Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:48:10 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 32

Arden
by:dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


32:  Before We Travel


1318, 3rd month, 11th day:

Today we were exempted from the council and placed on cartographic tasks.
Our scholars were lecturing us on geography and the influence of Claudius
Ptolemaeus.  He is long dead but his maps and treats on geography are still
the standards being used.  We were studying his map of the world and
comparing it to others made later.  Fortunately a good collection of his
work is in our care.  More import is his treats that lays out, not only the
theory but practice of making maps that are useful.

Our geographers and cartographers make maps that focus on Parga and of the
seas our ships sail.  Unlike many others we do not put Jerusalem at the
center.  Those that do seam more interested in their religious bias than in
accurate, useful information.  After all, maps speak to all peoples,
languages aside.

The earth being a globe like structure was divided in latitude and
longitude by Ptolemaeus.  He placed north at the top of his map.  Others
seam to place south at the top of the map.  It makes little difference.
Ptolemaeus has used the conventions of geometry that we all learn.  We will
follow his lead in this.

They had us copying maps that covered the places we will be visiting over
the summer.  Most of these maps were developed by themselves, incorporating
new information as it is learned.  We would take these copy maps with us.
If we can add anything that will be of benefit, we will do that to our
copies.

To overcome the distortion toward the north pole, as the lines of longitude
converge, our people make maps with, all straight lines which give us true
bearings.  This results in great size distortion toward the pole instead of
great reduction but we don't go to those places anyway.  We will have both
kinds of maps with us, ones that show how thing or places relate to each
other and to things like seas and oceans, rivers and lakes.  We will also
have the straight line (TN: he means orthogonal) maps to use for
navigation.

Much time was spent on the scale and in the notation needed to convey that
information to the user.  We learned that at the correct scale, the
convergence of the longitude lines is so slight that distortion is not a
problem at all.  On larger maps this convergence can be shown without great
distortion from reality.

We were given large cloth maps that could be rolled or folded so that small
areas could be isolated easily.  I don't think any of us like this copying;
we realized once done, we would all have a good understanding of where we
were going and how we would get from place to place.

(TN: I think it best here to present a summary of what Arden probably knew
and what he probably didn't.  I found this on the net and with a bit of
editing submit it to inform: "Eratosthenes of Syene, a Greek living about
300 BC in Alexandria/Egypt, already knew: Sun reaches its highest point
above horizon (culmination), i.e. at noon, on different meridians at
different times.  All points on the same meridian have noon at the same
time, and each meridian has its individual noon time. Erathostenes defined
the equator/Zero-parallel through Rhodos Island, and in doing, so splitting
the civilized world into a Northern and a Southern hemisphere. The
Zero-meridian he lays through Alexandria, one of the most important towns
in these times.

He knew already the Earth to be a sphere and he split it into 60 segments,
later Hipparchos (190-125 BC) amended it into 360 segments. The geographer
Claudius Ptolemaeus 150 AD defined today's equator as the line where sun is
vertically above at begin of spring and autumn, and calculated each
1°-sector on it with 113 km, being amazingly accurate (it is 111 km, or 60
nautical miles, as we know today) between these points.

But defining the longitude remains an arbitrary act.  Earth is rotating
around its own axis, and so each meridian has the same justification to be
the "Zero". Ptolemaeus decided to name the Zero-meridian the Western end of
the known World - and these are - in these times - the CANARY ISLANDS - and
namely it was HIERRO" island.

Arden would have used this zero and Ptolemaeus' equator.  Some of the
navigational aids Arden talked about earlier must have included an accurate
time peace.  Accurate for his day would not quite do it but accurate enough
for a day or two at best would work, if you are in the Mediterranean or not
to far from a coast; where your distance from known landmarks would be
calculated by using triangulation.  Angles for him would have been easy to
read from his astrolabe or other survey instruments.  Adjustments to the
time keeping device could have been made by sun and star observations at
know places, either absolute corrections or relative ones.  This means that
one needed to stick close to well traveled routs.  That means that others
could lay in ambush if they knew you were coming or if they just wanted to
pounce on the first juicy target that came along.)

In the afternoon we were all fitted with new leather riding britches, and
boots, in the French style (cothurnes), not open like our normal and
shorter boots for walking.  We also had new rain cloaks for riding (cope in
French).  Our britches are really leather stockings or "haut de chausse"
used for riding.  True chausses made of cloth are hose or stockings that
cover the legs and reached the waste.  They are secured to our kilts.  We
mostly ware tunics and kilts.  Our tunics are not like the doublets or
shirts of other places they are like the journade of the French.  The
stocking are secured by points, which are: metal hooks, laces, strings or
straps; sometimes braies which is a small kilt that is covered by the tunic
or shirt is used.  The stocking or chausses are often of bright colors as
are our kilts, capes and tunics.  We often ware a fillet or band round our
heads to keep our hair in place.  One of the two, must have items, when I
run.  These I am told are common in France and other places.

I was not impressed with wearing the hats we were being given.  Here we do
not ware hats often, unless in the high country or as part of our military
dress, I find them hot.  I find hats made of straw good for working in the
fields or standing around in the sun but these are considered peasant garb,
in most other places.  Our hats are made of fine leather with a wide brim
that can be turned up on the sides.  The crown is not to high but does make
a little dome over our heads.  The hat band is braided leather with little
tails, we will have some nice bird feathers to stick in them.  I asked for
leather chin straps to be attached, for when we are riding or walking in
strong winds.

We will not need to dress much different than we would normally, except we
will have stockings in bright blue or red, maybe one of each color, when in
cooler places or on the ship once west of the Pillars of Hercules (TN:
Gibraltar).  Iason has had his hand in this.  I can see his sense of the
theatric.  Our Tunics will be a bright blue with yellow embroidery and
weaving, showing our symbols.  Our kilts a darker blue and our stocking as
just described.  Our tunics will be normal for us, ending just below our
waist or the top of our kilts at the sides, to give quick access to our
swords and daggers, the front and back a triangular shaped dropping to a
point below the crotch.  This will be like the Courtepy or short tunic
belted at the hip, ours will not be belted.  That way our tunics can fit us
well but still allow all the freedom of movement one needs, should an
arrow, sword or dagger be required.

We are told that most men and boys do not ware kilts but military uniforms
often have them.  We will have them since our tunics would need be much
longer without.  The French and British tend to long knee length tunics
with the sword and its belt on the outside.  Some still have a shorter
tunic like ours with a longer kilt much like a woman's skirt.  Our scholars
will have long robes that fall much below the knee.  Walking and riding
capes, that fasten at the shoulders will also be part of our attire.  I
find that clothing without utility to be bothersome.  My brothers feel the
same way.  Iason wants both utility and show.  The Argoanuts, will be
dressed as us but they have yellow capes and light blue stockings.  Odo
will not have his pages' hat but one like ours.

Our chlamys are slightly modified versions of the our standard models.
They are bright red and made of the finest wool.  They can easily be
removed in truly hot weather.  The morses are made of polished copper and
in the shape of a delta with small chains connecting them, they can also be
clasped at the right or left shoulder as is our usual fashion.  The riding
caps have several morse sets and are longer.  The smaller chlamys have
fancy engraving on the morses.  The little chain that connects them lay
across our bodies well below the shoulders as not to chock us when they are
attached that way.  Mostly we will just drape them over our shoulder and
use the morse to hold them from falling off.

I am forced to say, once dressed in these new outfits we are a most
handsome four.  Not that our six guardians are any less.  Their symbols are
quite different from ours or the Argoanuts.  They have the crown of Parga
and crossed swords in yellow with the markings of third or highest level
knights as well as their military ranks.  This gives them the right to be
addressed as Sir or by rank or both.  We princes are only second degree
Knights and can not advance until we are 18.  Prince is ahead of Sir so it
is of no difference to us.  Ikaros is also a second degree knight, his
symbol is a key and book above the laurel of the Princes.  He should be
called Sir.  We are told these things are very important in the more
northern and western lands.  Apparently the French and English are very
much concerned with dress and the Germans with hats and titles.  Odo has
the crown with a winged foot, a small Argo near his right shoulder and the
Delta of his house on the left.  We have given him a scroll and quill to
sit over the laurel and next to the foot, he is our official translator and
poet.  I would much like to make him look older than he is but it is not
possible.  He is now 14 but looks 12 at best.  Older people seam to look at
him with some question but when he opens his mouth and speaks their
language, they soon gain much respect for him.

When we all stand together we are an impressive lot and when backed by our
Argoanuts even more so.  I am still the most beautiful and being a full
head taller than the others, I do stand out.  The castle seamstresses all
said so but not to me directly.  Euthalia informed me of that fact.  I
guess I am the most beautiful but Iason is still the better lover.  That I
did not share with her.  Some things are best left unsaid, since she
believes Zoe is not objective in her assessment and she is bias toward me.

Euthalia is growing very large and the baby is beginning to show movement.
When I placed my hand on her I could feel it.  I think that quite
something.  It is strange that we all know what is happening and why; I for
one am still amazed by the process and the feelings that it causes within
me.  Kastor and Poly have said little about their liaison, except their
ladies are also with child but not as far along as ours.

With all this preparation we are being pulled in many directions all at
once.  It seams that everyone wants us to do something for them while we
visit this or that place.  We have invitations two numerous to even respond
to properly.  Our professors have given us a list of universities and
collages they think we should visit.  Hesiodos held a very secret meeting
with us this evening.  It was not the meeting that was a secret, it was the
content.

All I am permitted to say is we were given a list of people we were to meet
in privet.  Some of the people we know already, in France and Venice,
others we do not know.  They will identify themselves to us by a secret
sign.  A number of them are former sanctuary men who we may recognize but
who we are forbidden to acknowledge, in any way publicly.  For others like
Dario or our French Connection or Parga's officials in these places, we
must be public about meeting them.  I know he gave Damao dispatches for the
secret meetings and he will be bringing things back from them.

Father has put Ikaros in charge of our finances and he has been given,
letters of credit, much treasure and access to our bank accounts in
different places.  Ikaros has in turn trained several of the senior
Argoanuts to act as his assistants, in these stewardship matters.  The
Argoanuts will have their own expense money, which is administrated by one
of them under Corrado command.  That Argonaut will also be their paymaster.
When on expedition duty, all the Argoanuts will receive full solder's or
officer's pay.  We princes have also been given handsome sums of personal
coin, which we are free to spend as we wish.  We also have a large volume
of wonderful gifts for our hosts.

I am told, in the German lands, a court official called a quartermaster
prepares the sleeping place for the monarch.  Here that is part of the
Steward's job, when he does not have a chamber boy to help him.  For us and
the Argoanuts, we will look after our own needs or give as much help of our
brother as he requires.

Six of the Argoanuts are artists and two are medical students, three are
barbers and so on.  Everyone here does more than one job.  All are skilled
horsemen, competent with sword and bow, musical, literate and now trained
as sailors.  I think Tertius is giving them special training, with the idea
that they will form some kind of special units in his army.  I know the
military Ingegneres are reorganizing themselves into special units, that do
not fight as such but build things specifically for the military.  He has
other ideas for units that make and secure camps and in other ways support
the fighting men.  I know Kleitos and some of the more senior animal
trainers, are teaching small groups the skills needed to properly support
the cavalry.  Much as armors and smiths do now, except these man will all
be part of the military not contractors supporting it.

Our boys seamed to have accepted our coming absence and are not demanding
to be taken along this time.  I know they missed us as we did them but I
think they learned without us they had much more freedom and time to just
play and be boys.  They are good but not as advanced for their ages as
Iason and I were.

It is now late and my lamp is going dim.


1318, 3rd month, 16th day:

Over the past several day, I have been far to busy for me to find any time
to write.  Panther has been working with Dysme of late and is proving
himself to be not only a consummate lover and first rate bed boy but also
an able Steward and Captain's Assistant.  Hermogenes wants him to gain some
experience with women.  He did not tell us why this was so, just that it is
what he wants.  To facilitate this he gave some coin to Ouranos and asked
him to see this happened.

Judging from the smiles on Panther's face when he returned, we assumed from
time with the prostitutes, he enjoyed himself and we are sure they enjoyed
his prodigious member as well.  I know we all do.

The young boys have all been quite active of late and seam to either be
squabbling or making much noise.  Father expressed his displeasure with all
of this, sending them to the sports fields.  Dios and I still try and run
together each day.  I am attempting to teach him how to do this on his own
or by himself.  Boys his age are just not fast or long winded enough.
Older boys are finding him to be their equal.  I hope he can cause them to
work harder as I need competition too.

Word has come to us that Nik and Thomas are attempting to settle
differences.  I hope this goes well for Thomas but I fear it will not.
Thomas has sent a brief message thanking us for our post earthquake
assistance.  Most of our less serious damage is now repaired.  The more
serious damage is being repaired.  All public buildings are open and
functioning.  The semi public buildings like the temples are functioning
and being repaired.  None of our bridges, dams or aqueducts were seriously
damaged, all are now repaired.  Many messages of appreciation have come
from the villages and towns we visited with aid.

Dario has been here for some weeks now and he will return to Venice with
us, to take up his official duties.  Perum and Flavia are most pleased with
his efforts at the inn.  Apparently he learned many valuable managerial
skills in venice and is most willing to share with his partner.  Olympia
and Dario are scheduled to wed in the 10th month.

We will all be guests at Lugo's wedding, which will take place a few days
after we arrived.  The Doge's personal representative has told us, both his
and her families are dismayed that Dario and all of us are being invited,
since we are neither nobel or Venetian.  He told them to hold their noses
and leave their prejudices at home.  Dario and ourselves represent a
sovereign state, which is a trading and military partner of Venice, as well
as Lugo's and his personal friends; also nobel in Parga, his wishes will be
honored and without embarrassment to Dario, Lugo or himself.

He whispered to me that they are jealous of Dario and Lugo's suspected
intimate friendship.  He drew out the word suspected; suggesting to me that
they must have been discrete in public anyway.  "It is the women of both
families, mostly his bothered, not the men.  She fears that Lugo will only
sleep with her to produce children and nothing more.  Unless she changes
her attitude that may in fact be the result.  I know he is not fond of her
and has made little secret of his displeasure at having a bride being
forced upon himself."

Lugo will do his duty to his family that is a given.  That is the kind of
man he is.  I am sure he will provide his seed to produce as many children
as she wishes to bare him.  From what they have both said about the lady,
that may not be very many.  Lugo told me he suspected she will be a copy of
her mother, who he described as a short, fat women with a sower disposition
and very demanding of her husband and all around her.  The woman adorns
herself with the most expensive things, including a huge estate that is
more than her husband can easily afford.  She has one brother and no
sisters.  Lugo is also demanding but in the same way we are.  He demands
that people do their jobs or tasks properly.  He demands those around him
are loyal.  If not, he would have them gone.  He demands those who he does
business with are honest.  He does not want people with a sower disposition
around.

Dario told me that Lugo has filled his household staff with "his people,"
and when she comes, she comes alone.  Not even her companions, nurse or
confessor will follow, but for brief visits.  Lugo made sure to retain all
of the staff his mother and father had, so none of hers will be needed.  It
is his aunts and older sisters that force the issue.  It was the Dodge
himself that worded the contract, settling on a lesser dowry amount to win
these concessions.

He also told me, when they arrived in Venice, it was his uncles and
brothers in law, that caused the most problems on the business side.  "It
took all of our combined skill to gain control, without overly offending
anyone."  He chuckled, "a few of who, were recalcitrant until we got them
into our bed."  Maybe the women do have something to be concerned about.

Zosimos and her family, a husband and two girls, are due to arrive
tomorrow.  I am looking forward to it.  Her husband is connected with the
koal mines.  I do not know him well but by all reports he is a good man of
much promise.  I know Abrith would only select a quality family for her.

We are told that in some other lands children are not as highly regarded as
here.  In some places fathers apparently do not have much affection for
their children, either.  I am sure that many do, it would be unnatural not.
I am sure some fathers in Parga do not show strong affection or even love
for their children.  They must be in a minority, I am sure.

We know that during the recent famine, many children perished and a goodly
number are orphans.  We also know in some places, parents abandoned their
children, as they were unable to feed them.  To Iason and I this is
unthinkable but we have never been in a situation of true famine.  No one
knows when the last time Parga had a famine.  Perhaps never but I think at
least difficult times must have occurred.  Traditions, such as keeping food
in storage at all times, arose from something, not nothing.

If child and infant mortality are as high as we are told, half of other
lands here, perhaps this attitude is partly understandable.  Perhaps it is
a way for these men to protect their emotional balance.


1318, 3rd month, 17th day:

Zosimos and Ajax spent most of the day with us in our apartments and
walking around the castle.  Olympia, Eudoxia and the other female pages
took care of my little nieces.  They seamed very happy about this, I am
glad they did.  During our conversation I learned that Ajax was trying to
win a new contract with the castle, to supply a special kind of Koal that
was better than the average in the forges.  It was most suitable for making
the highest quality metals or mixing with other substances to make the
explosives used in the Kannons.  This Koal was to expensive and rear to be
used for heating water or general blacksmith work.

Iason was very interested as was Kastor.  Polydeukus was not quite sure
what to say but I knew and said so.  I told him we princes could not assist
him in any way, except to make the necessary introductions.  Kastor
realized I was uncomfortable and took Ajax aside to explain why.  Zosimos
told me Father had said as much to them before they came.

Ajax had brought several pack animal loads with them, so Poly offered to
take him to the forges and to the ingegneres and introduce him.  Once the
product was tested the forge master or the alchemist/Ingegnere could make
his decision.

For our evening meal, Zosimos went with the princesses and children, to
dine with Mother.  That left Ajax with us.  He is quite good looking but I
don't think interested in men.  Sex is wonderful but it is not everything.
He came with us.  Karyakos and Uncle Iason were pleased to meet him and
made sure he was seated close to them.  I think they wanted to get a sense
of the man.  One of the experienced palace boys served him.  They had two
less experienced but younger boys.  His eyes were wide open as Uncle
Iason's hand moved under the lad's kilt while he kissed the cup.

Our boys all made a big show for him, where we were concerned.  I think he
was just a little jealous.  Over all he seamed to settle into the routine
and made jokes and answered questions.  I could see Ajax was beginning to
feel the effects of the wine and I tried to slow his drinking down.  Father
stopped me, saying for all to hear: "Arden, your concern for your brother
in law is most admirable but Ajax is your senior and capable of looking
after himself."  I know I turned very red.  Uncle Iason was much more
supportive: "Beloved, Arden is only doing what we have taught him to do and
we would have it no other way.  Ajax, you pass our test.  In the morning we
will grant you the necessary permits and leases for this special Koal.  As
to price you must settle that with our officials.  They have been told you
are to be treated fairly.  It is a premium product and deserves a premium
price."  Ajax was smiling broadly.  "Do you sleep with Ganymede here or
your wife?"

"My wife Sire."

"Then Arden is correct, you should not take more wine, as too much wine may
increase a man's ardor but surely diminish his performance."  We all
laughed at that, even Ajax, who was smiling very much at this point.  He
took no more wine.  Later he thanked me for being a brother in spirit as
well as custom, adding "our first boy will be named Arden.  Would that
young fellow have slept with me if I had indicated so?"  Most certainly he
would have and gladly too.  While it is not a requirement of his office, it
is something that happens more often than not.  I am told he is both highly
skilled and willing, when one is as handsome and gentle as you, Ajax.

"Perhaps I shall visit on my own in the future."

We all look forward to that.  He smiled again and whispered, "Zosimos made
me promise not to succumb to your and Iason's charms before we came.  I now
understand why, for having gotten to know all four princes, I am reluctant
to renew such a pelage."

Sometimes it is necessary for us to agree to things which ease our
partner's mind, for no other reason than that.  This was one of those
times.  Having passed that test I would assume it would not be asked again,
besides that Ganymede is not a prince.  This brought much laughter to us
and smiles to Pyrros and Volos who were, as always only an arms length
away.

How could my sister have asked such a promise?  How could she not, knowing
me and my brothers?


1318, 3rd month, 20th day:

On the morning of the 19th day, we awoke to some commotion in our outer
rooms.  I could hear Volos vehemently refusing to wake us up and another
voice insisting he do so.  I pulled on my tunic and flung open the door to
our sleeping chamber.  The strange voice was a young man dressed as one of
Janus' riders.  He dropped to his knee and presented me with a leather
pouch.  "Abrith commanded me give this to Prince Arden and no other, he
said it was urgent."  I took the pouch and he rose.  It was a brief letter
for me: "Arden, Kleitos' father is gravely ill and is not expected to live
long.  Please bring Kleitos to Koalhurst at all speed.  It is the old man's
request.  Abrith, Representative of King Iason 7th."

Rider, I said, did you ride all night?  "Yes Prince Arden, Abrith was
insistent I do so."  I took his hand, thanked him and bid Ikaros personally
see to his rest and refreshment.  We will leave for Koalhurst yet this
mroning.

Kastor sent Justus to Janus, informing him that his rider is seconded to us
for the day.  Joulous to Kleitos, with the message in hand, asking him to
ready our horses to accompany him, immediately after breakfast.  Nikias was
sent to Father stating our intentions.  Uncle Iason and Karyakos caught up
with us in the dining hall.  Father pressed a small pouch in my hand.
"Give this to Abrith in a privet moment, son."  I would do that of course.
I did want to know what it said but knew not to ask or look.  Abrith would
share with me if appropriate.

We were all dressed in our new attire and I must say, as we rode like the
wind, with those red chlamys streaming out behind us, it was a most
impressive sight.  Kleitos was not as incredulous as I.  He had seen his
parents many times since he left Koalhurst and had obviously come to some
understanding with the man.  I am sure his mother had much to do with it.

We rested our horses at the dispatch rider's way stations, giving them food
and water.  We rested ourselves too.  When we arrived in Koalhurst we went
directly to see the old man.  He was as described, near death.  Even in the
dim light, I could see his face brighten as Kleitos and I came into the
room.

"Kleitos, Arden, I wish to give my blessing to your venture, he said in a
half whisper.  We knelt down and he did so.  Kleitos began to cry and
pressed his face into the old man's chest.  I backed out of the room to
give them a privet time.  It did not take long, Kleitos came out and taking
his mother in his arms said, "it is done, he rests now, in the arms of his
creator."

Kleitos' brothers, sisters and their families were all present and I
thought it best that we get out of the way.  A funeral would take place on
the next afternoon.  Odo began singing one of his sad funeral songs and we
all joined in.  When that was finished I kissed Kleitos and we departed for
the inn.

I was most surprised that they were expecting us and had prepared for all
that came.  Us eleven and three of Kleitos grooms.  After we cared for our
houses we had a light meal and turned to bed.  Iason and I were much to
fatigued to do more than share a few kisses.  We awoke to the cock's crow
in the morning, still in each other's arms.

Perum's brother and sister in law were most consolatory toward me, much to
my surprise.  I do not usually stay at the inn but with my birth parents.
Zosimos and Ajax will not arrive until much later today.  I was glad not to
need the leather riding stockings, as we would not ride again until we
returned.  We stopped to talk briefly with Kleitos' older brother.  He told
us, all the neighbors, as is our custom, were preparing food and that we
need do little but attend the funeral and the dinner that followed.
Kleitos asked if Odo would stay and assist him in composing his eulogy, as
he had been ask to give it by his mother.

As is our tradition, the Will would be read to all assembled at the dinner.
We went on to see my mother and Abrith, Abernath, his wife and my nephews.
She carries her third child.  I gave the pouch to Abrith.  He opened it and
found only one gold coin and a brief message, "to long in coming".  "From
Karyakos," he asked.  Yes, I replied.

"It is a bet, I won, but he is right, too long in coming.  I bet him the
old man would forgive you and recognize Kleitos for his accomplishments,
before he died.  Karyakos thought not.  It is a bitter sweet win.  Family
is much to important to hold grudges for long.  It is false pride and false
sense of honor the cause."  He looked right at my sister in law as he said
it.  I had no idea what any of that was to mean but he is correct.  Another
lesson for the middle princes of Parga, no doubt.

Everyone was most impressed with our new uniforms and said so, many times.
This gave Iason quite a bit of real pride as he was most behind them.

The oldest nephew which is now almost 4, refused to leave us alone.  He
insisted on sitting on each of our laps.  We of course were most indulgent
of this.  His parents were less appreciative, since it undermined what
little discipline they had managed to teach.  Grand parents are not known
for it and uncles from the city even less so.  Since we were all dressed
alike, it was impossible for him to figure out who was uncle and who was
not, so we were all.  To small children titles of office are meaningless
but titles of relationship have some importance.  He knew from my portrait
what my name was but the others not.  As I said, uncle was his best effort
and one we were all proud to answer to.

To spare my mother and sister in law the difficulty of feeding ten of us,
we took an early leave of them and returned to the inn.  On the way we
encountered a large group of boys all under 12.  I could see they were
impressed by us, as stopped to introduce ourselves.  After our meal we gave
them a some archery and fencing demonstrations.

The funeral was like all funerals, a solum affair with much crying and
whaling, mostly by the women.  The men just stood around looking sad and
glum.  We sang several druggies, that Odo had written, all without
instruments.

Kleitos was with his birth family but joined us when we returned to his
mothers home.  The ladies had laid much food out and everyone ate and
talked mostly about the dead.  Presently, Abrith stood and produced a box.
When opened he took out a document and read from it.  The will was most
straight forward, it left most of his estate to his oldest son, who was
instructed to take care of his wife, for as long as she lives.  He
bequeathed some of his possessions to this or that person.  To Kleitos, he
left a small leather sack with ten gold coins in it.  Also in the sack, was
a message.  "I valued a son in gold.  Now I realize his true value has no
measure in the terms of coin.  I can not accept this and therefore return
it."

Kleitos hesitated for a brief moment.  He rose and gave his eulogy, as he
and Odo had prepared it.  I must say it was brilliant, all were overwhelmed
by the eloquence.  He then took the sack and handed it to his mother.
"Mother, I can not restore your husband and I can not return to Koalhurst
to ease your life but I can see that you need or want for nothing else.
This is your treasure now, not my brother's or the family's but yours."  He
knew that having done this, with all to witness, those wishes would be
respected.  She did not quite know what to say but she did kiss him several
times.  He then suggested she give the money to Abrith for safe keeping.  I
later learned, he told Abrith that should the money ever run out or low to
let him know and he would see more came to replace it.

I know that Abrith made careful note of this, so that when Abernath took
over his job he would know exactly what had been agreed to.  Polydeukus
suggested to me that secure depositories, banks, should be established in
small towns.  If the King's Representatives in other places are doing the
same, they must hold much treasure and it is not secure.  Iason thought
that we needed some kind of postal service for non military, government
service anyway, perhaps they can be combined.  I thought it a good idea and
suggested we should make the postal service available to all citizens.

We know that in other places privet systems exist and we use them.  Parga
is to small to have two systems and since everyone here can read and write
and since paper is now quite affordable, almost everyone, if a system
existed, would use it.  We decided to look into this in the fall, after our
return.

Odo gave a short ode to a father and friend.  It is a nice general poem he
wrote some time ago.  We knew it but none in Koalhurst did.  Kleitos came
to the inn to stay with us, as his brother's house was very full.  Iason
and I wanted him to sleep with us that night but Kastor and Poly insisted
he join them.  I think they realized our history would make sleep and sex
hard.  Since they did not share that history, it would be mostly sex and
that would be easier.

Now back in the castle we are settled into our normal lives; following a
very pleasant bath and massage, sex with our boys and brothers.  What more
could any man or prince want?


1318, 3rd month, 21st day:

We placed our family's wedding present on the Prince Arden.  Not us but
Panther and the Third Officer came to the castle with a squad of sailors
and took the present to the Prince Arden.  It is a life sized marble statue
of a young man, a hunter with a bow and quiver of arrows, he is naked and
well muscled.  The model for this is one of the hunters from the northern
estate.  His face much resembles my Grandfather Plato.  This I noticed when
looking at the many portraits of him in the castle.  We know him as he has
gone hunting with us and the Argoanuts.  This depiction makes him look
about 20 but he has 30 years.  His buttocks are larger than most and very
well muscled, as are his shoulders and arms.  I was amazed that the
sculpture was able to carve him with a long bow in his left hand.

It is the one chosen by Lugo.  He was offered choice from several works,
all in progress at the time.  It is to be from Dario and the Princes of
Parga.  In addition, Odo is composing a wedding song with the aid of the
palace musicians.  I am sure it will be well received and we will play it.
It uses: harp, fiddle, dulcimer and viol, flute, trumpet, shawn, recorder,
drum and cymbal.  The Argoanuts will sing.

Many other crates were also taken to the Prince Arden, among them is one of
the small bronzes, depicting the Ganymede for our friend the General, who
we will visit in Florence.

Olympia, Eudoxia and a number of other female pages were visiting Apollo's
Temple.  They managed to spend some time with Flavia.  Apparently Dario has
confided much to her about Lugo's bothered.  Someone who Olympia will need
be on friendly terms with, in the future.  Flavia suggested she send her a
personal wedding present as a way of introduction.  Flavia also suggested
she send a selection of scents, that are only made by the herbalists at the
temple.  They chose four.  Olympia came to us asking that we see these
scents be put into the finest glass bottles and sealed.

Olympia and Dario are not permitted by her family or custom, to be alone
together but they do have opportunity to interact in properly supervised
situations.  The common room of the pages dormitory is just such a place.
She explained briefly what Flavia had told her and suggested.  Dario was
impressed and said so.  He would cover the cost of her idea and suggested
she writer a letter of introduction, pretending not to know anything at all
about her or the situation.  Best to suggest you learned her name from your
uncle and knowing his fondness for both our future husbands, you asked your
cousin princes to deliver these scents, which you are told are only
available in Parga.  Say much about how you look forward to meeting her in
person, and express some trepidation about leaving the security of your
father's home and the company of your sister pages, to attend your new
husband in a strange land.

"I can not write this for you, as my hand and style would be easily
recognized, having been Lugo's personal secretary among other duties.
Perhaps Odo will help you, his correspondence in Italian are like his poems
in Greek," Dario commented.  Olympia blushed and agreed.  Odo was by her
side quill and paper in hand.  We all departed to let them work in peace.
I am not sure how much peace, since all of the female pages immediately
replaced us.

These women seam to have some kind of affinity for each other and when one
has a problem, all join in to assist in the solution.  We boys are not that
different but most of us would not join in until asked, the girls just seam
to assume or perhaps know their help is wanted, needed or not.  I wounder
if I will ever understand them.  Uncle Iason tells me not, he also tells me
our mother does not believe she will ever understand men either.  Perhaps
this is true and the two sexes never fully understand each other.  Perhaps
we are divided by more than just the ability to bare children.