Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
36: A Princess Apparent
1319, 2nd month, 1st day: (TN: This begins a new book which appears to be in tact.)
We four have been in our classes for almost a month now. I am very glad to be so. Uncle Tertius told us Iason's bride was to arrive in the castle on the 4th day of this month. I think we are all just a little excited by the prospect. I hope she is prepared for all of us brothers. I know she is aware of me and my relationship to Iason and soon herself.
Panther returned from a visit to the Prince Arden. He insists we accompany him for the sea trials of the newly installed Kannons. These are large bronze tubes, that use explosives to force a heavy projectile against enemy ships. They are said to be much more powerful and of greater range than the giant cross bows or catapults. The Prince Arden is now fitted with 16 of these devices, 8 on each side. In addition, the smaller kannons have been replaced with slightly larger versions and their number increased to 8, four on each end.
I know that the ingegneres are experimenting with kannons of even greater size and I think durability, made of iron. From what I understand the problem they must solve is finding or building iron works, with large enough capacity. At this time, the only places capable of such large capacity are England or France and they are both so concerned with each other and the potential for war between, that is just not possible.
From what I observed last summer, I doubt their ingegneres are as advanced as ours and I suspect we are loth to give away our military secrets. Both places have had military adventures near us and not all that long ago.
I know these things are very costly and can only wonder where the treasure needed will come from. The last thing I want to see happen here, is for us to become over taxed as Edward II has had to do or in great debt, as the Danish find themselves. Father insists the treasure needed is available and in hand. Parga is not Athens and we do not have great silver mines to finance ourselves, as they once did.
I know that production of everything, food through clocks, is greater now than ever before in our history. That may be so but I remember him telling the council that this increased productivity was the means of financing the civil service and university.
It is true, the Argoanuts have been so successful, they are now completely self financing. They grow a surplus of food, sell herbs and fruit, grow all the flax, hemp and wool required by themselves and then some.
Today Kastor was officially placed in charge of organizing and implementing the Civil Postal Service. Each town or village will have a post master. Kastor will see that a franking system is also developed. The council was ambivalent about the idea of safe deposits for coin. They left the decision up to Kastor. I know Kastor is in favour of the idea. I also know he will be closely advised by Father and Uncle. Janus' riders will probably carry the mail pouches from one post office to the next or to the capital. If the volume is large enough, a separate courier system will be needed. I know Kastor has already been talking to Janus and Kleitos about these things.
Poly and I have been talking to the paper and writing supply guilds. It is important that these supplies are made available through out the land. Now that paper made from hemp and other plants is manufactured here and its' cost is not overly great, Kastor is sure his new postal service will be well used by the public and not just the government.
Since the first month, Helladios has enjoyed more freedom and earned more responsibilities, than I ever thought possible, for one so young. He and Dios have taken young Alfred as their special project. Since Thoren no longer needs a guide, Helladios found a new project. Ikaros had arranged for Alfred to be placed with Kalkrates' mother. He told Iason she was a very loving, kind and patient woman, who would teach him many skills. The lad still holds Iason in a state of reverence and desires both social and physical contact with him, in preference to all of us other men. Iason for his part seams glad for this and I am sure will make a excellent father. He does have a good example to follow.
Last night Iason was in a most amorous of moods. Not that he is anything but amorous where we are concerned but last night it was special. I think he has some doubts about his future wife and our relationship. We made love in the most sensuous of ways. He was clinging to me as greatly as in his grief from Zoe's death. At least he no longer feels guilty for not being by her side. He had come to care greatly for her as I care for Euthalia. I know he wonders if he will fall in love with this new woman. I gave him the same advice he gave me, all those years ago. Just let it happen and enjoy the fun of the process.
I lay on my side and he wrapped his arms around me and filling my anus with his penis, began giving me the pleasure of his ardor. He fucked me with long slow movements, filling me to the limit and retreating almost out, this combined with his kisses and whispers of devotion. He begged me to keep control and on filling my bowl with his seed rolled over, got on his knees and pleaded I should take my satisfaction in him. "Ravish my ass," were his exact words. Ravish I did.
Later, as we lay in each others embrace, he confided his trepidation. I assured him my love would always be a constant in his life, as would that of the others. This morning our boys visited us, as they have almost every day since our return. I am still absolutely amazed, how we men can love so much and so many and in such different ways. We love our boys and look forward to their visits to our beds and impaling themselves on our erections. Since Helladios has been running with Dios and Thoren, his legs and stamina are even greater than before, they seam to ride our swards with complete abandon and much enjoyment; as much for themselves as for us.
We are brothers and each other's lovers, we love our boys, our other brothers and male family, we love our ladies and our children, parents and friends. As much as I enjoy and desire sex with all but a few, like our mothers and sisters, it is Iason that gives me the greatest pleasure. It matters not if my penis or his is being engaged, every time is as the first, every kiss sends shivers down my spine. His kisses are the only ones I can not live without. It is his touch that I crave more than anything.
I ramble now more than before. I think it is Thoren's influence. He tells the most wonderful stories. Not only myths and poems but modern stories. Since he has taken up with his mentor, we do not see as much of him in our bedchamber, as we would like. His beauty only grows and now that he runs and rides, his most attractive asset are his perfectly formed, round buttocks.
1319, 3rd month, 3rd day:
Yesterday was mostly uneventful: university classes, Council meetings, running, sports, archery and riding; as was today.
I spent yesterday evening and night with Euthalia, our son Aisopos and daughter Zoe. Between the two they take all the milk Euthalia can produce and then some. Fortunately one of the wet nurses is available to assist her. Iason has come a few times to see his daughter. I know he was more than pleased, when he learned she had been named for her mother. I was more than pleased that Euthalia so willingly took on raising two babies, only weeks apart in age. Zoe had been her friend.
I must keep Iason at bay, lest he become to involved in what he should not. I must be his real friend, the one who knows the song in his heart and can sing it back to him, when he forgets the words.
I learned last summer, in most other places, one in four mothers die giving birth. In Parga it is less than 1 in 5 but experiencing the loss of a friend and my beloved's female lover, has stirred strong feeling within me. I am determined to further reduce this carnage. I will meet with the midwifes guild soon. Something must be done about this. We do not see animals suffering such losses and we humans are animals too.
I had no idea how thrilling it would be for me to hold my children, helpless and smiling at their daddy. It is so interesting to watch them grow and form their unique personalities. I can understand now why men give up so much to be a parent. Poly assures me that both babies, being so close in age and growing up together, will be like twins.
Today we had an opportunity to measure the progress that Edward and William are making. William is being fostered by one of the knights and his family, who have several boys, one close to him in age. Edward has settled in with the other young palace boys but has expressed some dislike for the urban life. He misses the rural setting. I will take him to Koalhurst next month and ask Abernath and Ajax to foster him, as an apprentice for 6 months or a year. Let us see where his interests and talents lay. Perhaps it will be with the Argoanuts and perhaps not. I hope my mother can tutor him, his reading and writing skills are still not at his age standard.
Since the first month, as noted in several pervious entries, Ikaros and Panther have organized our family life, giving much more structure to our social time together. Now that two months of experiments have gone on, Ikaros assures me we can all settle into some kind of regularity. Every third day we will all assemble in our family bathing pool. This includes all of us men, the pages who are not working and our boys. Some of the place boys, our fathers and friends of the pages also will be invited.
This is like the ancient gymnasiums. I can see why that was such a popular tradition for so long a time, one Iason and I will do all in our power to keep alive in Parga. Not everyone engages in sex at these bathing parties but most do. Some only with their life partner, most like me, with others. Odo often leads us in singing and playing, frequently he writes new words to old songs or poems, that makes light of ourselves and the sex we are all enjoying. This is a true celebration of our greater union, as well as our friendship and our bodies. Every one of us: prince, guardian, mentor, boy, page or steward are proud of our bodies and proud to display them. I am most so and would go naked all the day, if it were my will alone, sadly it is not.
I was quite amazed to witness Edward and Panther putting on a display of oral sex. Edward was taking Panther's prodigious length entirely into his mouth and slowly releasing it. I could see he has been toutered by the three terrors, I could see the immense pleasure on Panther's face. This was highly enjoyable to watch, however I did not get a chance to see all, three of the older pages engaged my attention: anus, penis and lips.
Once each month, each of us brings our fraternity brothers, those that wish to come of course, for a night of lust and physical indulgence. We princes do attend our Argonaut brothers several times a month as well. This is always most pleasurable an event, that begin with a communal meal, much dancing and music which end in sharing our bodies. The Argoanuts frequently have a number of ladies in attendance as well, this too is highly pleasurable. It is a most exciting and pleasurable to have your penis in a vagina and another in your rectum at the same time. It is also most amusing when the younger princes, other pages and palace boys manage to attend these orgies.
1319, 3rd. month, 5th day:
We learned from our Triangle friends yesterday, on our way to our classes, that Iason's betrothed has arrived and we will meet her in the family dining hall at our evening meal. Her parents and several younger brothers will also be in attendance. It turned out that the woman was her stepmother and the several brothers were a brother and sister.
On our return from the sports filed we were ushered directly into the baths and told by Dysme to make our time short. Two barbers came in and cut our hair and trimmed our beards. My hair is long and light brown while Iason is golden blond with many curls. His hair is shorter but he wares it like a crown of ringlets. He is so beautiful and am loth to share him with this woman. I trust she will be worthy of his affection and my friendship. I am prepared for that to take some time in coming about. Dysme told us we were to report to our fathers in one hour.
He had our finest dress laid out for us. I wondered what the others were doing, from the noise, I guessed they too were being made ready for such a formal setting. As we dressed with the help of Dysme and Kalkrates, I could see Iason was becoming much agitated. Much like his father in that, I thought. The actors call it stage fright but they tell me once on it the nervousness seams to disappear. Kastor and Poly were their usual congenial and self confident selves, through all of this.
Father and Uncle Iason sat us down and reviewed what was expected of us and our brothers. Tertius was giving the others instructions, at this very moment. "Iason," the king said, "you must give every effort to make Sophia comfortable here and a part of our family. You have been prepared for your role since your birth, Arden, since you came to the castle, almost 7 years ago. She has been prepared to be a wife and mother but not a princess. She has not been prepared to share her husband with another lover or the people of Parga. You must give her time to adjust. Polydeukus, Kastor you too will be a great help to her, as she will not see either of you as a threat to her relationship with Iason.
Her name is Sophia, she is 15. Her father is Sir. Sosigenes, her mother Melitta. Sir Sosigenes is one of the more jovial and pleasant knights we know from the council meetings. He is from the north and east part, about a half day's ride from the castle.
"Arden," father said to me, "When Princess Elpis came to the castle I was jealous at first, since Iason's full attention had always been given to me, as mine to him. Plato advised me as I am advising you. Think of Sophia as a new sister and treat her as such, just as you treat your sisters now. We all have our role to play in running this state. Each of us makes his or her contribution as our talent dictates. Just as you are not jealous of your brother bedding your sister in law then be not jealous of your brother/lover bedding your new sister in law. She will be alone here or feel so, you and your sisters and brothers must try and make her feel welcomed and a part of us all."
We collected our brothers, Eudoxia and guardians proceeded to the family dining room. Already seated were mother, Lysandros and Melitta, Alexandros, Lady Lucia, her children and several female guardians, nurses and ladies that accompany our mother. As each of us entered, Sir Sosigenes introduced us to Sophia and his wife Lady Melitta. Everything was very formal: King Iason, Prince Consort Karyakos, Crown Prince Iason, Crown Prince Consort Arden, Prince Kastor and so on. Some how Helladios managed to get into our line up.
The seating arrangements were also very interesting. Iason and Sophia were across the table from each other. I was next to Iason and the King on his other side next to Princess Elpis and so on. The younger princes and princesses were at another table, with Sophia's younger brother and sister. Kastor and Polydeukus were across from Karyakos, Lady Lucia and Tertius on the other side of Princess Elpis. Princess Eudoxia was next to Sophia across the table for me.
I could see that the young princes, princesses and cousins were making friends with these new children quickly, by their laughing and telling stories, I was sure about Iason and Sophia. Our conversation was pleasant and just a bit formal, until one the pages rushed into the room and knelt down behind me. He carried a folded piece of paper. It just said: 4 apprentices seriously injured, asking for one of the Princes. I dropped the paper and began to rise. Iason picked it up, read it and I could hear him say, as I crossed the room., "Arden must go, his presence is need elsewhere. He begs your forgiveness." I was not to the door when Pyrros and Volos were at my side with the page hurrying behind.
I am told, Iason explained by reading the note. Karyakos had to stop Kastor and Polydeukus from following. Sophia asked why only Arden went. Her father explained, "I told you these princes were exceptional, the note asked for a prince and one has responded. Had it been given to one of the others, he would have done the same. Even Iason, I strongly suspect."
"Yes, however they would not have let me go, since I have a guest," Iason told her.
Darkon brought news, four apprentices were badly burned, as a vat of hot dye exploded. They are not expected to live long. Sophia turned to Sir Sosigenes and insisted he send for some of the bog waters, that flow on their estate, which have the power to heal burns. "Arden will not hear of that," Iason said, "he will go himself to fetch it. Sir Sosigenes can you give him clear directions, he will be leaving as soon as he learns of this," Iason paused, "In about 40 minutes." He then explained, we brothers know each other so completely, my actions would be that predictable to him.
Kastor had our horses saddled and a paper with the directions, ready for us, when we returned to the castle, in about 40 minutes. I know I am predictable, as are my brothers, I had no idea that much so.
We had run down the hill to the hospital. I found four young men, apprentice dyers, had been badly burned by a ruptured vat of hot dye. The doctors did not expect them to live long. I spoke to each, assuring them I would do everything in my power to ease their pain and make them well again.
One of them told me they had warned the dye master that this would happen but he refused to take any action. I was livid and Volos had to restrain me. Pyrros went to find the dye master and warn him, saying, "pray to any god or gods you chose, for if any of those apprentices died, my prince will not rest until you atone."
Another page came and told us about the bog waters. Then we must go and fetch them as quickly as is possible. I told the apprentices, I would return by morning with these waters and they were to be brave and hang on to life until then. We ran back to the castle, finding Kastor with our horses at the ready. He gave us the instructions. On each of our horses were several goat skins that should be filled. Kastor handed us our riding cloaks and gave each of us a kiss. Telling us, this was Sophia's idea and the kiss was from her, as well as himself. I think Kastor will make an excellent diplomat when we require one.
We rode like the wind for several hours, reaching the estate in darkness. After waking the steward, he showed us the place and we filled our skins; took a little food while resting our mounts and rode back, reaching the hospital just at the first light of morning.
We did not notice, due to the darkness, the color of this water. It was brown but clear. The physicians bathed the burns and draped a thin almost transparent cloth over the beds, on which they lay.
Kleitos met us in the stables and insisted his grooms would tend our horses. After a quick bath, the three of us found our beds and much needed sleep. I did not wake until almost mid day. Nikias was laying next to me. He was so concerned that he refused to leave me. I didn't mind, it is wonderful to wake up and receive kisses from one you love and one who loves you.
Once awaked and dressed, I asked for news of the four victims. All four are doing better then expected and even resting. The waters we brought seam to be doing miraculous things. They were being bathed every hour and more of this bog water was being brought from Koalhurst, there they do not call it so. In Koalhurst, their is a spring that drains from a thin coal seam, which lay on the top of the ground, just under the soil, it too is said to have healing powers for things like burns. (TN: I think he means on top of the bedrock.) It too is light brown and clear. [Translator's Note: these waters were apparently rich in humic acid, rich being in the 1 to 10 % range. Your translator is aware of this substance. If you doubt look up: Leonardite, Humalite, Humate, Dr. A. G. Leonard. Arden or people of his time, could not have know this but they obviously knew a useful thing provided by nature, when they stumbled upon it.] I was also told waters from Apollo's Temple are being brought. Not only to be bathed with but also to drink, as is the water from Koalhurst.
Volos, Pyrros, Nikias and I made quickly for the Knight's dining room, in search of food. The meal had already started and the room was very full. Before we even had a chance to find a place, the King's table was emptied and we were directed to it. I thought that odd. King Iason, Karyakos and Sir Sosigenes were all that remained. When I did not see my brothers, this oddity suddenly became a bit clearer. Iason was at his theatrical business again and I was the target. My guardians and I sat as directed. It was then I noticed Nikias had vanished.
Uncle asked for a report on our all night ride. We gave him a review. Just as Volos finished, I saw two ropes dangling behind our fathers from the balcony. Their guardians also saw them and from the smiles on their faces I guessed the source. I did not want to look up, which would have allured the royal couple. Suddenly Helladios, Alfred, Dios and four other boys appeared. All were descending the ropes at the sailors did on the Prince Arden. Many of the knights also saw this but none said anything. King Iason, without turning or giving any signal, told them to sit on the floor quietly, which they all did. Now I knew some kind of theatre was about to happen. I still did not know what it was.
We were invited to take the other side of the table. The boys all gave us a little wave and huge smiles, but sat quietly as requested. This gave the servers an opportunity to clear the table and for us to see the room. The balcony was now lined with palace staff. The doors opened and four trumpeters entered, sounding a Harold, announcing a distinguished visitor. We all rose as a sign of respect.
A group of four ladies escorted by Eagles, followed by Argoanuts escorting several older men from the dyer's guild, followed by our brothers and all the other pages, followed by Princess Elpis, Sophia, Melitta and several others, escorted by their guardians. Last but not least was Thoren and his mentor Olympos. That is when I heard a small voice say "father". Without turning, King Iason nodded and Helladios streaked down the lie way, presenting himself to Thoren as his guide. Olympos is quite capable but for him, it was his way of making a contribution to what ever it was that was about to happen. Thoren was seated on a bench facing the audience. Helladios whispered something to him and went to sit with his friends.
The King rose and raised his hands to get quiet. He asked that those who had seats to take them. I noticed several knights made places for the Princess and the ladies who I did not recognize. From their dress they were ordinary citizens.
"Today is a proud moment for us. We are about to proclaim the first and highest non military honer in Parga, Hero of Parga. This honer is besotted for heroic and exemplary service by any citizen, on behalf of other citizens. The idea for this award came from four citizens who partitioned the council, to honer just such a deed. The council had much debate about the rules and but little of the merit and none of its first recipients." Karyakos took over, "It is may greatest of pleasures to besot these handsome medallions on three so deserving. Now they will protest, they did nothing extraordinary and that it was nothing more than performance of duty. They will say, any citizen seeing the need, would have done the same. The four ladies that partitioned the council would disagree. Their parents also disagree, as would the ones on whose behalf they acted.
Thoren, our court story teller has been asked to tell the story of this heroism and from that, you will understand why Prince Arden, Sir Volos and Sir Pyrros are to be so honored."
Thoren stood and began our tail. I must say it was highly accurate in detail. I think just a little dramatic, that is the purview of the poet, is it not. In my view, it is Thoren that should be given honors. His story was in the best of the Homeric traditions, it was wonderful poetry and spoken with great skill. When finished Uncle Iason asked, "Deserving or no?"
With one voice rose up deserving. Sophia was give the honor of hanging the medallions around our necks. In the chaos that followed, we did get to meet the ladies, who turned out to be the mothers of the four apprentices. They were most glade of our help and said so, over and over.
The men from the guild made us honorary members for life and assured us much change would soon be taking place. Every apprentice in the guild, many journeymen, and apprentices from other guilds are at this moment marching and leaving flowers at the Ganymede of Parga. That told me at least this group got the message.
Volos, Pyrros and I are deeply honored but at the same time, we do not feel our midnight ride was deserving of this or any other honor. The appreciation of those apprentices, well expressed by them to us, is sufficient. Following our sports and our baths, we three walked over to the hospital. On the way we passed the statue and were amazed at the number of flowers that had been left there. I was not sure exactly what this was to symbolize. I am sure, in some way, it was done to support the spirits of the injured. I think it must also go deeper than that. Perhaps it is a demonstration of their realization, that in the eyes of their princes, they are truly valued. That is my hope, as it is true. Volos is sure that any of them would have done the same as us, would they the means or opportunity. I also hope he is correct and not just for their fellow apprentices but any citizen, as we are all neighbours in such a small place and clansmen too.
Pyrros feels that people need symbols and examples. It is important for them to have someone or something to look up to. We just happened to be that someone. He feels every boy in Parga wants an adventure of this kind. They will dream of being a Hero of Parga, like their prince and his knights, he added with some pride. We did not go 10 more feet, when several of those young boys came running up to us. When they got close I could see their courage beginning to flag. I knelt down and holding my medal out, asked if they would like to inspect it. They were a little hesitant but came closer and once one of them touched it, all were willing. They came with us the short distance to the hospital, adding more, it seamed with each few steps. I could hear several saying to their friends, some day I will earn such an honor. We of course had to stop many times to allow inspections. I guess it is important to have symbols. If we inspire only hand full, we have been successful.
On entering the hospital we were greeted with many cheers. The doctor told us if they live for two more days they will mend. "Medicine is still more art than science, your coming here will do more than all my skills combined." We could say little but to ask the injured to be brave and not give up hope. The treatment with the bog water seamed to be helping. If nothing else, the waters eased the pain. Even I could see the less seriously injured areas were beginning to heal. I told them I would return tomorrow and expected to see them improved.
One asked the fait of their master. I told them we had been made life members of the guild, it was an hoary position but we would insure he was treated fairly. If they lived, I was sure less harshly than if they died. He responded that the man was good and had trained them well and they wished him no ill. Then it is best you all fight hard to heal. I am still curious as to why they asked for a prince and not a parent or religious figure. I thought it best to keep that question open for a while yet. I doubt they anticipated us to arrive, command them to keep alive until our return and rush off seeking the treatment waters.
As we returned to the castle a young boy 11 or 12 came running after us. "Prince Arden," he called. He has black curly hair, a long thin face, bright eyes and a very determined stride. I immediately thought with a little training he would make a fine runner. His legs seamed long and indeed when he stopped beside us, I could see he was rather tall for his age. He was not breathing hard at all, I knew he must run far and often. I recognized him as one of the boys that came to look at our medals. He introduced himself as Hilarus, son of Seneca the olive merchant. "I will be 12 next week and want to be a page." That was up front and to the point. My brother, Prince Kastor is in charge of the pages you need talk to him, I replied. I could see a look of desperation in his eyes so decided to probe a bit. Is their some reason to rush, Hilarus?
"Yes Prince Arden, I am the third son and my father intends to apprentice me to the cheese merchant," he pointed across the plaza. "I do not like cheese and if I eat more than a little, I do not feel well at all. Father thinks I am being foolish. I really want to be a page, being a merchant or shopkeeper is not very interesting."
Volos understood, he does not eat cheese either. "I would think not eating cheese would make it very difficult to be a good merchant of it. I can not eat it either, I know your discomfort. Maybe we should purchase some olives Prince," Volos gave me a wink?
I turned to Hilarus, I can not guarantee a pages position immediately but I can offer you meaningful employment at the castle. It will mean you must come and live there and you must continue with your education.
"I am a good student and I will prove myself, if I have the chance."
You will have more than a chance Hilarus, shall we go? When we go in, I want you to sell Volos and Pyrros some olives. I will arrange for your service. Does your father know you desire to be a page?
"Yes and he thinks I am being foolish, only children of the important people can be pages. He thinks I should be a humble merchant like himself and my brothers." I see.....
Pyrros told him, "When Prince Arden gets that far away look on his face and stops talking, he is formulating a plan. Often we get some fun from them, always Prince Arden gets his way. Be not at all surprised if he asks you some questions, for which he already knows the answers. Just play the game son and page you will become." (TN: this may rhyme in English but is does not in Greek) Pyrros is correct in this.
We entered the shop, Hilarus immediately began selling olives to Volos and Pyrros. I engaged the shop keeper Seneca in conversation. I commented on how proficient Hilarus was and suggested he must be proud of his son. Which he was. I asked if the boy was to stay in the olive business. Seneca replied no, he was to apprentice with the cheese merchant. Having helped Abrith in his olive groves for several seasons, all of us knew quality olives. I asked which were the finest. Hilarus pointed to a barrel, "these Prince are the finest and the most costly, they are from Kefallinia," he replied. I tasted one and commented that I agreed they were very fine, perhaps as fine as those grown by my birth family in Koalhurst.
I began fumbling with my new medallion saying, Hilarus, your father tells me you wish to apprentice with the cheese merchant. Volos poked him, "Oh no Prince, he wishes that, I dislike cheese, it makes me ill." Volos piped in saying cheese made him ill too, he could not bear to work around it. I turned to Seneca again, still fumbling my medallion, you know Seneca we have a very great interest in the well being of all the apprentices of Parga, not just dyers or those that have been injured. Why would you apprentice your son to a trade he is not suited for?
"He is suited to be a merchant, you said so yourself." Yes I did say he did a fine job and was knowledgeable of olives, how will he do that job or be knowledgeable about something he neither enjoys or can even eat? I started laying coins on the counter. Stop me when I have exceeded the cheese merchants offer. He signaled at 8. "The cheese merchant also offered his daughter's hand to Hilarus."
What of her Hilarus? "I hardly know the girl and we are both to young anyway." What would you do at the castle? "I would be a page Prince." His father looked askance. You realize pages must study very hard and work at the same time? "Yes and I am prepared to do what ever is required, pass any test and suffer any hardship, except eat cheese." If you become a page your father can still arrange a marriage for you. "If I can be a page then I will not object, if that be the price, I shall pay it."
Seneca, I said, the scribes will send a contract for you to sign in a few days. It will be under my brother Prince Kastor's seal, as he is in charge of the pages. While Sir Volos and Sir Pyrros pay for their olives you should go and gather your belongs, as your duties began a few minutes ago. It is always a pleasure to do business with enlightened men such as you Seneca. I placed two more coins on the counter. He looked at me with a most questioning expression. For the next few years, Hilarus will be very busy and he will not have many free days to visit his family, even though you are close in distance.
"What if he fails."
"That is not possible. It is possible he may find being a page is not as attractive as he thought or that he is unsuited. Some other profession will be found for him. Opportunities at the castle are great. Prince Arden has attracted many to royal service, since he was Hilarus' age, he has never been wrong in his judgement. What ever talent lay hidden with Hilarus, the Princes of Parga will find it and it will shine. Your agreement today has done a great service for the boy and for my Prince; in addition to selling very nice olives," Pyrros said, placing one in his mouth.
What Pyrros did not say, as long as the boy is in our service, his marriage will be by permission of the King. Iason 7th will not give it, unless Hilarus so desires. He is very sensitive to having marriage forced on anyone and arranged without his consent. I think it is because his was. That is not to say he has ever expressed any dissatisfaction with his wife. Quite the opposite, but like my Iason he had no choice and I think believes others should at least be consulted.
I am much taken by this boy. I was so at his first approach. He is polite and well mannered. I could see he judged us and the situation quickly. He was straight forward, giving only what was needed to be clearly understood. I am sure he could give young boy reasons for wanting to be a page. I strongly suspect they have less to do with cheese than the profession of merchant.
It was clear that he could probably sell what ever he put his mind to selling. His father must also realize this. Hilarus, I am sure, believes becoming a page will allow him to escape the merchants business, without the need to disobey his father. Perhaps politics is his calling.
I must be honest with myself too. I was impressed with his running and would coach him. I see much potential. I am also much taken by his body and desire it. I will let Nikias and Dios prepare him for my bed. Iason will be pleased as will my boys. I expect he is some advanced to other boys, as Iason and I were. As we walked back to the castle I was stopped many times by citizens, wishing to see my medallion or just to share a few moments. I could overhear Volos and Pyrros telling him about his immediate future and eating the olives they had just purchased. I think they too are taken by him as their attitude is much less professional and more friendly.
When presented to Kastor, I could see both the boy and the prince were immediately attracted to each other. Kastor lead him by the hand into the bath, asking for a proper uniform to be brought for his newest page. I looked in to see the most desirable round buttocks imaginable, atop long and strong legs. Yes this will be a fine runner and a fine bed partner. I also saw Kastor bathing him with as much care as he baths his infant son.
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[Note: Your translator is a bit incredulous at this point. Having translated these many pages of Arden's writing the continued use of such formal language is almost to much. I can not believe that in the conversation reported above, no pet names or terms of endearment were used. He speaks of his love and his passion for Iason. Yet we know the language of lovers, the language of the poets, is unchanged from then to now. Pet names and nick names, terms of endearment were as popular in 1319 as they are today. About as far as he ever goes is Poly for Polydeukus and Odo, which he was asked by the boy to use. Even for Iason or his own children he uses mostly formal references.]