Arden By: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
80: Volcanic Adventures
In the morning we rose early and after a large breakfast assembled on the quay where our horses and pack mules were waiting. Corrodo made a show of his Elite Marines for all to see. He wanted to send the message that the Princes of Parga were very well guarded. The Elite Marines have designed special saddle pockets that hold their bows, short lances and quiver. These pockets strap on to almost any saddle. From the top of the lances we fly small pennants which identify us to each other: as prince, guardian, Elite Marine, Royal Guard, guest or advisor and so on.
Alfonso and Rolend had E. M. pennants and Peter and Manfred princes. A number of regular marines came along to tend the pack animals and organize our camp. We rode easily and gently. I noticed that the Elite Marines were organized in four groups of six. One group would ride ahead of our column, they would hold for us some distance ahead and that group would be replaced by the next. This I decided was some from of advanced scouting. I also noticed small groups of ship's marines would drop off the end and after making sure we were not closely followed rejoin. Corrodo was leaving nothing to chance as is his way.
We rode four abreast, two of us side by side with either a guardian or Elite Marine on either side of us. When we met other travelers we would drop to two abreast and reform once past them. At each town we would stop and water our horses and ourselves. Often meeting local dignitaries.
The country side was most pleasant. We passed many orchards and flocks. Except for the volcano and the very black soil, this could have been Parga. Alfanso and Rolend were obviously known to most. Peter and Manferd were not introduced as Princes of Sicily but just as visiting princes. Since we have a mix of names in our group, no questions were asked.
The population of the place is a mix of Greek, Italian and Arab. Somehow Fredrick has been successful in welding them into a unified society, at least for the most part. The Roman Church seemed to be well established. It seemed rich and obviously powerful. Everyone expressed pride and pleasure in the purpose of our journey. We were treated to much fine wine, olives, cheese and fresh fruit. To thank our hosts we sang and played. Akakio's wonderful clear voice was greatly appreciated by all who heard it. My ode was most popular and even more so when Odo translated it to Sicilian.
Roland told me: The term SCASSAU A MUNTAGNA! is often heard here. Every few years, these words cried by the inhabitants of the villages on the slopes of Etna, signaled the initiation of a new eruption that apparently threatened their homes and land.
"Apart from being a fine example of Sicilian dialect, the rough translation is "the mountain has broken", Odo informed me, "this expression reflects one of the rare instants in the life of a Sicilian living on the flanks of the volcano when the usual indifference changes abruptly into excitement and apprehension."
"The chance, in a lifetime of a person living near Etna, to see her or his home invaded by lava is very low. Although everybody here has seen the volcano erupt many times, the normal rhythm of life is rarely affected by these activities; the most serious encounter with the volcano is commonly limited to a fall of ash or small scoriae.
Contrary to common belief outside the Etna region, life close to the volcano is essentially peaceful and pleasant, for the area enjoys a particularly favorable climate, extremely fertile soils, and a spectacular scenery. My mother's family does very well in this place," Roland informed.
We moved along continually gaining elevation as the day progressed. By late afternoon we were hot and tired of riding in the heat of the summer sun. That is when we came to our camping location. It was in a large open meadow, with a lovely stream that held a swimming place, not unlike my boyhood haunt in Koalhurst. I longed to swim. I knew the water would be cool, perhaps even cold, but I was hot and dirty. I did not care.
The way ahead is mostly in the open, with the forrest and farms behind us. This is prime grazing land for sheep and goats. The horses and mules seemed to like it as well. I missed Kleitos now more than ever. Immediately the Elite marines set up a permitter around the camp and the regular marines saw to pitching tents, preparing food and tending the pack animals.
I was quick to order all the younger boys and princes to assist the marines and then tend their animals. Peter and Manfred were somewhat taken aback by this. They hesitated, giving Hellidos the opportunity to direct them, "Come new brothers, I need your assistance." Rolend was quite taken by this.
"Tell me Arden, do the princes of Parga always assist in this way?"
Why yes, we are taught from a very young age to tend our animals before we tend ourselves and to help in any way we can in and around the castle or camp. I reminded him that after our work was done we would all go swimming to cool off and bath. You will notice, I said, once naked and our trappings of office are set aside we are all the same, just men. We honor our god or gods by striving to be as close to the ideal form of men as we are capable. For some of us our station is an accident of birth. For others it is earned by performance of duty or ability. For some it is chance. When naked, none can tell the difference.
I explained how the Elite Marines came about and why our ship's marines were so dedicated to us. You see we are all family. Some by birth but most be choice. Now I must run, my legs will not be still until I have covered several leagues. I was not more then a stadia away when Nikias, Hellidos, Dios and several others joined me. When we finished it was at the swimming place and being already naked we took immediately to the water. I saw our guardians and the Elite Marines stationed around relieving each other. The Ship's marines soon began rotating from the camp to the water and back. Alfonso was most impressed. No orders were given, everyone just knew what to do and did what was needed done. He expressed absolute amazement, wanting to know what are secret was.
That is easy to answer, the better part of ten years serving together and almost unending and totally voluntary sex, sports and training. I explained how our court and the castle was organized. He was almost speechless.
"You and Iason are the ranking princes yet you are expected to train as Knights and pass all tests, participated in sports, serve a pages, manage government departments and attend the university?"
"That and much, much more," Kastor added.
"Arden and I are first among equals. We learned this as pages. I am convinced that is why all princes and princesses must serve in that capacity. When we place the pages hat of office on our heads we temporarily set aside all other titles. We are no longer princes, we are pages. Except for ceremonial duties we are treated as pages even by our fathers," Iason explained.
"Except for Princess Elips, in her eyes we were all princes at all times. I will never forget the night she greeted us, over a hundred frightened and bewildered boys. She told us, every boy deserves and needs a mother and a father. She and King Iason were now our parents. I don't think any of us believed that then but we soon came to know it was true and she truly became our mother. Filing that role as good and often better then the women who bore us," Corrodo told him.
"You see we are indeed one huge family. Every one of us except Iason and Arden are here today by choice. Uncle Iason told me himself that his first born was Crown Prince and uncle Karyako's adopted son was Crown Prince Consort. They had no choice, all the remainder of us are part of their family by choice," Odo added.
"Like you and Rolend, Kastor and I are bastard sons. We served with Iason and Arden as pages for 4 years. We became friends, close friends, we became brothers by choice. Arden and Iason ask our fathers if we could be appointed advisors to the princes. Uncle Iason did one better, after asking us first, he appointed us Princes of Parga. The council voted to confirm that title on us. They knew us from our duties as pages. No debate took place, no discussion, not even an explanation was given. They just stood and voted," Poly said.
"It was frightening. We knew Iason and Arden trusted us as we did them. We four had lived, worked, studied, whored and did mischief together. We all know each others strengths and weakness as our own. The council only knew us from the work they observed and from the limited social contact between pages and knights. Our fathers knew us from the time we were born. Everyone was placing confidence in us. We also had confidence in them," Kastor added.
"You mean to say that the King encourages you to form political alliances with other princes," Rolend asked? I should mention that this conversation took place while will stood naked in knee deep water.
Absolutely. The King of Parga is more administrator then anything else. He and his consort are the representatives of power and sovereignty. They are not sovereign any more than any other citizen. In Parga all are citizens. We have only two titles that are inherited. Citizen and Crown Prince. All other titles are conferred by the council or confirmed by it. The price I pay for my title is high. I loose the ability to have a wife or legal children. I must adopt a son at the age of 12. Iason and I were married at 16. He must also marry a women of the council's choice and produce the next crown prince. The prince he pays is as high as mine. He may father bastard children but he is not permitted to know them as sons and daughters. I am permitted to do that, I get to raise my children. We do have some perks of office. One is the ability to revel in the success of others. Being first among equals we also take the blame for any of their mistakes.
I know you want to ask about all the male-male sex. For us it is the glue that holds all together. Parga has preserved most of the old Greek ways. Boys have mentors and when men, are expected to mentor boys. Both the boy and mentor must agree to it. We treat our quarters an the ancients did the gymnasium. We are almost always naked in it and sex between us is freely exchanged without jealousy or envy. That way we bond together into a family.
As princes were have guardians, who are a few years older then ourselves and who volunteer for that service. The guardians are usually assigned to us at age 12. Volos, Pyrros and I have been together now for 10 years. It is the same for Damyo, Harren and Iason. However, since Iason and I are lovers, and are expected to be so, we have been a family of six for that 10 year period. That means we have lived, worked, love, studied, soldered and fucked together.
"What that means is we get all the benefits of being a prince and none of the political responsibilities. Our job is to put our life on the line for our prince. He would do the same for us. We know this as several times we six have been tested. I assure you none failed. We four often guard each other's prince or the younger ones. Our dedication is equal for all and their love for us is also equal. The same can be said for the other guardians, they have less history. We are more than that of course. We are confident, friend and personal advisor. The one thing non of us six never do is tell the other how to do his duty. We leave that to the king." Volos informed.
Everyone returned to the camp for our evening meal. All including our guests were still naked. In the time before the food was served Kastor and Joulous paid much attention to Alfered and Poly with Justus to Rolend. I had seen my brothers in action before. They would engage their target in conversation and almost continuous physical contact. The purpose of this was to tease and excite just short of ejaculation or actual sex. Nikias and Dios took this as a sign for them to approach Peter and Manferd, along with several of the other younger ones. While we ate and talked several of the marines built a fire and we all gathered around in a large circle. When the food was consumed instruments appeared and we began singing. The sun was soon to set and the shadows became long. I noticed that the ship's marines and the elite marines were all dressed and continued to rotate into the guard positions they had established.
As the sun set the light from the fire gave a reddish glow to all assembled. The air had become quite cool, everyone seemed to press their bodies against each other for warmth. Iason and I among them, the young boys joining us. The twins each held a guest between them and even in the dim light I could see they were having great success. I knew that soon the guests would be pressed between them in passion, until experienced that was not fully thought of or appreciated. I knew these boys would experience brotherly love in a way they had probably never experienced before.
Male sex is part of their culture as it is in many but not like in Parga. The church is not fond of this and has from time to time attempted to restrict it. The Romans were of several minds on this, it depended who was in power. Younger ones like Peter and Manferd are by nature more experimental and once they tasted the pleasure would never wish to not have it. It is my hope that sex between will be an important force in drawing these brothers together for the benefit of each other and their land.
The greatest benefit would result from the closeness of the brothers. If Sicily can keep free of costly wars and conflicts, all the benefits could follow to the country and its people. Unlike Parga it is not isolated, politically or geographically. It is because of that lack of isolation and independence, that the place will never be able to prosper as it probably should. The history of the place does not hold much hope of that. Another difficulty is the education system, or lack of one. What little is available is operated by the church or done in the home. Not every citizen is encouraged to learn and few are encouraged to achieve all they are capable of.
Just before bed we all looked at the volcano. The clouds above the peak were glowing red from the fire in its cauldron. (TN: Today geologists call this the cauldara.) I must say it was most wondrous and inspiring. I can imagine how the ancients must have felt when they saw the same sight. Now that we are more knowledgeable and educated we know this is not the home of some god or another but only a process writhing in the earth itself.
I can see also how the ancients might believe the earth to be somehow alive. I know that the earth and sea are active and they live only in that sense. Natural things are not alive in the same sense as men or plants and animals. Activity and conditions are not life, only the supporters of it. In this respect I believe the atomists are on the right track as they have an explanation for the activity. I can not say I fully agree with their philosophy but I have nothing better to offer. Perhaps someday I will, but for now...
When Iason and I reached our bed we found it occupied by boys. Nikias and Dios had Peter and Manferd at the ready. They were begging for us to deliver the pleasure they were so eager to enjoy. I slipped my fingers into Peter, coating him with some of Father's special lubricant and drove my cock into his small and so inviting butt. Nikias, wiggled under him and they gave each other oral pleasure as I fucked the boy of my desire.
Later that night I was woken finding Nikias and Peter giving me oral stimulation. When ready, Peter squatted over me giving both of us more pleasure. I could not see but could tell that Peter ejaculated into Nikia's mouth even before I ejaculated into Peter's anus. Boy butts are incredibly tight and I dearly love a tight anus. Fucking is pleasure-full but fucking a glove tight hole is the most plearure-full of all.
In the morning we rode a goodly distance toward the summit on our assent. We did not intend to climb to the mountain's absolute summit but only to a good vantage point on the rim of the cauldara.
After a couple of hours we transcended from the pastures to a bleak, black, rocky landscape. I could smell the sulfur. The last league was steep and we left the horses and climbed on foot. The rocks are sharp. They are black and dark green laying in twisted shapes that show how the rocks flowed as a thick hot mass before it cooled. Many of the rocks are full of holes. Some look like piles of rope others like frozen waves. Still others are colored yellow and grayish from the sulfur. Some are glass like. I know this is the mineral obsidian (TN: Arden wrote Obsius, the name give this rock by Pliny.)
Once we were up on the black rocks above the meadows we did not see much of this mineral. We do have some deposits of it in Parga, which has been used since the time before Homer for blades and projectiles. We still use it to make the blades of fine surgical instruments and the like.
Steam rose from the pit, which was not visible to us until we mounted its rim. There we could look down into a terrible place. This must be the brimstone the Christians talk about. This or places like it must be the inspiration for such ideas. I can not understand any god that would create such a place to punish the souls of the dead. I think this is as much myth as the old Greek and Egyptian stories.
One could feel the heat rising and see much of the rocks in the bottom of the pit or cauldara glowed red. In places the rock was bright red and could be seen bubbling as water in a cooking pot. Steam fill with sulfur rose from holes or things Rolend called vents. Often yellow and white sulfur was deposited near these holes. We could see that when the volcano was more active it would launch rocks high in the air. These rocks were of a wide range of size. Laying on the ground were large boulder that resembled black blobs of honey that froze in as the thick molten mass roes and fell to the ground.
We were told that often the mountain sends clouds of dust over the region. When it erupts it spits up fountains of molten lave and sprays rocks high in the air. We noticed these results on our ascent. Here on the edge of the cauldron we saw no fine material the smallest rocks were like those of rocky beach.
The very top of the mountain is covered by snow. Along our trip and as we returned the view was spectacular. The contrast of black rock and snow or the green pastures and further along the orchards and olive groves was most striking. None were disappointed with their efforts to see such wondrous things. All of our party would make this trip. It would take all day for everyone to come and go.
We brought along "far sees" which were a marvel to our hosts. We also brought along many darkened spectacles leaving many with them. I was glad these had been invented as the sun was most bright and reflected from all light surfaces. I am sure we would have gone blind without them. Several freshly slaughtered lambs and many jugs of wine were secured from Alfonso's family. When everyone had returned and refreshed themselves we held a wonderful feast. Our feasts are not only food and drink but dancing and singing, sporting contests and so on.
Umar, Nikias and their art touter drew many sketches and pictures. Edward also collected a number of plants and these too were being sketched. We all talked with the scholars about what we had seen and what it was to mean. They pointed out that some of the rocks in Parga are like those of this place. They were convinced, as am I, that they have the same origin. That means at some time long ago Parga had volcanos actively making new rocks. That volcano or volcanos must have been much smaller and of much shorter life then Etna as they have left no definitive trace, only rocks, which are mixed with the limestones and dolomites, in distinct layers. We know these rocks are formed in the sea as corals and clams are common in them. Perhaps these volcanos were not even on the land but under the water and that is why we do not find mountains of Etna's type in Parga.
We then discussed: if rocks are in fact made by natural processes or were placed as found by the gods, as many believe. I know from my own observations that the form of the land is ever changing. Glaciers often move much material in the high mountains and we find evidence of this in areas, now pastures and fields, at their feet. I have seen how the sea and rivers move and ware away the rocks as does the wind. I have long puzzled over what I see in the world. How is this or that hear or there? What could cause this or that to be the way it is? Are these even questions the philosopher should consider?
Some rocks look as if beaches that have been frozen in time others are full of fossils oysters and clams that look in the stone as if the unfrozen sediment on the ocean floor. Rocks then must be created by processes. How they may get from the sea floor to the mountain top none of us knew, few thought it was the work of gods, demons or giants. From descriptions of Etna, written by those Greeks who migrated here before the time of Homer, it was doing then as it does now. Many claim the mountain is growing faster then it is being eroded or scraped away. I think that is possible.
Since the time of Archmedies men have been using geometry to estimate the height of Etna's peak. They use the same baseline he used. The numbers have some variation around a mean value. The variation is only 1 or 2 stadia. These measures have been taken for hundreds of years. They very around a mean value. Could this mean the mountain is rising and falling or that the observers have some kind of observational error. I suspect it is an error. Our instruments and process are not without difficulties. The distances are great. The slightest error in reading or construction of the instruments to measure angles is the most probable source. If the base line measure has a small error it is only a small fraction of whole but if a small fraction of a degree is involved that is magnified due to the great distance.
Some do not believe that rocks are truly eroded, that the sand of the beach and the bars of the rivers are not the product of braking down the rocks of the mountain. That is just nonsense. It is clear to anyone who looks where these materials come from. The process of there coming may not be completely understood. It has always been clear that soils are largely composed of the rocks that lay under them.
Occam (TN: sometimes spelled Ockham, don't ask I am as puzzled by this as you are.) expresses a principle; he is an English logician and Franciscan friar (TN: William of Ockham). Unfortunately I will not be able to meet with him. The principle states that the explanation of any phenomenon should make as few assumptions as possible, eliminating those that make no difference in the observable predictions of the explanatory hypothesis or theory. The principle is often expressed in Latin as the lex parsimoniae ("law of parsimony" or "law of succinctness"): "entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem", (TN: roughly translated to English from Latin as: "entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity". This is often paraphrased as "All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best.") In other words, when multiple competing theories are equal in other respects, the principle recommends selecting the theory that introduces the fewest assumptions and postulates, the fewest entities.
The origins of this idea is traceable to the works of earlier philosophers such as Alhazen (TN: 965-1039), Maimonides (TN :1138-1204), John Duns Scotus (TN: 1265--1308), Thomas Aquinas (TN: c. 1225--1274), and even Aristotle (TN: 384--322 BC) He did not invent this idea, its association with him may be due to the frequency and effectiveness with which he uses it. I take it Occam is as well read as I am, probably more so as he has the advantage of years over me.
It is a commonly-held belief that nature itself was simple and that simpler theories about nature were thus more likely to be true; this notion is deeply rooted in the aesthetic value simplicity holds for human thought and the justifications presented for it often draw from theology. Thomas Aquinas made this argument, "If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is superfluous to do it by means of several; for we observe that nature does not employ two instruments where one suffices."
Those rocks that are like frozen beaches must be that, they must be ancient beaches, now rocks. Those rocks that are broken down and contribute to modern beaches, which in the fullness of time, will some day be rocks again. This is part of the cycle. All nature is a series of cycles and balances. The earth cycles around the sun and the moon around the earth. The seasons come and go in that cycle. The tides are cycles. Life cycles from birth to death and so on. Why not then rocks cycle through some journey. Our problem as philosophers is our limited experience. Our human cycle is very short when compared to the cycle of the rocks for example.
One could say that a beach is solid like a rock. That is true. We do not know what process makes the soft hard or the hard soft. One thing I have notices that when we men mix sand, gravel and certain crushed and often burned rocks with water they from a stone that resembles some of the rocks that look like beaches. Could it be that nature adds or subtracts the cement (TN: mortar is probably what Arden means.)?
I now called myself a Philosopher, there I have written it down, not a prince who studies philosophy. This is a dangerous line of thought, and I must take care not to allow myself to think I know things or have reasoned things that I have not. I too am on a path, one that is not clearly marked. Prince, philosopher-prince, king-philosopher...
To say this is purely the hand of god is an over simplification. Just as the overly complex astronomy of the church, makes an assumption about the relationship of the earth, sun and other planets that does nothing but add complexity. It seems that where power and faith come to the fore, philosophy, even that of a saint, is forgotten.
Perhaps the most powerful of all emotions is also misunderstood. Love is both very simple and yet highly complex. Let us not try to understand it but only moderate it as best we can.
I find the princes of Sicily to be pleasant and bright. All four of them are good men and I am sure we will do well in keeping a strong connection with them.
During our festivities Corrodo came to me and asked if I might come with him and to bring Prince Peter. I could see a glint is his eye. Volos came with Peter, Nikias, Corrodo and myself. We approached a group of marines seated around a small fire with what looked to be a local shepherd boy. I could see food and wine was being shared and the young man laughed with the marines. Corrodo stepped from the shadows and his men jumped to attention. I was right behind him and on seeing me they all came to attention. This left a puzzled look on the shepherd's face. He already knew who Corrodo was but obviously did not know who I was.
Take your ease please and introduce me to our visitor. All the men smiled and their corporal introduced the shepherd to his patron prince, Arden of Parga. The lad was dumb struck. Two of the marines lifted him up so I could properly greet him. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheeks. I am most pleased to make your acquaintance and that you chose to accept the hospitality of my guardians. I trust the food and wine are acceptable. I waved off his answer. Come meet a few of my companions, I said. Introducing Princes Nikias, Peter and Volos, my personal guardian. We all joined the solders around the fire. I hoped Peter would do as he seemed, just hold and observe. Tell me Titan what brought you to our camp?
He told us that he and his companion heard our music and saw our fires. He just had to know who we were and why we were camped here. His companion was not interested so he came by himself. I asked a few questions and Nikias moved next to him. He took over and we older men talked among ourselves.
"Mentor, Titan has agreed to spend the night with us."
Us is?
"Us is: Peter, Manferd and myself."
Does he know what he is getting himself into besides your bed, Peter? Nikias poked Titan.
"Prince Arden, Nikias and Peter have told me and I have no obligation, I will be free in the morning to leave or go with them. They also told me I was under no obligation or pressure to engage in sex with anyone not of my choosing."
Volos will speak to Pamphilos and he will enforce that commitment. That is not the whole of it. I know how well Nikias uses words. What have they offered which is more attractive then tending your flock?
"Adventure, education, travel; all the things being a shepherd is not and can not offer."
I think they forgot danger and hard work.
"A shepherd's work is hard and it can be dangerous. I am not afraid of anything."
Peter was about to speak but I did not allow him the opportunity. I thought it best to leave his identify as it was for now. I figured this is best handled by our diplomatic brother Kastor.
Taking Titan by the hand Nikias and Peter lead him away. Not toward the tent but toward the bathing place. Odo came after them with a pile of clothing. Corrodo told me the lad had approached the guards showing no fear or trepidation. He inquired who we were and why we were camped in his grazing meadow. The guards had been aware of the flock and saw the lad as he approached. The lad had no idea who we were and had never heard of Parga. He was polite and obviously curious. They invited him to join them at our fire. It was obvious to all that this was just the kind of young man we would be interested in, they had seen us in action before.
My thinking on this was different and it was obvious, Nikias'. Peter and his brothers needed just such a retainer in their personal service. I thanked Corrodo and the marines.
In the morning we all sat together except for Nikias, Manderd, Peter and Titan. I related what had transpired. Alfonso was not sure what his father would say.
"My father has always selected everyone who attends any of us. What if he refuses Peter's request, did you have such freedom Iason, at 16?"
"Yes we did but our fathers' retained the right to overrule us. They never have."
Iason and I have always chosen well and our fathers are fond of giving opportunities to any worthy candidate, if for nothing else, to see what they will make of them. Something we have learned to do.
"Sicily is not Parga and things work differently here, we know that," Kastor added, "our back up plan is to take Titan with us should the King object to Peter's request."
"How on earth do you know this Kastor? You learned of this idea and person at the same time we all did."
"That is simple friend. We have worked and lived together since we were 12. Any of us senior princes are capable of finishing each other's sentences, we know each other that well. Besides that, Arden is cleaver at evaluating people, he has never been wrong."
"Tis true, we guardians have seen it time and again. I could see the look on Arden's face as he interviewed the boy and judging from the conversation between him, Peter and Nikias, this shepherd will be a very valuable asset to all four of you and not just in the bedchamber. One thing the princes of Parga do that may prove valuable to you in Sicily, is seek out those, mostly very young, who would volunteer for your service rather then depend on those assigned to the task. All the men here, even the ship's marines serve our princes by choice. Our loyalty to them is beyond question. Their loyalty to us is the same. We have seen times of danger together and I assure you these four were shoulder to shoulder with us in the meeting," Volos explained.