Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
Note from the Author: Today is Oct. 24, 2009. I listened to Dr. Mahood from Queen's university this afternoon. He was talking about the Anikythera mechanism and all the wonderful things this ancient machine could do. Arden has referenced this type of machine(s) for navigation and also clocks. You may have thought I was taking license here, after all this is a work of fiction. Not so from what Dr. Mahood was saying, if anything I have been selling Parga's technology short. Not as short as popular and even scholarly culture has but short never the less. If you doubt or are interested see www.cbc.ca/quarks and listen to the pod cast.
37: Pirates Again
1319, 3rd. month, 6th day:
Today was very exciting. I understate. It was one of the most exciting I have ever had. As we sat for breakfast a page came in to announce, the Prince Kastor and Prince Polydeukus were engaged in battle with four North African pirates and the Prince Arden was to sail immediately to their assistance. We four made it almost to the door, when Father's voice caught us, "where do you think you are going?"
Kastor responded, "Where duty call."
"Try and stay out of the way, remember your navel title is honorary." Uncle Iason just shook his head and motioned for us to go, which we did before Father had a chance to delay us further. We ran from the dining hall and the castle. I was well in the lead, reaching the Prince Arden much before the others and just in time to hold the ship, until they arrived. Hermogenes said nothing as we scrambled to the quarter deck.
As we cleared the harbor entrance, I could see a group of people standing on the headland. Taking the "far see" I realized it was father and uncle. They were looking at us also through a "far see" and we waved to each other. We could see the Prince Polydeukus and Prince Kastor were engaging two of the Corsairs and the other two were attempting to attack them from the other side.
When they saw the Prince Arden the two turned to engage us. That is just what Hermogenes said he wanted them to do. While we put on our light armour and armed ourselves with bows and swards, he ordered the Kannons to be made ready, all of them. I could see the marines were also preparing for battle, stationing themselves at their appointed places.
All of our large or main sails are now square and with the land breeze still blowing from the night, we were approaching very rapidly. By the time we came close, one of the Corsairs was close enough to the Prince Kastor that archers on both sides were drawing blood. Then all along both sides of the Prince Arden holes appeared and the Kannon mussels poked through them.
The small Kannons on the fore and aft decks of the Prince Kastor boomed several times and the Kastor's marines began poring onto the decks of the Courser. We could not see what was happening with the Prince Polydeukus. The two Corsairs that had turned to meat us were obviously trying to ram us. Hermogenes smiled and ordered the archers to commence when they were in range. As before, our long bows were devastating. This caused them to each slightly alter course providing just a little more room between.
As the bow of the Prince Arden passed the bow of the corsairs, the first Kannon on each side let loose with a mighty sound, then the second and so on until all 16 had done so. Both corsairs were now sinking fast and return arrows stopped coming.
As the bow of the Prince Kastor came into range we were busy assisting the Marine archers. Our help was not needed, the full complement of 100 marines were on the Prince Arden, as on the other Prince Class ships. Other marines were also busy reloading the Kannons.
It was obvious that these crews were well trained and well rehearsed, everyone knew exactly what to do. A few of the marines on the bow were wounded and were being taken below, by the sailors.
A signal came from the Prince Kastor, they were overwhelming the enemy. Hermogenes steered for the Prince Polydeukus.
The corsair and Prince Polydeukus were locked together, the Corsair on its port side. That would mean their oars had been damaged, they were without reliable population. We steered close, advancing our port to the corsair. Instead to coming to close we stayed about 10 olig away. Our archers were told to make sure they knew the target, our marines may be on the deck of the enemy. As our bow pulled passed them our Kannons were silent until all eight could deliver at once, which they did. The combined noise was almost defining and the Prince Arden shuddered and rolled from the force.
The Prince Arden turned as quickly as possible and struck much sail. As we came in range of the Prince Kastor they signalled the Corsair had surrendered. The Prince Polydeukus signalled their advisory had also surrendered and was sinking rapidly. The shore signalled they were sending a number of fishing boats out to pick up the dead. Polydeukus and Kastor along with Damao, Pyrros, Captains Darkon, and Silas were taken in one of our small boats to their named ships, our other boats began looking for survivors of the two ships we had sunk.
Panther, Iason and I talked about the power of these new Kannons. It was clear to us, our ships would need be refitted with more durable hulls, if our enemies should acquire these things. Navel warfare was now changed and that change was forever. All of the dead and I fear many wounded went down with the ships that sunk.
Hermogenes told us that if we failed to sink the enemy with our first volley, the reload time was so long, that boarding and hand to hand combat was still a great possibility. He saw no need for further trials, the new Kannons would soon be on all ships of the line. Then he laughed, "If you think the tails of the boy prince and his magic ship were being told before, this new victory will be even more outrageous."
It was late in the afternoon when we arrived in port. The Prince Arden suffered four dead and 12 wounded. The losses on the other two must be much greater. Kastor and Poly were covered with blood when we met on the dock. They and the guardians had gone to assist the wounded as best they could. Kastor told me several died in his arms and he was honoured to ware their blood on his tunic. Poly said when he came on board the captain raised his ensign and a mighty cheer rose from the crew. He knew we did the right thing by joining the battle. King Iason and Father came to the quay and talked to the wounded as they were being taken to the hospital or the dungeon. Odo was needed as translator but could not be found.
We joined together. Presently one of the defeated captains was brought ashore. He had been wounded and was being assisted by a couple of his crew members. I was surprised when he began speaking Greek. It was not perfect and he spoke with a strange accent but it was understandable. When he realized who we were he began pleading that we kill him so he could die honourably.
The King was not amused. "You would have me kill a wounded, defenceless man and greatly dishonour myself?"
"I should have died on my ship, being wounded, I was unable to prevent your marines from taking me prisoner."
"I understand that, in what way has it dishonoured you and by your death, how would that restore that honer?"
"I lost the battle and my ship. I should die with it."
"Did you and your ship fight well and hard?"
"Yes sire, we did that."
"Were you out numbered and out gunned?
"We were out numbered but what is a gun?"
"A gun is another name for the Kannons, that killed so many of your men and wounded yourself."
"We hand none of these, we were out gunned as you say."
"I can not see how your murder, and that is what it would be, restores honer which you have never lost? Look at it this way, you are the most senior officer to survive the battle and your men need your leadership. If you look for honer find it through your duty and not abandoning them. Now go and have your wounds treated, so we my talk more."
We were told to head back to the castle, as our presence was no long need on the quay. We began walking toward the castle, finding Odo sitting by the statue with 6 boys, all about 12 or 14. I could see they were not of Parga and assumed them to be ships boys he made sure to rescue. A couple had small injuries which will heal, I thought.
Odo introduced them to us. One of them looked at the statue and at me, recognizing the resemblance and began talking to Odo and pointing first to me then to the statue. Iason turned to me, "They think you a god Arden." I responded, were I a god some would not be missing from their number. Odo translated this. Iason stepped forward and began asking questions of them. Odo did the translating. We still could not get them to willingly go with us to the castle.
"They do not believe you are princes, as no prince talks directly to a slave."
"I do not know about other places," Kastor said, "In Parga we princes talk to everyone but we have no slaves here."
"They do not believe Parga has no slaves." Iason got into his theatrical mode and began looking around in and under things, he inspected every one of them and us. We were laughing the whole time.
"I can find no slaves, if I could I would demonstrate that this prince does speak to them, since none can be found, I can not." Odo translated.
"They said they are slaves and you have talked to them and touched them, so you can not be a prince."
Iason boomed, frightening them, "You may have been slaves in your former home but you are not slaves here. Slavery and bound servitude does not exist in Parga. That is why I can not find any."
Polydeukus spoke up, "I don't much care if they think us princes or fools, it matters not since we all need to bath and food, them as us. Let us go the castle and do just that," he turned and started walking, we all followed with Odo herding them behind us.
Once in the court yard they started again. They demanded to know where the slaves should enter. This time I pointed to the main entrance. They followed us. Once inside they were much afraid again. Odo explained they had never seen portraits or sculptures before and thought we must be sorcerers since you are not gods.
Just then one of the palace boys passed buy and Odo stopped him. He introduced the six. He told them he worked in the kitchens and must hurry. They asked if he was a slave. Puzzled he asked Odo what they meant. Odo translated his question and replied they do not believe Parga has no slaves. "I am not a slave and I do not know any, slavery does not exist in Parga. I must go now, the Knights will be arriving soon for their evening meal. He rushed off. I had about had enough of this nonsense and said so.
Two pages, I called and two came running. You, pointing to Justus go and tell Ikaros we are here and need fresh clothing brought to our bath. You, pointing to Joulous go to the Argonaut Steward and tell him six new boys and Odo need baths and fresh clothing. Odo I want you to have these boys in the Argonaut dining hall for our evening meal. Tell the steward all the princes and our guardians will dine with them tonight. That includes all of us except Lysandros. Page, I called, one of the females came forward. Tell Princess Elpis I want Prince Helladios to dine with the Argoanuts tonight. Two more pages, I called. I pointed to Nikias, go and tell Prince Tertius that all the Princes are to dine with the Argoanuts, that includes you and your brothers. You, pointing to another female, go and leave a message for Prince Karyakos and King Iason, that all the princes are to dine with the Argoanuts tonight. Each one replied, "yes Prince Arden, with pleasure." Odovacar why are you and our guests still here, go, go.
"That was good work brother, I think you are learning the art of the theater even better than I," Iason commented. I doubt that and I feel just a little bad that I play the part of the demanding prince but somehow we need to get the message across. All agreed I did the right thing. I think Lyuben should be brought back to the castle for a few days. Perhaps he will understand their mentality and can communicate with them.
Once in the dining hall we princes distributed ourselves among the tables. Odo came to me and whispered, in the bath he could see all of them had been recently flogged and beaten, the marks are on their backs and buttocks. Helladios came running in and sheepishly asked the Eparchos if some of his friends could attend. He nodded agreement and suddenly four more ten year olds show up. Dios and Alfred immediately gluing themselves to Iason and Helladios found Odo. A page came in with a message: King Iason, Prince Tertius and Prince Karyakos advise they are unable to attend but look forward to meeting our new Argoanuts. The Eparchos stood and called the hall to order. "Before we have our meal I have a few announcements and that page was not one of them. First, Admiral Pantaleon commends and thanks you for your assistance in helping the wounded this afternoon. We have been invited for a day of sailing on the Prince Iason when it returns to port, next week. Third, we have six new members. They will be with us, the East House, until all have learned to speak Greek and adjusted to what must be strange customs.
Prince Helladios has brought four friends to share our fellowship, none of the under 12 boy are allowed to drink wine, those are our mother's orders. Your title gets you in the door but little else until you are 12. Last, Prince Iason has a few words.
"Welcome new members." He raised his palms in the air and everyone cheered. "I know all of you wanted to sail with us this morning and my brothers and I wanted you to come, however time did not permit. Were it not for Arden's quickness of foot they would have left us standing on the quay.
Seeing all of your faces on that quay when we returned, ready to assist in any way you could, gave all of us pride beyond words. Thank you Argoanuts. Over the years you have given a new meaning to the idea of boy power. Prince Arden and I were only 12, when Prince Iason's Argoanuts was founded. Most of you were not much older and I am sure you remember that day. I am also sure, when Prince Arden asked my father for your protection, he had no idea how successful and well thought of the Argoanuts would become. He did not even conceive of that name until some time later. I know you all want me to stop talking so the food can be served." That got a laugh.
"We have become more than a band of orphans under the leadership of two princes with fewer years than a good number of you. We have grown together into a brotherhood, with the duel purpose of giving opportunities for boys to become anything they dream, at the same time doing things for the benefit of all Parga. You have made boy power a reality. Thank you brothers," he pulled off his tunic. "The Princes of Parga are no more this evening, we are brothers for ever." He sat down to the loudest noise of approval possible.
With that, two from each table jumped up and began bringing bowls of food and jugs of drink. The food here is very plentiful and good. Tonight it was lamb stew with lentils and beans, peas, carrots, onions, garlic and turnips with big bowls of nuts, cheese and olives, child's wine and goat's milk. I miss the greens of summer and the fruits and melons of the early fall.
After the meal we rounded up the younger princes and their little friends, made introductions to the new boys and sent them on their way. Nothing more was said about us being or not being princes or slaves for that matter. When Odo returns to us and his translation needs are lessened I think he should compose anthems for all the Prince Class ships.
We are all curious to learn why these Corsairs chose to attack us and so close to our harbour. I assume the Ottomans are testing our strength. It looks to me that they perceive some opportunity, as the Byzantines are in some difficulties. I do not think these Ottomans can be trusted. I do not believe one can trust any state, except in the short term. I find their use of and tolerance of privateers unacceptable. I find much in the world unacceptable. I have little use for the Teutonic knights of the Baltic coast; or the constant wish and effort to expand, at the expense of ones neighbours, of the French and some of the inland states. These people pay a deadly game with their citizens. I must talk to Eutukos about this, he has some experience in Epirus at least. Perhaps he has some insights.
It could be some kind of retribution for the defeat they suffered at our hands last summer.
1319, 3rd. month, 7th day:
Many of the young men we met last summer, thought Parga would be a quiet and sleepy place. One with not much excitement. I know they are mistaken, at least if you are a prince here. When I think back over the last few years, my life has been anything but quiet. If not fighting assassins, I have been learning much and the acquisition of knowledge and perhaps just a little wisdom, is also exciting. It is for me and my brothers.
We spend most of the morning trying to convince our fellow students that we did not do anything heroic or special during the battle. I strongly suspect had the Prince Arden not gone to help the other two would have won anyway. The loss of life on our side would have been much greater, I am sure of that.
At our noon meal, Hilarus joined us. He was already dressed as a page and being shown around by the three terrors. Kastor told us he would send the contract to his father on the next day. He thought he would send Hilarus along with one of the older pages, as he was both new and not yet 14. He thought the boy's parents would like to see him dressed in the uniform and how well he performed his duties.
I asked how room was made for him, I thought the page list was full? Kastor just smiled and said it can always stretch a little when needed. All the while Poly just sat with a strange smile on his face. I was not sure exactly why but I was just a bit suspicious.
Panther entered with about 8 boys following behind him and Alexandros, behind them. I could see William, Dios and 6 well known palace children in the 10 and 11 year old range. Alexandros got our attention and introduced them as a new boys choir, he had just been formed. They will sing several songs written by place residents. The first two were songs written by Father. He plays the flute and I was curious how the boys would handle the high pitch. I must say I was amazed and I was most impressed with William, he sang as a bird, every note clear and precise. He was able to reach the highest notes and sustain them with ease. The other boys were also very good and you could see from the looks on their faces they liked to sing. I know Alexandros likes to sing too and he performs with a number of groups in the castle. He is not able to reach beyond tenor and these boys are all solid sopranos and high altos.
Unlike in some Spanish and recently Italian states, our boys will not need fear of castration to prevent their voices from lowering at puberty. A practice that is growing in popularity, as women are not allowed to sing in church choirs. That would be unthinkable in Parga. We know the Byzantines practised this until the 4th Crusade, and I suspect still do to some extent. They seam to castrate slaves at will.
We like to sing with women here in the castle and what they do in the Christine church is their business, as long as they don't mutilate anyone in Parga. I have no idea what would happen to anyone who did such a thing for any reason. It is interesting the Eastern Church, these days, is much less interested in this than the western; the practice did begin in the east.
The Islamic believers seam to have many eunuchs in service of their harems, which are also numerous. I find that disgusting but the more I learn about different beliefs, the more I am disgusted by all of them. I find over and over, I must ask myself, who are the barbarians?
(Translator's note: Arden has called them Corsairs or Ottoman or Turkish corsairs, here and in a few other places. In fact, they were just privateers or pirates that operated from the north African coast. Today we call them Barbary pirates. True Corsairs were French privateers or pirates operating from the northwestern French port of St. Malo in Brittany. Your translator assumes the name was picked up by Arden when visiting France, although he did use it before he got their. He writes it in the Latin alphabet and not Greek.)
At the council meeting, the three captains with their assistants, gave reports. 20 dead, and 25 wounded on our three ships. Of the captured, 55 were wounded and 73 not. In addition a number of galley slaves were recovered or saved from drowning. The surviving senior officer is recovering from his wounds. The captured Corsair will be kept as a supply vessel by our navy or sold. Since it is a rowed galley, I suspect sold. Hermogenes reported that the new Kannons performed better than he had expected; they delivered their loads accurately and with great force. He was not pleased with the time it took to reload and thought some procedural redesign was needed.
He also thought some new design of projectiles might be useful. Perhaps ones that exploded or caused fire. He also thought putting two of these Kannons on the bow and stern would prove useful. His new assistant is a former Argonaut. He was never one to talk much but to perform well. I know Agapios is glad that Panther is now ashore with us, as he is most fond of him in the absence of his mentor.
The captains of both the Prince Kastor and Prince Polydeukus said the small Kannons they had were highly effective; they were loaded with many small projectiles, called grapes and at such close range, devastated the attackers. They recommended adding even more of these. The Kastor's captain also suggested they could be reloaded faster, if the charges, gunpowder and grapes, were prepackaged into cloth sacks.
A few questions were asked, among them how effective the small Kannons were compared to long bows or cross bows? At close range as effective and give each charge held 50 small pellets it would kill or wound many at a time. At longer range the long bow is still more effective. The cross bow is powerful at close range but it takes to much time to reload.
When they finished, attention was indirectly turned to us. Hermogenes was asked by one of the rather elderly knights, why he invited the princes and not any of them. "I did not invite them Sir, they invited themselves. Had any of you appeared on the quay, before we sailed, you too would have been welcome. Had I not allowed it, my crew, marines and sailors alike, would have mutinied, they all love these princes, having proved themselves in our little battle last summer. The King Iason 7th may be the grandest Prince Class ship but when Prince Arden's ensign fly's from our mast, my crew will tell you the finest of that class is the Prince Arden.
It must be remembered that these princes are honorary captains, a fighting ship can have only one captain. That title is misleading, a fighting ship can have more than one leader. Their courage and dedication sets the example we all willingly follow, that is not honorary, it is very real."
The other captains nodded in agreement. Our fathers had that look of pride that only a father can but we four blushed. Not that I am not proud to be thought brave and dedicated. I am not sure about bravery, I know I am dedicated to my duty, my ship and most importantly, its crew. I am sure the others are as well, although we have never talked about it among ourselves.
Admiral Pantaleon reported that the four galleys were from the port of Bejaia (TN: Bougie). One of the Berber lands (TN: now part of Algeria). He pointed out the other three pirate ships, sunk by the Prince Arden last summer, were also from this port. Much discussion of the captured ship and its former slaves was held. No firm decision was made. The consensus seamed to be, the former slaves should work to repair it and under our leadership sail it to some port for sale. After recovering our costs, the remaining profit should be distributed among the former slaves and they be encouraged to go where they wished. As to the disposition of the Berbers, no decision was made. We know the Sicilians would much like them but we are loth to do that, as it would mean slavery for them. On the other hand, they seam little concerned with capturing or kidnapping others for that purpose, so perhaps it is both fitting and a risk of that profession.
To my mind this is an ethical problem. We can not willingly and knowingly sell or send men, ever pirates, into slavery. We do not allow the practice here and condemn it in other places. Perhaps the Sultan of Bejaia would like them returned and some deal can be struck.
Hilarus was sitting with the pages but he has not had any work as yet. I saw the new boys with Odo in the gallery. I assumed he was translating the proceedings. The younger and new boys will have classes for the morning and either work or have sports in the afternoon. The older boys, those over 16 are either at the university or away in military training. Today would be sports.
When I got to the running track I was greeted by Helladios, Dios, Hilarus and the Thoren. I set them to work with the coaches and went for a long hard run. At least I now have some reasonable competition from two of the Argoanuts and one of the university students in my fraternity. I was hopping that Georgio would participate in some sport but he does not seem interested in any. He does take fencing lessons. When I came back from my long run, I noticed Kastor and Poly working with the new boys teaching them wrestling and boxing.
When I returned to the running track I could see Hilarus was making good progress and would soon give Dios some competition, which he needs. I was running next to Thoren, matching him stride for stride. We went two times around when he asked me to call out my foot falls right, left, and repeat. I did that for about ten strides. He told me my right foot had a slightly different sound then my left and that I must be putting more weight on my right then my left. I concentrated on this and realized he was correct. We slowed our pace and I made a strong effort to make sure the weight distribution was even between. When he told me the sound was the same we ran faster to the end. I could see that by making sure my weight distribution was even, I could go further with the same energy.
I never thought I would become the student of my own student or be coached by a blind man. Now, I am all of that. I told our coach what I had learned from Thoren. He was incredulous at first but knowing me as well as he does, soon took my story seriously. He had me run some short distances along with my student fraternity brother. He could not tell any difference but Thoren told him he could hear it and suggested the student was also turning his left foot slightly as well. When the coach positioned himself properly he could see that slight turn. He would employ Thoren to run with all of his athletes, to listen for problems. I guess a sharp eye when combined with a sharp ear become a powerful coaching tool, for runners at least.
I took Thoren on Alsexo, Dios and Nikias and Helladios for a shot ride. Zephyros wanted to run but I would not give him his head. He finds the ponies to slow, Alsexo does not seam to mind their easy pace. We rode into the country and then down to the hospital. I wanted to check on the apprentices.
No sooner had we entered then the chant started. Prince Arden, Prince Arden... I had not considered that the wounded would be so vocal as they were. Everyone wanted me to stop and talk to them, even if only briefly. At the far end, near the place where the apprentices are, I found several who had lost limbs or parts of them. As a group they were glad to see me but not at all happy about their situations.
I think Thoren recognized their anguish from their voices. I was quite surprised when he started talking to Dios and Helladios about his training as runner. I did not quite know how or what to say to them, except to praise their valour. Nikias introduced himself and the others, suggesting that the official court story teller could entertain them.
"Why would anyone want to entertain a cripple?" one asked. I was about to say something when Thoren replied, "for the same reason Prince Helladios is my guide and Prince Arden is a Hero of Parga, simply because each of us can do only what our ability allows."
You made an unwilling sacrifice for your family. We are all family in Parga. Should your family abandon you because you received a wound? I think not. Parga needs all of us to make our contribution, what ever that happens to be. I do not expect any of you to be joyful about being injured. I do expect every citizen to recognize those who have made sacrifices for the greater good. I do hope, with time you can rise above your situation. When that happens you will be the Heroes of Parga, not me. Thoren here, only a few months ago did not believe he could ride a horse, run races and do dozens of other things. Now he looks for new challenges. His blindness has become more asset than liability.
"That is because their is this Prince that seams only to recognize opportunities and values only our abilities. You know why he and his guardians are called Hero. Did you know he commanded us to keep ourselves alive until they returned with treatment. The doctors did not think we would last the night or even know if the treatment would work. To Prince Arden that mattered not, what mattered, he saw an opportunity to take action where none others did. He saw we were in need and did what he could to fill that need. He did not do this to gain recognition but simply because he could," one of the apprentices said.
"See how red my brother is when his secret is exposed," Nikias said. This brought laughter to all that could hear, even the wounded. "That is why we all love you brother. Your humility is genuine, you are true to yourself and true to others. That is why others are true to you."
I did not see Iason and the other come in, "That is why I can be first among equals in name only. We are all trying to catch Prince Arden."
"I knew this wayward young man rather well and on seeking Prince Arden's advice he was told, when in doubt do what we, meaning himself and his brothers, would do. That young man is no longer wayward but quite successful, for having followed it. Since I still hold my navel rank I order you to do the same, it will be the hardest order you ever followed, I know the most rewarding," Panther interjected.
Thoren took over saying, "it is getting late and I had better start my story as requested by the young prince, who seams to always get his way." I took advantage and went outside as I was about to cry. The emotions had well up within myself and I did not feel I could control them. Nikias came with me and on seeing my tears began kissing them away. Volos placed his arm around my shoulders. "What causes your tears friend?"
I am a powerful prince and yet powerless to help those who need it the most.
"Arden you are a powerful prince, I would say the most powerful prince, more so than the King himself and you have helped all of those sick and injured more that you will ever know. You give them hope and purpose, you give them inspiration and a challenge they are compelled take up. It is a typical Arden challenge, one they can only succeed at. The King has said many times, he may have the title but the other princes are his equal and then he looks directly at you, or even my better. Arden everyone loves you as I did from our first meeting in Koalhurst, all those years ago. You have what the great Alexander must have had. Your presence commands respect and love. You are truly a great leader."
I stopped crying. I did not respond. I don't think Volos expected one. Like my physical beauty, some how I must learn to accept that I am powerful and have the potential to be a great leader. I never did let my beauty gain influence over my judgement. Somehow I must make sure my leadership ability does not either. That will be Iason's most difficult task, I am sure he is up to it.
I must now join my brothers and our beloved boys.