirates were based in Tripoli. One pirate ran and the Prince Lysandros is giving chase.
The Prince Helladios came close and overwhelmed the pirates. Unfortunately not before most of the merchant's crew was killed. The Helladios' captain told me they managed to kill all of the pirates, save two ship's boys and free most of the slaves before the galley sank. He had 6 men wounded in the operation. "Our archers dispatched most of the pirates before we boarded. They put up a good fight but we were superior in numbers and skills. They sank because we had rammed them while pulling along side. We need to devise better ways of boarding. Ways that will allow us to get more men, more quickly, onto their decks, without doing damage.
The other pirate saw us advancing, cut loose and began rowing hard. The Prince Lysandros put on more sail and continued after the fleeing galley. The pirate was driving for shallow water. They will be quite surprised to learn that a Prince Class ship has a more shallow draft then they appear."
Many of the galley slaves were on the Princess Sophia. I must say they were a sorry looking lot. It was obvious they lacked food. We quickly had them fed, the iron wrist and ankle cuffs removed. The ship's boys were unharmed but frightened, they were taken by the Argonauts.