Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:13:13 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 63

Arden
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


63:  One Day At A Time


1320, 1st month, 14th day

This new year has started off in a rather gentle way.  I hope it continues.
We will graduate in the spring.  My degree will be in philosophy, Iason's
in geography, Kastor and Polydeukus' in mathematics.  Many women are now
enrolled and a new women's residence has been built.

Mohammed is preparing his study of state investment decision methods.  I
had a talk with him about my house building plans.  He pointed out that due
to the limited size of my property, it would only be able to produce enough
food and other goods to sustain itself.  That is, feed us and the staff and
produce enough surplus to pay the permanent staff.  He suggested I plant a
vineyard and if I could make a high quality wine, it could be sold.  I do
not need money, my personal purse is quite fat, I have few expenses and a
handsome stipend.  Mohammed thought I should think ahead to my children,
one would probably be given the place and it would need be viable.  Being a
prince I do not pay tax or rent but my children will need do so.

I sat down with Edward and Philon, to talk this idea over.  They were both
of the mind that with careful breading of the grapes, control of the soil
and water, this was a certainty.  Since most of the land was good for
little else, they would plan to utilize as much as possible for this
purpose.  After our discussion Nikias and I spent several hours in our bed
with the two.  It was most delightful.  Edward is no stranger to me and
being a page during the winter, a regular fuck.  Philon is not that
frequent a visitor but I am sure will become more so, now that Edward has
educated is ass to our boy delights.


1320, 1st month, 15th day:

We are getting our budgets ready.  Iason's military accounts for almost
half of all our expenses.  The Royal Guards, Palace Guards and Elite
Marines are all part of it.  Our Postal System is now fully functional and
handles all but military communications.  Dispite its large staff and many
animals, it makes money.  The Post Offices are also becoming social
centers.  They provide a good place to post public notices.  Polydeukus has
proposed a portion of the property tax's be dedicated to the operation of
the water and sanitation systems, at least in the city and larger towns.
In the smaller places, wells and springs are maintained by locals.
Investments will still be by special appropriation.  He only had one small
request for that this year.

The castle's and military base's water systems are part of their budgets,
not his general water system budget.  Mohammed was able to calculate the
economic benefit for clean water and sewers in the city.  He demonstrates
that the cost is about one silver for each person per year.  If the clean
water prevents just one quarter of the people from becoming sick, for one
day a year, the economy doubles that investment or cost.

One knight asked questions about the Argoanuts?  Kastor answered that.  He
demonstrated all the capital expenses were within the budgets of the
estates, where they are stationed.  I, the crown, looks after their
operating expenses.  Before the expansion, the Argoanuts had a surplus in
all areas of production and productivity.  Since that time they were
running at a small deficit.  I used Mohammed's formulas to show they would
be in a surplus position, in no more than two years, if the harvests were
as expected, that is average.  The additional fruit and nut trees planted
would begin to produce by then.  The additional olive trees would take a
few more years of growth before any increased production was realized.

Iason was asked how much revenue was expected from the captured and now
leased Galley.  He told them and several made harsh comments about the
small sum.  Father explained that since we did not have any substantial
investment in the galley and since the crew and operating expenses were
being paid by others, the small sum was all that could be justified.

They debated my budget for Prince Nikias' Technical Academia.  Some thought
operating budget was just a little high.  I pointed out how successful they
had been to date with the sun lenses, timing clocks and koallime lamps.
Using Mohammed's' equations we demonstrated how much economic activity was
created and how much the economy would benefit, from reordering our
resources.  I told them that we would begin working with all the guilds to
improve processes and products they produce and how we planned to use these
new equations to encourage them to contribute to the Academy's ongoing
research.

This produced much debate.  Some felt the guilds should pay a royalty or
usage fee for the process the Academy invented, others not.  Some felt the
guilds should just be taxed, others not.  None felt the entire cost should
come from the state.  Kastor got everyone to agree that if the guilds were
part of the process then the application of the results would be more
readily accepted and implemented.  He also managed to get agreement that
incentives were more useful than rules and I should have the opportunity to
gain cooperation.  Should that fail this body must consider other actions.

This kind of discussion went on for many hours.  Everything was examined in
some detail, except the royal estates and castle budgets.  It was noted
that the royal operating budgets had increased only slightly, which
reflects the coming of age of us four princes and Iason's marriage.  The
construction budget remains the same.  We four pool part of our stipends
and give that to Ikaros.  He uses it to provide the family with luxuries.
Extra fancy clothing, musical instruments, weapons come from our personal
stipends and those of our family.

No discussion was held on the stipends for any of us, including the
council.  That is reviewed every four years so it will be done next year,
to be implemented for the following 5 years, which is the elected term of
office for the council members.  These stipends seem more than adequate as
none seem to want.  They may desire but that is not the same as need.  It
was King Iason the First that set the tone for all our stipends.  Even the
full time military.

He wanted them handsome enough to attract good people.  He did not wish one
element of society to be grossly rich, nor did he want any of the council
or royal staff to feel under compensated.  That is why he insisted the
stipends not be linked to operating expenses of government.  Knights on
active duty, that includes me, have their steeds provided but they must pay
for their squires.  Iason pay's for Dios' pony as I do for Umar and
Akakios.  I do receive added stipends from the crown for each foster child,
to assist with clothing and other costs.

After the meeting several knights came to us wanting to know how they too
could be assigned an orderly like Phokas.  I explained his situation and
that of the others.  They were more than disappointed and said so.  Kastor
suggested they nominate their own orderlies.  If they found candidates in
the 15 or 16 year age group, we would mostly need train them in the skills
not reeducation.  One asked how we could possible give them bodies like
Phokas', in that short a time.  Iason respond, "only the gods and a long
time on the athletic field can do that.  Kleitos is good but not a miracle
worker."

Then nominate older, young men who are more developed, if their physical
attributes are that important to you, I told them.  In any case make sure
you explain to your men what they are getting themselves into and it is
more than being a supplicant to the god phallus.  The term of duty is five
years and they will be forbidden to lay with women for that period.  You
must also know, in a time of danger we would recall them to active service
for their medical training and possibly fighting skills.  Poly also
reminded them that Phokas was not necessarily the most typical example of
the order's membership.


1320, 1st month, 18th day:

We received several reports from our people in Athens.  Thebes is the
official capital but Athens is the most important city in the Duchy.  Most
of the fleet we devastated is now returned.  Apparently they were able to
salvage some of the ships sunk.  No one is talking about what happened or
where.  All three of our exiles will head for Athens but will probably not
be allowed to stay and are expected to find a home in Naxos.

The Monk's religious trial was even harsher on him then our civil trial.  I
think, if we would have allowed it, they would have burned him at the stake
or something like that.  He was drummed out of his order and the church.

Uncle sent a strongly worded letter to Athens but not through our
Ambassador.  In it he reminded them that the island of Srofades was now
owned and defended by Parga.  Any Company or Athenian flag vessel entering
its waters or our area of historic defense would be treated as hostile
pirates and would be sunk.  Merchant ships from Athens were not welcome
here, trade between Parga and Athens is suspended for two years.  He named
those who we knew of, as being persona non grata.

He thanked the Duke for the fine galley and crew, that came with clear and
specific orders to attack Parga, signed by the "Company" head.  "In the
12th month of 1319 we exchanged notes.  At that time you stated that you
had no knowledge to confirm or deny our speculation that Parga would be
attacked by the Company.  Attached is the order destined for the named
military commanders of the Company's attack operations.  This is
unequivocal proof of the intention.  The destruction of the expeditionary
fleet is demonstration of our response to any threat aimed at Parga's
sovereignty.  We take you at your word.  Now you have knowledge."

The consensus is, we have had the last of the Company and the Bulgarians,
for some time to come.  It looks like Florence is preparing to take a run
at them, I fear this will be some time in coming and they will probably
need Venice's help to do it.  Florence has its own problems, much of them
as Father feared, religious.

It will be good to just have ourselves to deal with.  I need to spend much
more time with my children.


1320, 1st month, 21st day:

Today was one of the saddest I have ever experienced.  We were all gathered
in the family dining room as is our custom.  Everyone was present except
for mother and her ladies.  I knew something was happening when Alexandros
was summoned.  He quickly returned fetching Uncle and Father, who left the
room without their guardians.  Not seconds after they returned and before
they could address us, the great bell began tolling.  When it tolls in a
long steady beat, it signifies someone of great importance has died.  We
knew before Father spoke.

"Family, Princess Elpis has joined the gods.  She died in her sleep."  I
realized this was a speech he had memorized.  "Your mother or wife and
sister will be greatly missed by all of us.  She will be missed by all that
knew her.  Your father has lost a wife, I have lost a sister and friend,
most of you have lost a mother or mother figure.  She can not be replaced
in our hearts."  He motioned to Darkon who brought a large black cloth and
draped it over her chair.  "The Palace will have a three day period of
official morning.  Princess Elpis was at peace with herself and the world.
She desired little more than each of you find that same peace in your own
lives.  She did not want us to play or sing a mournful druggie.  The
Princess asked Iason and I to have everyone sing that wonderful song of
hope and renewal written by Prince Arden."

Every one of us began singing, lead by Father.

"Arden you must go to the Argoanuts, Kastor and Polydeukus to the Castle
staff and the town, I to the Council."  I had not realized how close
Alexandros had been to Elpis, until I saw Eudoxia comforting him.  The
younger princes and princesses were beside themselves with grief.  I to
felt as thought my heart had been ripped from my breast.  For some she was
the second mother to be taken away.  For others she was a second mother and
I for example still had one living.  I do not pretend to fully understand
their feelings, I do not understand my own.

Iason need me I know.  He has a wife, father, brothers and sisters but he
needs me at his side and I am being sent away.  At first I could not
understand how father could do this to me.  Then I realized he was not at
his Iason's side.  He was doing his duty.  Kastor, Poly and I must do our
duty too.

The singing was a good thing I think.  As I walked along he hall to the
Argonaut gymnasium the words swirled in my head.  It is a song of hope and
renewal.  I had not thought of it quite that way when I wrote it but that
is the emotion it precipitates.

The Argoanuts had already received the news but they were most polite
letting me make my speech.  I was most surprised at how much emotion was
being displayed here.  Even the newest members had obviously been touched
by her.  We too sang the song and received some help to our spirits from
it.

Dios was most upset.  She had comforted him when his own mother died and
now she herself was gone.  Iason could do nothing with him as he cried and
cried.  Hermogenes came late in the day and held the boy for hours.

I do not understand what it is about grief and sex but the two seemed
somehow linked.  In our grief we seek the closeness of those who have
meaning to us.  That closeness seems to breed sex.  There is something
about seeing other boys having sex that stimulates us to action.  For some
reason we men seem not to be able to take our eyes or attention away from
others engaged in some sexual act or another.  At least until we too are
like engaged.

The men and boys in this family are all so handsome and well proportioned,
that it makes the watching and the doing all the more enjoyable.  There is
something about seeing another man's cock pressing into another's anus that
just makes you want to do the same thing.  That evening we fucked and
sucked ourselves so completely, all slept the sleep of pleasure given and
pleasure received; of those that released all his emotions into that huge
pool of shared feeling.

I can not give Ikaros enough praise for the way he had arranged our
sleeping quarters.  The beds are all huge, sleeping several and placed so
close together that one can roll for one to another.


1320, 1st month, 24th day:

Mother's ashes were laid to rest late yesterday.  Thousands came to pay
their respects and hundreds attended the funeral services.  She was a
Christine, however each faith held services in their own way.  We attended
them all, it was expected.

I found the whole experience took much from me.  It was as if I had run
many stadia, at full speed for a day.  I did manage to run after the
funeral and morning period ended.  I needed that.  I did not time myself
but just ran and ran at an easy pace until I could run no longer.  Many of
the others joined me.  After my bath I lay on the bed and took as many
cocks in my ass as were available.

Today was now a new time and a new beginning, we all went about our
business, mine a morning at the university.  The council will not meet for
several more days.  After our sports we met five knights and five boys at
the entrance to our bath.  These knights were nominating these five as new
members of Prince Lysandros' Order of the Phallus.  They had taken our
advice and brought young ones.

I was still a little concerned that they fully understood what they were
getting themselves into.  I made Iason and Tertius add the provision, they
could transfer out of the Order into some other branch of the military
after 2 years.  Once in the bath and naked it was clear these boys had been
chosen with some attention to their physical attributes.  They would be
under our care for the next several weeks of intensive training, before
their Knights would see them again.  Once this phase was completed they
would take up residence with the knights but return each day of council
meetings for medical, physical and military training.


1320, 1st month, 27th day:

I have been laid low by some malady without a name.  It came on quickly and
with much discomfort.  My head began to hurt around the eyes and above the
eye brows.  My head hurt as if my headband was being tightened against.  I
began to sneeze and my shoulders and back ached as if I had been in a
wrestling match with a very large opponent.  My energy was gone and I did
not wish to eat.  I felt cold even though the day was warm.  Ikaros
insisted I return to my bed.  I did not wish but was to weak to resist.  He
covered me with a feather quilt and sent the chamber boys to lay with me
until I warmed up.  I woke up some time later and coughed greatly.  Ikaros
made me drink much tea with honey, lemon and the extract of willow.  I
slept more but only after the two boys assisted me to the toilet.

I knew I was sick when their nakedness did not stir my manhood even in the
slightest.  Nor was I interested in food, Ikaros insisted I have some clear
broth at a minimum.  By the end of the day, seven or eight others were also
ill.  Today I am much improved although I must clean my nose frequently and
Ikaros insists I drink much of his special tea.

Now that I do not sleep all day I am most unhappy.  I find it very hard not
to be involved in some mental or physical activity.  I also find it hard to
concentrate or to move about.  I think it is his special tea that allows me
to function at all.


1320, 2nd month, 2nd day:

No sooner had I recovered from this mysterious illness than my life became
embroiled in the health of others.  Feeling much better I visited Euthalia
and the children.  Umar was beside himself crying greatly, complaining of a
great pain in his left ear.  It seemed that his only comfort was sitting on
my lap and pressing his ear against my body.  The physicians had given
Euthalia a mixture of pine oil, turpentine, and some light fish oil.  We
were to put a few drops in his ear each hour.  By morning I could see no
improvement but the ear began leaking some fluid which reacted badly with
the skin on Umar's face.

I swept him into my arms and marched to the Physicians.  They were not
quite sure what else to do but one suggested that if I take him to Apollo's
temple and bathed his face and the ear in the waters, it might help.  They
gave me more of the oil mixture and suggested more frequent applications
but only a drop or two at a time.  Within minutes I was upon Pegasus back.
Umar pressed against my body and wrapped in my cloak as we rode; Pyrros and
Volos at our side.  The priests told me which pools to use.  I stayed with
him in the pools all day long.  Toward dark my sister came.  It was Flavia
and Umar talking that woke me up.  She came to insist we come to the inn
for refreshments and sleep.  "Aunt Flavia said my cousins are looking
forward to playing with me.  I'm hungry dad."  I went.  It was obvious the
treatments were working as his pain was much reduced, if not gone.

When we reached the inn I was greatly surprised to find: Nikias, his
guardian, Euthalia, the babies, Akakios and their guardians, Thoren and of
course my nieces and nephews.  Aisopos and Zoe were the center of
everyone's attention until we entered.  Then it became Umar.

I am glad my sister and Euthalia get along as well as they do.  I am also
glad the foster boys are accepted into my extended family.  The evening
progressed with much singing and some dancing.  Akakios sang a number of
songs and Thoren told many stories.  On the following day our priest friend
sought us out.  He had some hubris for Umar.  While we talked, Thoren was
telling stories to the children.

Sick or not, children like stories and soon Thoren was surrounded by young
listeners.  He had them laughing and asking questions.  Soon he had adults
listening too.  Our priest friend was most impressed with his effect on the
children.  "When children come here it is not a happy time for them.  They
are either ill themselves or with adults that are ill.  Thoren has a
wonderful effect on them.  I think laughter is as good as some of my
hubris.  Can you arrange for him to visit us again?"

I am sure of it, I think you should invite him.  When Thoren had finished
we approached.  Several of the children wanted to know if I was Apollo.  I
know I turned red again.  Thoren told them who I was and asked why they
thought I was Apollo.  "He looks like the statue in the sanctuary."  Thoren
replied he had never see the statue and the children all giggled knowing he
is blind.  "Prince Arden, they say you look like the statue of Apollo or
perhaps the statue looks like you?"  I replied, I must look like it, since
it is much older them myself.  The priest added, "would the statue come to
life, Prince Arden would be Apollo for he is the most god like among us."
I was to protest when Thoren interrupted.  "That is because Prince Arden
lives the philosophy and teaching of Apollo.  Apollo represents an ideal,
Arden lives it.  Were the god to become a man it would be you Arden.  The
priest turned to the children.  "In your prayers thank Apollo and seek his
help, in your lives be like Prince Arden."  Nikias and I returned to the
castle leaving the others at Perum's inn.

I can honestly say, I do not know what to make of this Apollo business.
The god of many things, Apollo: Archer, musician, enlightenment, medicine
and so on.  If I was to emulate a god in my life and philosophy, I would
choose Apollo, I guess I have done that, in part anyway.  He is depicted as
Kouros and I am almost that.  I do have a very small well trimmed little
beard.  In Parga he is portrayed as handsome and muscular.  The ideal of
male beauty.  I am that and tall too.  Apollo is said to have had many
younger male lovers and that he enjoyed moving them from boys to men.  I am
filling that role too but so are many others.  I know none that wish to
suggest I am a demigod.  That is one thing I will never allow myself to be.
It is interesting that in Greek theology the gods can be and often are in
error.  In many others not so.  The deity knows no wrong.  I think this is
not an artifact of some god but of men who think so well of themselves they
are beyond mistake.

Most of all, I think I like to find the middle ground between the extremes
that so often press into our lives.

........................

(TN: In Greek Apollo (Apollvn or Apellvn), is one of the most important and
many-sided of the Olympian deities. The ideal of the kouros (a beardless
youth), Apollo has been variously recognized as a god of light and the sun
is his symbol; truth and prophecy; archery; medicine and healing; music,
poetry, and the arts; and more. As the patron of Delphi (Pythian Apollo),
Apollo was an oracular god -- the prophetic deity of the Delphic Oracle.
Medicine and healing were associated with Apollo, whether through the god
himself or mediated through his son Asclepius.  Apollo was also seen as a
god who could bring ill-health and deadly plague as well as one who had the
ability to cure.  Amongst the god's custodial charges, Apollo became
associated with dominion over colonists, and as the patron defender of
herds and flocks.  As the leader of the Muses (Apollon Musagetes) and
director of their choir, Apollo functioned as the patron god of music and
poetry.  Hermes created the lyre for him, and the instrument became a
common attribute of Apollo.  Hymns sung to Apollo were called paeans.
Apollo is associated greatly with the golden mean, the Greek idea of
moderation and virtue that opposes gluttony.

In Hellenistic times, especially during the third century BCE, as Apollo
Helios he became identified among Greeks with Helios god of the sun.)