Arden By: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
78: Preparations and New Ideas
1320, 6th month, 17th day
Today we received an answer to Kastor's Cairo letter. It was as expected, saying nothing. They claimed no knowledge of this and stated that once ships left their ports they were not responsible for their actions. They thanked us for the list of dead and captured which will be forwarded to Tripoli. Perhaps someone there had knowledge of these men and ships.
Kastor will reply that we understand this position. He will then simply say, given that they are unable or unwilling to control these privateers, once they leave their ports, that we assume Cairo will have no objection for us doing so. That may mean attacking them, in what they consider to be a safe haven, ports under Cairo's control. The use of Cairo's ports must come at some price. It would seem to us that part of that price could or should be staying out of Parga's waters and respect for Parga's flag.
One would think that cheaper by far better than destruction and capture. Parga fully intends to seek out and destroy these privateers. We do not intend to do so in Cairo controlled ports without their agreement. We were sure they would certainly not agree to this; it will get the attention required.
1320, 6th month, 18th day
I am just overwhelmed by all the wonderful male bodies I am privileged to see every day. Not all are the ideal form. I am not quite sure what that is. I have read and observed. We all know how the artists and sculptures portray the human form, idealized for the gods or heros. I know I am much taller then the ideal. I have very broad shoulders and well formed rounded buttocks, bulging muscles in my arms and legs as well as a narrow middle. All conform to the ideal.
I am lean and seem not to have any fat on my body. I think that is a result of the height and my running. Others are different. I think three groups can be defined. The very thin and angular. Kastor and Polydukes are examples of this. They seem not to have any fat. They are strong but must work hard to have bulging muscles. They can eat and never seem to gain additional mass. Iason, is an example of the rounded form. He too is fit and strong. He has a bit of fat on his body especially around his middle and in his buttocks and will gain so if he eats to much. There is the middle ground, his father is a good example of that, he is well proportioned and fits the ideal well. He must either work or limit his eating not to gain to much in the middle or his buttocks. He too is taller than the average but not nearly as tall as I am. Others are quite short such as Uncle Iason. He is in the middle like Father but shorter than average. I think I too am in the middle. If we take all of the men in our family, including the guardians, they would all fall into one of these three groups. Within each group is a range of heights and therefore weights.
The women are the same. One must correct or consider if they have had children and how many. Women with many children seem to have much wider hips and larger buttocks then those with none or few. They tend to be on average shorter then men. None are as tall as me but some are as tall as Father. That seems to be their extreme as I am an extreme for men. I know we have some solders that are shaped like Iason but are as tall as Father they are huge men. We have a few that are as tall as Father and are shaped like Kastor. Several of our stewards are example.
I believe Lysandros will be like me and probably as tall as Father. He is already as tall as Nikias and still only a boy. I conclude we have three general body shapes and each has a range of heights. The average height in our family is five and 1/2 feet. The range including me is from 6 and 1/2 feet to four and 1/2 feet.
My arms and legs are very long but in the same proportions as those of shorter men. Heights and limb proportions do not change with general shape types. That is true for hip circumference and shoulder width. One must take care in how these are measured, as the occupation and sports activities of a person adds muscle mass to these areas, as well as the circumference of the chest. Penis length does not seem related to overall size but the length of the foot and area of the hand does.
Hygonis has been exceptionally close to me of late. I think the prospect of my sailing and his staying here is upsetting him. I would have him accompany me as would the other princes there personal aids. Given their need for education and training it is best they stay behind. He also has much work in the tax department.
Kastor has now received letters from all the places we are to visit. He has worked out a list of people we are to visit at each place and developed a list of diplomatic objectives for each. It is important that we all know what these are.
1320, 6th month, 22nd day
Yesterday was sports day. I think it was the most successful since I have been a prince. Stephnos assisted us older princes as all the others were taking part in some sport or another. I could see he looked longly at several wanting to participate. I could see from his adjustment screws that day will not be as far away as I had first thought. He told me that he had mastered the Greek Bow and was now trying short long bow, sword and shield as well as horseshoes.
Horseshoes is not so much a sport as a game but it does take strength and skill to be good. Stephnos tells me he can do any game or sport that allows him to stand in a fixed position. He throws daggers and darts as well as metal disks with blades that protrude from them; Wan Yuan had shown him these things. He told Stephnos they came from Japan and were called Shurikens, which means dagger in the hand or sword hidden in the hand. Wan had told him they were used to slash in close quarters or could be thrown. Much like a dagger is used. I must ask Wan about this place called Japan. I have never heard of it.
(TN: Wikipedia tells us: "Iron plates or rings for shoes may have been nailed on horses' feet in Western Asia and Eastern Europe as early as the second century BCE, though there is very little evidence for the nailed horseshoe prior to CE 600. Nonetheless, there is a theory that the camp followers of the Grecian armies, who could not afford the discus, took discarded horseshoes, set up a stake and began throwing horseshoes at it." Others that the solders in those armies used this game for recreation and skill development.)
All of our boys and men did very well. Myron, Dios, Thoren and Hilarus all winning one or more running events. All of my records still stand, several, in the shorter distances, are in great danger. I think this is wonderful. I am most proud of Thoren as he competes against sighted runners not the other blind athletes, this time he won two distances.
Along with the athletic events, Kleitos and Mitidies gave a demonstration of their newest animal training success. They have taken several Molossian dogs, used by shepherds and farmers. I have seem them pulling small carts on farms in Koalhurst. Trained them to lead or assist the blind. These are very large and powerful animals. They are surprisingly gentle with the families and flocks they protect, and most farce with wolves or humans that intruders or threaten.
Kelitos has selected the smallest from several litters. These litters were from animals known for their gentle nature. He has then bread them, producing a variety of Molossian that is almost white in color, with the shape of its ancestors but about 3/4 the average size. He then trains them from small puppies for the specific tasks needed to assist the blind. This training lasts for about two years. The dogs are then given to their new masters. He further trains both the master and the dog to work together.
This afternoon he had his first group of dogs and blind men demonstrating these skills. The dog will guide the master around puddles or holes, up and down stairs, around corners, through a crowd or group, around obstacles and so on. The animals pay no attention to other dogs, cats, or even rabbits. They also ignore other humans, especially children who dearly love to pet animals and tend to run up to them.
I would have thought Thoren would have been one of the first to receive a dog. He refused Kelitos' offer saying, "I can get around fine, it would be better to give freedom to those who lack it." Kelitos is training a special animal for him. One that is more normal in size and will work well with the new horse he is also training.
"Arden, Alesxo is getting very old and I fear will not live much longer. I have a wonderful six year old gelding, Alesxo the Second, being prepared for him. His dog has been working with this horse since it was a small puppy. I have trained the dog to ride on Alesxo's back, that way the horse is more accustomed to a rider that does not use the reigns. They are great friends and share the same stall. I think both will be ready by the fall.
Why would you train a special dog for Thoren if he does not desire one? "When Karyakos learned Thoren had refused, he came to me and asked that I do this. He said, `Thoren would not accept a dog until every other blind person who wanted one had been served. He can not refuse a personal gift from the King?' Now you must keep this confidence, it is to be a surprise."
Who supports the cost of this dog training, I do not remember it in any budgets?
"The dogs come from the Palace kennels, the food from my animal budget and the training is paid for by Prince Karyakos from his personal treasure. The Eagles distribute the animals and help to train the blind to use them. You remember those two boys Throen brought to the Castle with Stephons. They now work under my direction and provide most of the care and training for the young dogs. Karyakos gives me the money to pay them. A number of Argonauts volunteer to help also."
How did you requite them? I thought they were very unhappy to be here. "They were the first day or two but by the end of the week both boys had a change of heart. At the time they came we had a large number of colts and puppies and no shortage to kittens either. The young animals seemed to attach themselves to these two. I think they became attached to them as well. When Thoren came to see them off, at the end of the week, they simply did not want to go. Thoren refused to take the money owed, saying they had earned it and obviously learned the lesson he had wanted. On seeing this I sent Mitidies to seek advice. He returned with Karyakos. Once he determined the situation, struck a deal."
I think there is a lesson for us in this Kelitos, I am not sure I know what it is.
"Arden it is simply that some times our animals are better judges of character than we are. Karyakos did not know they would make excellent trainers of dogs for the blind. He did know they had earned a chance to prove themselves. Like so many we have give opportunity to, these two have exceeded our expectations. You can not imagine the pride in their voices and on their faces when they say, "we train animal eyes for the blind." It is a claim few others anywhere can make."
Kelitos is correct. It is a claim few others in the world can make. It is something to be proud of. They have pride in the results, in having given service to ones fellow men and in doing what few others do or have ever done. I think the lesson is greater however. I think Father teaches me too. He reminds me others can and do have the same skills as I. That a little humility on my part would not be a bad thing. That the greatest satisfaction, is knowing you are doing the right thing, even if few or none know about it.
I am sure Uncle had no clear idea of what would result when he commissioned Kelitos to look at other ways animals could be used to assist those with incapacities or infirmities. We have used animals such a dogs for as long as we have been a people. Dogs hunt, heard, guard, cary and pull loads and sometimes supervise children. They are often our companions. None of this is new. What is new is the highly specialized training for this specific task. If dogs can be trained to be eyes why not ears? I suggested this to Kelitos. He thought it worthy and would institute just such a trial.
I have seen Lysandros and Helidos using hand signals to communicate with each other and their friends. These boys picked up many from the sailors; who used them to signal each other for setting sails and other things. Each gesture has a specific meaning, a word, or phrase.
The pages have their own signaling language. It is not extensive but allows us to summon each other, get assistance, signal assignments and so on.
I wonder if the deaf can learn to speak with their hands. I know many deaf do use gestures or sign language to communicate with each other. These signs are not common across Parga, only locally significant where several deaf people may frequently interact with each other. These hearing dogs would need to learn just such a signaling system. I know that hunting dogs are often trained to hand signals perhaps they will make the best hearing dogs.
If deaf people were all to learn the same set of signals then all could communicate, not only with each other but with their hearing counterparts that also learn the signs. Even Socrates has commented that the deaf communicate with gestures as communication is fundamental to all men. Those that are deaf from birth never learn to speak or use their voices. That we know from observation.
I wonder if the deaf could be taught to speak Greek with their hands. Why not have signs to represent specific words, phrases or ideas. If we think about it the letters of the alphabet could also have each a special sign, so things like names could be spelled. Let me see: if I hold up a fist with the thumb pointed up it could represent Alpha, the thumb and first finger held up together Beta, the thumb and first finger spread apart Gamma and so on... Arden could then be: A, thumb up; R, thumb and fifth finger down; D, first and second finger together and up; E, first and second finger spread apart; N, second and fourth finger together and down.
This could be taught in special schools. In addition to the signs the sailors use, say the palm pressed open against the heart could mean love and then if the hand is moved outward, Love you, or if pointed, love him, her or that, and if pointed at the speaker, love self. The fist pressed against the heart could mean hard hearted, or mean, or depending on context, difficult. This could allow for the construction of sentences. Punctuation and added meaning could be provided by facial expression. Hands can be used left or right and both. I will speak to Odo about this. If anyone knows how to use language it is he.
It can never be Greek in the fullest sense but a language all of its own, based on Greek. Perhaps if a skilled hearing person knew the language, then Thoren's stories could be told to the deaf using it. Would that not be wonderful? Would that not also be most ironic, the blind telling stories to the deaf, and the reverse, the deaf telling the blind how they enjoyed it. I immediately went to find Odo and Umar. Odo thought all of these signs and gestures needed to be drawn. Making a book of words for sign language. Odo and Umar went to the university to see if anyone in the language studies was interested.
We had the most wonderful sex today. Not that all sex is not wonderful. I lay on my back folding my long legs against my body. This places my knees at my shoulders. Iason slipped his large penis into me and leaned forward pressing his shoulders against my lower legs. Nikias then stood over my face and I was able to take his member into my mouth and throat. Quickly Hy slid up to Nikias who began taking his erection into his mouth and Dios entered Iason's anus. Once they had expended, Akakios squatted over my erection taking my ejaculation into himself. I must say I was completely spent. Following our baths Iason and I found a quiet place to express our love with much kissing and fondling; some times love is best expressed without sex, just holding him or her to yourself. We lay together pressing out bodies together as we are fond of doing, letting ourselves meld into one.
The younger boys all seemed to find a man to fuck them; our apartment was heavy with the fragrance of sex as we dressed for our evening meal. Food, shelter and sex are the three most important needs for any man, commodities we never seem to lack. Even Umar and Lysandros were given satisfaction if only by Herkliedies' fingers. For a small in stature man he has very large hands with long, thick fingers. His favorite sex partners seems to be Dysme and Ikoras. He services the younger boys willingly and frequently. Often he has five or six lined up for this pleasure activity. Given our culture and their obvious desires, I am sure Umar and Lysandros will feel one or more of our penises before our coming journey is completed. Now that Helo has matured sufficiently I am confident he will accommodate them.
1320, 6th month, 24nd day
We will leave in just a few days; now that both babies are born and our letters of invitation, have all returned. Our group is just slightly larger and a number of senior Argonauts have been included in the ranks of the marines. The younger boys are all becoming uncontrollable with anticipation.
It is quite interesting to see that other states are less advanced then us, in providing postal service to their citizens. England and France, as do others, have royal services and privet couriers. In most of these states, if we wish to correspond with the government our postal service can get the correspondence to and from. If we need correspond with our Ambassador, council or privet citizen the postal service must use couriers. The most efficient way then is to send the correspondence to Venice and courier from there; since ships pass to and from Venice on a daily bases. The most efficient way would be for our postal service to connect with other postal services if they existed.
Princess class ships would be very efficient for this purpose but the amount of correspondence is to small to justify it.
Apparently no one at the university is interested in working with us on this sign language business. Kastor, Poly, Joulous, and Justus are all keen. I was not aware but the twins had worked out this kind of communication between themselves long ago. I guess twins just do that kind of thing. On more careful inspection of their communication they usually speak but gesture at the same time. Now we all tend to do that so I just never noticed that their gestures cary more meaning and are highly consistent. Kastor and Poly's gestures are not quite the same as Justus and Joulous. My brothers also tend to mix their internal signals with the general gestures and arm waving we all tend to do.
They are taking my hand spelling idea and the signals used by sailors and others in our society along with their own signals to try and create some kind of consistent language that can be standardized and taught. Nikias thinks we will have much time on the ships to work many of these details out and if Umar and his art tutor will do the sketching, along with him and Hellidos we should make a good start on this.
Kastor wants to devide the sign language into groups of signals. Spelling and counting, ideas, objects and things, actions and emotions. He thinks adjectives and adverbs can also be added. For the beginning he feels simple declarative and question structures, without cases or gender, would be best. Justus thinks we need to deal with tense, he feels that the left hand could be used at the beginning of a sentence or thought to indicate past, present, or future as well as number.
Odo believes that cases will develop over time or at least some kind of signal, perhaps facial expressions, will be needed since the way we talk to or about children, lovers and pets is not how we talk to or about princes and knights. He suggests that will develop over time and agrees that for now we should not look to have a formal and familiar. He thinks tone of voice for example needs to be done by facial expression.
One of the the examples he used is the navel gesture for hurry or quickly. It is a common gesture used by many hearing people as well. The palm is presented up, more or less flat and the right hand is raised up and down. The speed requested is relative to the quickness and number of times. If extreme quickness is needed both hands are used together. If a smile is given it would mean the comment, hurry up or get to it, as we often say to one another, more in fun than demand. If a frown is used it is a demand or requirement, if no expression a normal request.
I can not understand how it is but it is. We are all continually engaged in sex and with the same group of people and yet we never tire of it. Not only do we never seem to tire but to each of us the other is both familiar and new at the same time. We never seem to tire of examining each other as if one is to change or find an unexpected treasure. Except for the young boys, no change of significance is ever found, a continual treasure is always secured. I will kiss ever part of my partner over and over as if every portion is new to me. Our boys are smooth and without hair but some of us men have much on our bodies. I am in the middle I have some hair on my chest, legs, and arms. I have a goodly growth around my pubis. This I have trimmed. Ikoras and Dysme have no hair on their bodies and they have their pubis shaved, they are like boys.