Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 23:56:02 -0700
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 42

Arden
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


42:  Aftermath

1319, 5th month, 16th day

We have been very busy, as I expected.  Many of the wounded on all sides,
were treated at sea.  We now have 325 in different hospitals with serious
wounds.  Only 3/4 are expected to recover but if the skills of our
physicians is as high, as I believe it to be, better is possible.  The most
serious died before they could be treated, the funeral pyres burn all along
the shore as bodies are found on the beaches.  I am just as happy that our
supervision is not needed for this task.  I find it most disquieting.

In the morning we four inspected all of the operations and found our help
was not needed.  Fortunately, none of us thinks so highly of ourselves, to
be anything but happy about it.  By mid day Corrado reported that all the
surviving pirate ship boys are now on shore.  They total 85, some are still
in hospital, all are expected to recover, a few were burned and will need
much time.  Six are less than ten year of age and they were placed with
palace families.  Seventeen are ten or eleven and they are with the others
for now.

Corrado told us that these boys were greatly afraid but the Arabic speaking
ones quickly calmed them down.  At our noon meal my ensign was handing on
the wall.  The knights chided me some but all agreed it was a fitting
gesture.  Moreover many said when they witnessed the Prince Arden leading
the charge, as it were, with my ensign so paramount they were proud to be
serving such a fine collection of princes.  Most thought my comment about a
little salt with their meals was also most fitting.

In the afternoon we hosted the captains of all the ally warships, that took
part in the battle,as well as our own.  After reviewing the battle, Uncle
Iason invited them to send all their ship's boys to a memorial service, for
all the ship's boys that were lost at sea, not only in this but in all
battles.  He reviewed the origin of the Argoanuts and why his boys, as he
described us, wanted to do this.  All the religious institutions would hold
simultaneous services, according their custom and the Argoanuts would
perform a concert in the plaza.

The Argoanuts would also act as guides one for each galley.  This would
take place the next afternoon.  We would feed them and they should be
returned to their ships before dark.  The King reminded all that slavery or
bound servitude does not exist in Parga and our invitation was for all boys
16 or younger.  Some grumbled that we were attempting to steal their crews
away.  Some understood better what we were about but expressed concern
about efficiency, as they the boys were needed to work.  Father addressed
both concerns.  He pointed out they were offering employment that provided
education and training.  That the Argoanuts paid better then they did and
that he knew of many well trained young sailors in need of work to replace
them.

A goodly number of the Arabic speaking boys are much darker then we are.  I
wondered how the two groups would mix as they are visibly identifiable.  We
hoped for the best.  This was neutral ground and we trusted the
commonalities between would out weigh any prejudice or fear.

Iason was planning with the Eparchos this afternoon, so I am sure he will
have some mighty theater for us all.  I thought we should include the
palace boys and any apprentices or others that might be available, for the
plaza portion.

I am sure those captains will admonish their charges not to be taken in and
to reject any offer we might make to stay in Parga.  The strong of spirit
and the quick wilted will cease an opportunity, if they believe it is a
good one.  The others will not.  It is my preference for the strong
spirited anyway.  The primary language will be Italian or some dialect of
it.  Fortunately most of the Argoanuts and many others speak it.  We have
one chance to impress them and convince them of our purpose and benefits.
The most important things to boys and young men are food, sex, brotherhood,
sports and opportunity, followed by food and sex.  That is exactly what the
Argoanuts are largely about.

Later we enjoyed the company of our family in the baths and dined with the
Argoanuts.  The hall was full to over flowing as it is, if more boys join
we will need eat in shifts.  Helladios and Alfred made a rope entrance,
much to the delight of all the younger boys and joined their new friends.
We also enjoyed much music and dancing displays, it was great fun for all
of us.

I picked Helo up and carried him to our apartment.  He told me Umar was
much afraid his foster father would beat him.  "I told him you would never
do that, you won't will you?"  Of course not but how am I his foster
father?  He giggled and said, "I told Euthalia you were most taken with him
and sort of, you know , implied you wanted me to introduce him to her and
maybe she could take him in.  Did I do wrong?"  He kissed me before I could
reply.  Yes and no little brother.  I was much taken by him, that is true
but I did not ask you to ask her to take him in or suggest I wanted to be
his foster father.  I think that was your idea.  It is done now but in
future, I think you need take greater care with putting words in my mouth
or anticipating my intentions.  He giggled.  I know he meant well and I am
not opposed as long as Euthalia is in agreement.  How Uncle Iason will
react I was not sure but fostering is not adoption.  She is a gentle person
and knows me.  I suspect she realized Helo was stretching his story.  She
also knows him and must realize his intentions are honorable, if not his
methods.  I will go and see her and my babies in the morning.


1319, 5th month, 17th day:

Umar was in deed with Euthalia and the babies.  He did not seem afraid of
me but he was not glad to see me either.  I have no idea why I expected him
to be, as he knows only my name.  Euthalia was glad to see me and made
quite a show of it.  I assumed that was partly for Umar's benefit.  We have
no idea what his home life was like.  I am not even sure how old he is.
She was not upset with Helo and saw through his explanation right off.  She
thinks he is nine.  She said he only knows a few words of Greek.  You are
Ab and I am Umm, Zoe is Akht and Aisopos is Akh, Umar is our Ibn.  Now we
know a few words of Arabic.

Euthalia has already stitched his name on a boy sized tunic, with my symbol
and royal colors.  She is probably the finest, if not the fastest,
embroider in the castle.  A profession that allows her to work in her small
apartment and look after the babies.  The other women often bring her food,
as it is difficult with two so young.  I held my children and played with
them for some time.  Since it was time for them to be fed and they are
still receiving mother's milk.  I took his little kilt and wrapped it
around him. I took Umar by the hand and lead him to the family dining room.
Small children do not usually ware kilts but boys and girls of 8 or 9 will,
often when in formal situations.  This is formal.

As we passed through the halls everyone we encountered stopped us, to meet
my new foster son and offer words of encouragement to me.  By about the 6th
person I could see Umar was learning from observation, that his new father
figure was anything but ordinary.  He realized he was under the protection
of someone very powerful and admired.  I introduced him to the two guards
at the door.  Just as they were opening the doors a heard of boys and girls
came pounding down the hallway behind us.  They stopped only long enough to
take Umar's hand and with a nod from me pull him into the dining hall
knocking one of the servers on his butt in the process.  I helped him up
and slowly strode over to my brothers, who were laughing uncontrollably.

Iason spoke first, "This time Arden you have proven to be truly mystical."
I had no idea what he was talking about and must have looked so.  "Have you
not talked to Umar," Kastor asked.  No, I have spoken to him but remember
he does not speak Greek and I do not speak Arabic.  "Then you do not know
that he is the seventh son, of the seventh wife of the seventh Sultan of
Bejaia," Poly added.

Oh, triple seven is a mystical sign of extraordinary good luck and power,
as is its sum, also thought to be lucky and powerful as well.  You know
what I think about luck and this superstitious babble.  How then did you
learn this?  "Odo told us, Umar told him.  He also said he had been sent
away on the galley by the first wife, who never liked him," Iason added.

I tell you this is foolishness.  It is pure coincidence and nothing more.
It also speaks to how that place is run.  The boy is fortunate to have
gotten away from it.  "And fortunate to have been chosen by our resident
sorcerer as his foster son," Poly chided.

Listen brothers, say absolutely nothing of this to anyone.  This foster
father business was not my idea.  I am willing to do my duty to the best of
my ability, that you know.  As Euthalia desires it and Umar accepted the
idea, it must stand.  I will admit that the boy has taken a piece of my
heart, as have many others including yourselves.  This is pure chance and
nothing more.

"Arden is correct and we must do as he asks.  I think we may also make good
use of it in future dealings with the Sultan.  This pirate business is not
finished."  Kastor motioned for us to put our heads close and whispered.
"If those people are as superstitious as they seem to be and if they
already believe Arden is a sorcerer, we can make much of this.  Think of it
brothers, Arden has the power to reach across the water and cause the first
wife to send this extraordinarily lucky child to us in Parga, to Arden as
his ward.  We must find or invent a soothsayer to write the Sultan with
just this.  Think of it, if Arden can do this and oversee the destruction
of the fleet and so on, what might he do in the future.  Other implications
are also clear, as long as the boy remains here in Arden's household, much
care must be give not to anger him or Parga for that matter."

"Kastor I would never..."

"Yes of course you would not and not anyone else we know but the Sultan and
his seventh wife do not know this.  Better yet we say in the letter, Arden
saw the first wife's fear and her actions and took advantage, saving him
and him alone from the doomed and sinking galley, where all other hands
were lost."

Kastor we do not know that as a fact.  I saw no such and did no such.  I
can not and will not spread lies.

"No brother you can not and should not and will not.  We however, can and
shall, not in your name but in the name of the soothsayer.  Think of it as
a play and we three, with a little help of course, as the playwrights,"
Iason interjected.

"Then we must do as Arden requested and say no more of it.  This is a
weakness in the Sultan's court and we must exploit all weaknesses our enemy
possesses, especially if they cause no harm to the innocent."

You are right Kas but please make sure Umar and I are kept completely
isolated from what ever it is you do.  You should tell others I do not know
this and should not be told.  Others must believe my actions were always
what they were and not tainted in any way.  If Umar is to prosper here,
others must believe it is merit alone and nothing more.  I think you should
make sure Odo tells Umar he did not tell me of this and I should not know
of it, because he, Umar, needs believe I treat him as my son from love and
nothing other.

Everyone was making a great fuss over the boy including Lysandros and
Melitta.  They see him as a new playmate.  When Odo arrived he told me the
boy was just 8 and had been sent to sea when he was 7.  He is big for his
age apparently.  I had Odo bring him to me.  I lifted him on to my lap and
had Odo translate for me.  I wanted to make sure he understood why he was
in my care and not with the other boys.  Seeing this Lysandros came over to
us.  Kastor immediately engaged him.  I asked one of the nurses to make
sure Umar was returned to Euthalia when finished playing with the other
children.

Odo assured me he was aware of what was happening to him and why.  He told
me, "Umar really likes you."  I asked him if Umar was upset about not going
home.  "I don't think he is to much, since he told me," then he stammered a
bit, "his being on the ship was not his doing."

Just as quickly as they came in the heard of pages and apprentices
disappeared to their duties.  I have noticed that the male and female pages
all seem to eat together.  The interaction is spirited but dissension
limited.  I am please with this and I know Kastor must be as well.  They do
seem to be a family.

Just after our mid day meal the guests began arriving.  All were gathering
in the plaza before the statue and among the gardens the Argoanuts have
established over the years.  Iason has told the Argoanuts to extend the
invitation to join us but not to try and sell it.  Just answer questions
and explain things, tell them about yourselves.  The memorial services were
held at the 14th hour.  By the 15th hour all were reassembled in the plaza.

Iason had seen a small platform was put up near one of the fountains.  A
group of Argoanuts performed a number of instrumental songs, many written
by themselves.  When they finished all of us princes from Helladios through
the King were introduced.  King Iason welcomed everyone to Parga and
thanked them for coming to remember those who are gone from us.

Nikias, Justus and Joulous came next, sending us senior princes to the
audience, they pointed out that the Argoanuts and everything about them
were the creation of boys, by boys and for boys.  The music, statues,
gardens, the food we will eat was grown, cooked and will be served by boys.
When their brothers founded this organization they were boys.  "Since they
are now men, it is up to us boy princes, they call us the three terrors,"
which got quite a laugh, "to represent the Argonaut movement.  We are boys
and boys can do anything they put their hearts and mind to."  That got
minutes of cheers and shouting and hooting.

Odo came up on the platform, "I'm Odovacar and I'm still a boy.  I am also
the poet laureate of the Argoanuts.  One of the first poems I wrote was the
ode to the Ganymede of Parga," he pointed to the statue.  That was the fist
project the Argoanuts did.  It was all done by boys, the sculpture, model,
instillation and idea for it, were all done by us boys.  Please look at the
statue while I read my ode.  I am the Ganymede of Parga..."  No sooner had
he finished than the Argoanuts all began singing the ode, their voices
could be heard from every part of the large plaza.  While they were singing
about 30 Argoanuts moved to the front of the little platform.  After the
ode finished they started to sing a number of other songs, including the
marching song of each house.

Corrado came up next he was dressed in his Elite Marine uniform, which does
have a large Alpha on the left shoulder.  He explained quickly the EM's
connection with the Argoanuts and gave instructions on how to line up for
the food.  He had them form up 8 lines.  In all we were prepared to feed
900.  I don't think that many were here but I am sure it was close to 800.

While they moved up in the food lines one of us princes were near the head
greeting everyone.  I know all the guests were impressed that we knew every
Argonaut's name and spoke to every one, mostly to them.  Many apprentices
from different trades were scattered among them and others as well,
students and so on.  Very few questions were asked of us but they were sure
asking them of the hosts Argoanuts and others.

As the lines were almost finished I saw one young lad hanging back.  It
looked like he had been crying.  I approached him.  Are you not hungry?  He
looked down.  "Yes prince Arden."  Well then, I said extending my hand, let
us get in line as I need some food too.  He did not take it but did step
up.  "I guess this has been quite emotional a time, I know I always cry
when we sing the ode.  Now he looked at me.  "You do? no princes don't
cry."  Oh yes they do, well this one does and my brothers too.  We are
human just like you.  We got our food and moved off to one side.  Are you
planning on staying here?  "I want to but my mother is a widow and needs my
pay for the younger children."  How much is that pay?  "It is 1 florin for
each three months."  How old are you?  "I am 14 sire."  Well if that is all
you are concerned about.  A 14 year old Argonaut earns 6 florins a year and
12 at 16 and at 18 the pay goes up even more, how much depends on what
profession or military rank you might achieve.

"You mean I will get paid 6 florins a year for this and next year to go to
school, do sports and help out with chores?"  It is a bit more than that,
yes that is the essence.  You need learn some music, depending on your
skills and interests, learn a trade and help out in the fields and
orchards.  Oh, food, clothing, tools and things like that are all provided.

He looked at the ground again.  How will I pay back the advance the captain
made my mother?  I handed him a gold florin.  "You would do that for me,
why?"  Of course I will do that for you or any of the others.  As to why, I
can only think of about 100 reasons.  How about this, any boy who puts his
family before himself is the kind of person I want in my service.  To get
into my service you need to be an Argonaut first.  Do we have a deal?

"Yes prince Arden we have a deal," the smile on his face told all.  I
signaled Pyrros and he came close.  I have just made a deal with," I looked
at him.  "Michael."  With Michael here.  He needs to collect his belongings
and pay his captain the florin, would you see to it Pyrros?  "It is always
a pleasure prince.  You know Michael, it is said these princes of Parga are
magic..."  Pyrros lead him away.  Well we recruited one at least, I
thought.  Just then one of the cooks called to me, asking if I wanted more
to eat.  I said yes but before I could rise from the little bench I was
seated on, about 6 boys rushed over all with food in hand.  The smallest
had two flatbeds and I took the one offered.  "These are Michael's ship
mates prince," their Argonaut guide said.  I smiled.  "Is Michael staying?"
one asked.  Yes, we shook hands on it.  "Then we will also."  Why?

"Michael is the cleverest one among us, if he is staying we should too."
The Argonaut nodded to me.  Welcome to Parga and to Prince Iason Argoanuts.

The sun was setting as the last of the boats left the quay.  Of the 480
that came ashore 256 signed up to stay and be Argoanuts.  I was amazed.  I
think more would have stayed but many told me they had obligations that
prevented it.  Some did not go back to their ships, those that did will be
picked up by the EM's in the morning.  We did need buy out about 35
contracts but the price was not high.

I'm cutting this off now as my Iason is laying on our bed with his cute,
little, naked ass up and ready for me and I am afraid I can no longer
resist his invitation to passion.


1319, 5th month, 20th day:

All of the ally ships and most of the combatants are now gone.  A few of
the pirates are still in our hospital, these are mostly burn victims and
they will be some weeks in recovery. The Sicilians will get them in a few
weeks.  They were most puzzled by our care for these men.  Uncle Iason
reminded them that this attitude was inconsistent with their professed
beliefs.  To end the suffering of one that could not be repaired was
merciful but to deny help to those that could was barbaric.

All of the boys and our people are back with their units or professions.
The place is returning to normal.  I am not sure what that is though.  The
Argoanuts will be camped here for another few days.  The reorganization is
almost complete.  The solders are mostly back in their bases.  Yesterday we
visited the camp and gymnasium and were most pleased with the progress.  It
was nothing more than a huge orgy and we receive and gave much pleasure.

Uncle Iason read Parga's letter to the sultan before the council.  Like the
last one it will be translated.  Since 15 of the 31 galleys were from ports
other than Bejaia, this letter was being sent to all of them.  We are in no
mood to let any save face.  The stories of this crushing defeat are
spreading and I am sure will reach the sultan in a few days.

The letter was addressed to the Seventh Sultan of Bejaia and his Misguided
Allies.  It said: In less than a year Bejaia has sent 39 galleys against
Parga.  Thirty eight of those galleys were sunk or captured, one ran away.
The captured galleys have been sold to other states and the captured crews
are guests of the Sicilians.  Given recent history we suggest the Ionian
Sea is not a safe place for pirates to operate.  Parga is not in the habit
of giving advice to others.  For you, Seventh Sultan of Bejaia, the Princes
of Parga make an exception.  A wise leader never promises anything he has
not already in hand.

Later as we talked it over, Kastor outlined the reasoning for the content.
Since results are everything and words nothing, all that needed to be said,
was.  It was his idea to tack on the little bit of advice, which he thought
might goed the sultan into some rash action.  I told him and the others
that if those people ever attacked Parga or one of our ships again, I will
see to it Bejaia is destroyed and the Sultan's head is displayed on a pike
for all to see.  They chided me for my bravado, claiming I was believing my
so called magic powers.  I showed them the intelligence reports received to
date.  It was clear that we could so devastate their harbor, that any other
power could literally move in behind us and plunder the place.  They were
surprised at my apparent vindictiveness but understood it.

They were forced to admit that given the information we had, when combined
with our superior ships and weapons, my threat was more that speculation.
It is my contention that if the skimmers worked half as well as claimed
this could be done from fast ships like our pretend fishing boats.

Poly and Iason thought this would probably not be needed, they reminded me
that after Iason 4th defeated the pirates, it was many years before they
returned.  Parga is poor business for them and they are most about making
treasure, not spending it.

I had told them I wanted no part in their soothsayer letter and left the
room.  Being a curious person by nature I made sure to find out.  Later
that afternoon I took Odo to my bed and after sharing passionate love with
him, being both spent and resting, he told me what it said.  The soothsayer
claimed to have had a series of dreams but it took all this time for him to
understand them, as the stars supported but did not confirm.  The first
dream, some two months ago was a speaking hand floating above a laurel
branch.  The soothsayer realized this was a powerful sorcerer speaking, did
not at the time know who it was.  "The hand was saying that, `the seventh
sultan had broken faith with me and would be punished'.  The next dream a
few days later was the same speaking hand and laurel, this time saying to
his first wife, `of the seventh son of the seventh wife of your husband,
the seventh sultan, the boy has much magic about him and must be sent away.
Do not try and kill him, at seven years old, he is already to powerful'.
The next dream was just this happening.  The boy called Umar was placed on
a galley.  The next dream several weeks ago showed the talking hand
smashing many galleys.  The galley with the boy disappeared completely and
a small boy clinging to a piece or wreckage was all that remained.  The
hand scooped the boy from the sea saying, `Umar you will be my student and
I will teach you to be a great magician'.  When news of Bejaia's navel
defeat came I understood what the dreams were to mean and when I was shown
the symbol of Prince Arden of Parga, a hand over the laurel branch,
something I did not know before; this humble soothsayer and astrologer
writes to the great Sultan, that you and your seventh wife may know the boy
Umar survived the battle."

He was positive it would cause much trouble in the harem.  He said, on
checking with the scholars they suggested, in that society the Sultan was
all powerful and that for a wife to cause the loss of a son, even one far
removed from power, would cause much trouble.  They also told him that the
power of the number 7 was very great and as we thought, when all lined up
this boy would be considered most valuable.  We will probably never know
how much consternation this letter will cause but we hope considerable.

I imagine the sultan will try and confirm the story.  As Umar is not in his
household and has not been seen for some time, he will see the story has
possible fact.  Since he will have no reliable spies or other sources of
information here he will probably try and contact the leaders at the
mosque, probably through their counterparts in Bejaia or some other near by
state.  I will take Umar to the mosque and inquire about religious
instructions for all the new recruits once he speaks Greek well enough.
When the sultan attempts to find this fictional Egyptian soothsayer and can
not, he will realize the letter is from Parga.  If however my brothers are
as cleaver as I believe them, they will turn this soothsayer into an
astrologer of Alexandria, perhaps one who is recently dead.  I think we
will just need hold and see what if anything happens.