Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:34:07 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 75

Arden
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


75: A New Adventure

1320, 5th month, 7th day

A storm with much rain and cool strong winds came upon us late yesterday
afternoon.  The rain was accompanied by much thunder and lightning.  The
storm was predicted and all the fishing boats and ships were called into
safe harbor.  We made advantage of this inviting all that sailed on them to
dine with us.  No one dining hall could hold everyone.  The castle
residents were fed early and the mariners later than normal.  The Princess
Class crews were all squeezed into the Family Dining room with Lady Lucia
representing our dear departed mother.  The Prince Class crews were spread
to the others.  Each prince and princess were seated with their crews.
Given the numbers, Iason asked the Argonauts and pages to assist the palace
staff.

Somehow the kitchens managed to prepare several times there normal.  This
was the first time Lysandros was to interact with his crew.  He is learning
the business of being a prince well and fast.  He made a rope entrance much
to the delight of his sailors, who clapped and cheered as he descended.
The lad ran to the captain and then signaled.  Six of his little friends
then followed, Umar and Alfred among them were also cheered as they
descended.  Uncle Iason just rolled his eyes as this was taking place.  I
can only guess what he said to the captain, who greeted each and they were
quickly distributed among the sailors and marines.  In no time at all he
was going along the tables receiving a greeting and Kiss from each one.

Lyuben stayed with the Prince Arden crew.  Panther, having served on three,
ate his meal with the Prince Nikias and after went to the other crews to
spend some time.

Just thinking about Panther brings the image of his prodigious penis to
mind.  If the worshippers of the phallus, that is most of us, were to have
a high priest it would be him.


1320, 5th month, 9th day

I was visiting the university this morning.  Plouton, one of the history
scholars, asked for a brief meeting when I finished with the philosophers.
He had been reading Diodorus of Sicily.  In his work Diodorus cites a lost
account, set down 300 years before, which described, "a magnificent
precinct sacred to Apollo and a notable spherical temple" on a large island
far to the north, opposite what the Romans called Gaul, we now call Gaul,
France.  We do not have a complete set of his works, only parts of the 40
books he wrote.  On checking other sources, mostly Roman, Plouton believes
the large island is England.

Several Roman military people claim to have seen a large and old, circular
temple made of up large blocks of stone, standing up right with lentils and
earthworks.  These references come from about the same time as Diodorus'
lost accounts.  He is sure they are the same, his references do not
describe it except to say large, impressive and so on.  As near as he can
figure, the place lay to the west and north of a place now called Salisbury
which lay north and west of Southampton.

From what he was able to learn, the Romans were drawn to this location
which existed already and he believes the association with Apollo comes
more from them than the locals.  The Diodorus suggested the place was no
longer used in an organized way or being maintained.  It was apparently a
place of healing for the locals.  No mention is made of it in the later
part of Roman occupation.  (TN: This appears to be Stonehenge.)

Plouton told me that other round structures, of various types, are found
throughout England and Europe.  Most are very ancient and appear to be
related to calendars and the need to know the seasons.  Primary appears to
be the solutes.  This place seems to be know by scholars and some recent
writings are available, however they tend to be religious types and
sometimes are fanciful in their speculations.  The present land owner is
the Amesbury Abbey.  They have little interest in it, not being a Christine
place.  According to a book published about 100 years ago by Geoffrey of
Mornmouth, he wrote in Latin, the stones have healing properties.  The
legends he relates are more then fanciful.  Other writings in Welch talk
about this but they too are more fancy than fact.

The oral traditions seem to have been lost or so badly corrupted as to be
useless.  We know our ancestors traded for tin with the people on the west
side of England as we do today.  It is unlikely they believed in or even
knew about Apollo.  Perhaps the Romans gave this association as they knew
his name.

Plouton would make a personal visit to England and he would like Royal
sponsorship.  You obviously believe it is important that you witness this
place personally, why?

"I do not believe others, those I do not know, will not be looking
objectively and accurately enough.  I have read the descriptions of things
that I have personally witnessed and described, written by others.  They
claim to be reporting what I have seen and when I compare that to my own
descriptions they are significantly different.  If this place is some how
connected to Apollo then it must be recorded and examined.  If it is not
that too needs be documented.

When the Romans expanded north and west peoples occupied those places.
Unlike Alexander they did much destruction, significantly more then when
they defeated the Greeks.  They did enough and much was lost to us as a
result.  When the Christians came to power they did significantly more
destruction.  I believe we must make a sound record of this place before it
is completely taken away."

I believe your idea has merit.  We will be sending ships to England for tin
in the next few weeks.  Perhaps you could go with them.

"The only problem is Southampton is not on their rout, which is to the
South and West.  They do not stay long enough for me to do much."

Let me think on it a bit.  I have a few ides.  Are you intending to bring
others with you?

"I am well versed in history, I am not an engineer or artist.  I also need
a competent translator as I do not speak the local tongue and only limited
French.  You were in England not that long ago Prince, what do you
suggest?"

I am sure of Edward II's cooperation and the Baron of Sussex.  You are
correct on the languages.  Odo is well versed in most languages and he...I
think I have a plan, I told him, promising to return in a day to two.

I do not think the Crown will just finance this.  If we can find a reason
to take one of the Prince Class ships for the tin and a few of us as
passengers.  I need talk to my brothers.

Nikias, Hy and myself engaged each other in a long and most satisfying
round of lovemaking.  The highlight of which was my giving Nikias oral
pleasure while receiving Hy's penis in my bottom.  His testicles slapping
against my butt while taking Nikias full into my throat was most exciting
and pleasurable.


1320, 5th month, 10th day

Pyrros and Volos officially adopted Akakios today.  His uncles and cousins
were in attendance as were all of us.  Euthalia was happy for him but sad
for herself.  She has grown very fond of him.  Umar will miss his company
greatly, I am sure of that.  They too have grown quite close.  It is not
like the boy will move away from the castle or the city.  His new fathers
will ensure he is a close part of our larger family for many years to come.
I am also sure I will be daddy for some time yet.

I have given Plouton's request much thought, both as to the substance and
the process.  I decided that I should not make either a decision or plan,
but should allow all the others to have input.  Were it up to me the Prince
Arden would sail in the morning for England.  This sounds to be a great
adventure, one I am most interested in attending.  I am not sure others
would see the cost as justified.  I can not do so either.  We could send
one or two scholars on their own.  It would be much cheaper.  That would
take much longer, not be as complete and would not cary as much political
weight as the attendance of one or more princes.

Some would say this is a fools journey.  That we do not need to know this
or even care about it. Those involved were not our ancestors and it is so
far away as to have no influence on us or understanding our history.  It is
fair to say that while making a contribution to scholarship, which only a
hand full of academics will ever be aware of, it is just not worth the time
and trouble.  They will say I am interested in this for the adventure, it
may provide little else.

Those thoughts are all true to some degree.  Why would we not wish to visit
ancient Olympia or Delphi?  Places that hold some meaning to us as a
people.  Those places are fallen into rune.  Even the Christine churches
that were built at them are no longer used and are fallen down.  I was most
impressed with the Parthanon in Athens and the Temple of Hisphestis, even
if they are now used as churches and greatly corrupted, they still stand as
monuments to the skill and effort of our ancestors, if little else.  We
have a few small, well maintained temples, some from the same ancient time.
From what I have witnessed our sculptures carve to the same standards.

Iason's specialty is in history so I will consult with him.  I know he will
be supportive.  If nothing else he will desire the adventure.  He will not
leave Sophia until the baby is born.  I know how guilty he felt not being
here when Zoe died.  If anything had happened to Euthalia or Aisopos I
would feel the same.

I fear the situation in England is not stable.  There is little love lost
between the Welsh and Cornish with the English.  The Crown Prince may be
the Prince of Wales but he is no more than 8 or nine years old.  The
Earldom of Cornwall has changed hands several times recently as well.  The
most southerly part of this large island is called Lands End by the locals.
Greek, Roman and before them others have called here for tin.  Several
small ports on the west side of the Lands End peninsula and several more
along the cost north are the supply points for sea traffic.  Copper is also
present as is lead and Zinc.  Since any Prince Class ships can cary more
cargo than several of the merchants combined and since we have not released
our merchants to trade in these commodities as yet, why not go and get a
few loads ourselves?

That purpose, when combined with the nobility of historical scholarship and
a little princely adventure, makes this a more palatable undertaking.  We
could also pay calls along the way with our friends and other political
entities.  I have good offices with Phillip of France and at least a
speaking relationship with Edward.  The conditions between France and
England are strained.  We are best to remain neutral wishing to trade with
all.

Oxford and Cambridge universities are not along our path, they are not that
far away from Salisbry.  I am sure our scholars would wish to visit both.
These places are most heavy into theology but like all other schools of
today have scholars in many disciplines.  I am told English universities
have more independence than many others but none are truly Free
Universities as is the King Iason 7th.  Both are much larger than ours as
well.

I called a meeting of the elder princes and advisors.  The junior princes
and others were asked to keep silent until requested.  We began the
discussions looking first at the metals trade.  That moved on to the trade
in high quality goods such as optics and instruments.  From there we moved
into Ambassadorial needs, exchanges in scholars and students and on to the
history aspect.

"It is settled then," Iason said, "Three Prince Class and two Princess
Class ships will leave in the 7th month to return by the 9th month."

"No Iason, it is not settled until some equitable way is found to select
who is to represent Parga and which scholars and other professionals will
accompany them," Father stated.

"I rather fancy that Kary and I travel, leaving all of you here.  We are
not to old to enjoy a little adventure and this idea is filled with it.
Further, I believe two Prince Class and one Princess Class will be
sufficient."

"Two plus one will work but how is not allowing any of us along equitable,"
Iason asked?  He knew, as well as we all, that the most equitable thing
would be all or none.

"Let us investigate this a little further," Father suggested, "Perhaps we
would be prepared to allow all of you, even Lysandros to go if you are
distributed between the two ships."

"All of us," Kastor said?

"Yes all, unless of course some do not wish."

"I thought you and Father wished to attend," Iason stammered?

"We do son, we most certainly do, we also realize it is our sons that will
benefit most.  When young princes we were given the opportunity to travel.
We took those and are the better for it, Parga is the better for it.
Personal desires are often substituted for the greater good.  It is a price
we pay for our office."

"Who among us does not wish to attend this adventure," Poly asked?  None
replied.  I noticed Lysandros and Helo were both so excited.  They found it
difficult to sit still and remain silent, lest someone would think they did
not wish to attend.  Later Dios, Agapios, Umar, Akakios and several others
came to see Iason and myself.  It was obvious each was prepared to plead
his and the others' cases for being included.  Under most ordinary
conditions Iason and I would have let them make their case and put forward
moderate resistance.  We were both quite tired and and capitulated before
any had a chance to speak.

"Does that mean we sail on the Prince Arden," Dios asked?  No, it only
means he will be coming with us, it is the Rear Admiral who chooses the
components of his fleet, it is best that he not be both Captain and Admiral
at the same time.  I know we would all like our named ships to be chosen.
We are all confident Hermogenes will choose appropriately.


1320, 5th month, 12th day

Wan came today with a gift for Lysandros, it is called a Chinese Kithara.
The instrument is a little different from our ancient Kithara.  It features
tuning pegs that turn, little feet and what he calls a bridge.  The bridge
or bridges as there are several, rise up slightly above the sounding board
and guide the strings.  In some respects it is like a harp with a sounding
board behind.  The thing is much more portable than his clavichord.  The
strings are plucked or struck with little hammers not like the clavichord,
it has no keys. (TN: This must be like a Zither/Hammered Dulcimer
combined.)  Apparently a popular instrument in China for hundreds of years.
He does not play it but remembered what they looked like and when shown a
Kithara realized the similarity.  He added the hammers to accommodate
Lysandros' small hands.  Most of the strings are gut but some are wire.
The metal strings would be difficult for him to play with his boy sized and
strength fingers.  It gives more range like a clavichord with the
combination.  Lysandros was absolutely delighted as now he too has a
portable instrument that can be taken on a ship.

Our lamp makers and engineers have installed the Koallime lamps on all our
ships.  We still have oil lamps and candles but the Koallime lamps are far
superior.  I am told the engineers have also developed this gas as a source
of heat for cooking.  Open fires are no longer needed as it is now
contained in an iron box.  A good thing on a wooden ship filled with
gunpowder.

I do not look forward to eating dried: fruit, vegetables, beans, pasta and
salted and smoked meat or fish.  Cheese and olives are easy to cary and as
good as we have on land.  At least we need not depend on grinding our own
grains and maize to make Tages and soups.  Dried pasta makes a much better
meal and it can be cooked in salt water.  I trust we will stop frequently
to refresh our fresh meat, fruit and vegetables.  Fresh meat can be kept in
cages covered with hemp cloth which are hung over the side, in the shade.
If the hemp is kept damp the meat lasts much longer.

In France and Italy many do not like uncooked vegetables and fruits.  I
tend to like them if freshly gathered, if they are old, cooking seems to
help them.

I met with the metal merchants and their trustees.  We struck a deal such
that they would receive a small fee from the metals imports and we would
pretend it was them and not the crown which was doing the purchasing.  They
were all of equal minds on our mission.  As are the merchant guilds.  Two
Prince Class ships can cary the cargo of 12 merchants with room to spare.
I will take along all that has been ordered and many of other goods not
ordered but which we will try and sell, establishing even greater markets.
They reluctantly agreed to let Hilarus represent all their interests, with
Polydeukus' guidance.  Kastor agreed to second his Page Captain to our
ranks for the period.  They gave them letters of introduction and patents
as their representative.

King Iason will also appoint our first ambassador to the English Court and
he will establish an embassy and trade council office in London.  Kastor
has been busy sending letters to all the places we intend to visit
announcing ourselves.

I wrote directly to the Earl of Sussex requesting his hospitality and to
arrange the rent of a sufficient number of horses.  King Iason wrote to
King Edward.

I wanted to write to Phillip but Kastor insisted our ambassador should do
that, Karyakos wrote to him.  The ambassador has told us Phillip is either
unable or uninterested in controlling the pirates that operate out of
St. Malo in the Brittany, the north coast of France.  This is a source of
friction between France and England among many others.  Apparently they
have become much bolder then just a few years ago.  The French Kings have
been too fond of giving them letters of mark.  The French Navy is not
strong and mostly focused on coastal defense.

I went to Father and requested he include my privet and personal letter to
Phillip, with his formal request.  He agreed.  Phillip and I have
corresponded with each other for over two years.  We have been trading
ideas about pre-christian philosophers, leadership and princeship.

Iason and I had a very romantic time after our baths.  I sat in a large
chair without arms and my beloved sat on my erection allowing me to fuck
him slowly and with a most gentle rhythm.  He often would rotate his hips
giving both of us the most wonderful feeling.  I am very fond of this
position given my height my legs can cradle him and my longer body allows
him to lay back into my arms for many passionate and lasting kisses.

Our boys favor this for themselves.  They most like me laying on my stomach
and Iason laying on his side.


1320, 5th month, 16th day

I took a short respite and visited Koalhurst.  My mother was most happy
that Pyrros and Volos brought Akakios along.  She is happy for them and
Akakios but most grateful that they desire her to continue to be his
surrogate grandmother.  Their parents are also pleased to have at least one
grandchild from their union.  Akakios will not want for family
relationships.  He may at times be almost overwhelmed by them.  Everyone is
most delighted with his singing and his music touters are more than
satisfied with his progress as well as his voice.

I asked Ajax to keep an eye on the construction while I was away, giving
him the authority to make decisions that may be needed.  Abernath is
manager the financial aspects.  I also learned some of our family history
from Abrith.  He told me our Welsh ancestors came from the area near
Cardiff about 200 years ago.  That was about all he knew.  He did know they
came as miners and brought the long bow with them.  None were well educated
by Parga's standards and that language has mostly been lost, except for
names and some mining related terms.

Our chamber boys, at the prompting of Ikaros, have organized themselves and
others into a pleasure group.  In the winter months they always made sure
to provide one or more warm bodies to our beds.  Now that the nights are
not so cool the temptation for many is to sleep alone.  That is to leave
the bed of their lover after sharing pleasure.  Ikaros feels it is
important that we not only share our bodies and affection but that we share
our sleeping arrangements as well.  He feels with our numbers, many will
feel left out otherwise.  I think it is important that the young boys are
never made to feel that sex with the other boys or men results from the
power differential that obviously exists.  I would rather they participate
willingly as it is our custom and and right of passage.  I think this is
mostly successful.

I often see minor disputes.  They are almost always settled between and
that settlement includes some kind of sexual interaction, often a kiss or
intimate touch.  I think it is our training as pages and Argonauts that
keeps the princes and aids from using their station and the power it
implies.  I know this is not always the situation in the military.  Our
guardians seem most conscious of it and I am not aware of them using rank
to demand sexual or social submission from others.  Obedience to military
orders is completely different.

I know many will be disappointed that they are not included in our
expedition.  We will need reward them with some kind of adventure or
another after we return.  I intend to purchase true Welsh longbows for all.
Not that these are superior to ours.  They are not, however they would come
from a far away and exotic place.  The English use a wood called Yew or
boxwood and sometimes Ash, just as we do.  Yew grows here but only in a few
parts of the English island.  I will take some fine well seasoned yew with
me, about 100 staves.  I am sure I can trade two or three for one.  Their
bows are like ours, 6 feet long with a 3 foot pull.  Some of our shorter
archers, and theirs too, make bows of 4 feet with the same pull distance.
These are like large Greek bows but but due to the thicker wood, more
powerful.

Edward would like to accompany us.  He has said nothing but I can see it in
his eyes.  Perhaps we can arrange an exchange of herbs between Apollo's
Temple and Amesbury Abbey. Perhaps the Patriarch can help us in this
effort.

I know in his heart he would wish to encounter those responsible for his
father's death.  He is now skilled sufficiently to make good on his desire.
That will not happen but like Lyuben he will be served by those he once was
forced to be subservient to.

Ikaros and Solon, nine princes and our 11 guardians, Edward, Akakios, Umar,
Dios, Agapios, Kleitos, Miltiades, Hilarus, six scholars and engineers,
Umar's art tutor, Odo, 13 Elite Marines, one physician, Ambassador Koios
and his family, Rear Admiral Hermogenes and the normal complement of men
and officers from three ships, make up a most impressive group.


1320, 5th month, 18th day

Hermogenes announced his selection of ships today.  We will sail on the
King Iason, Prince Karyakos and Princess Elpis.  Iason has been busy again
redesigning our dress.  He has not made major changes.


1320, 5th month, 24th day

The Prince Helladios and the Princess Sophia sailed into the harbor
yesterday.  They had a Dubronick based merchant in their company; reporting
that the Prince Helladios, Prince Lysandros and the Princess Sophia came
upon two pirates attacking the merchant.  The Pirates were based in
Tripoli.  One pirate ran and the Prince Lysandros is giving chase.

The Prince Helladios came close and overwhelmed the pirates.  Unfortunately
not before most of the merchant's crew was killed.  The Helladios' captain
told me they managed to kill all of the pirates, save two ship's boys and
free most of the slaves before the galley sank.  He had 6 men wounded in
the operation.  "Our archers dispatched most of the pirates before we
boarded.  They put up a good fight but we were superior in numbers and
skills.  They sank because we had rammed them while pulling along side.  We
need to devise better ways of boarding.  Ways that will allow us to get
more men, more quickly, onto their decks, without doing damage.

The other pirate saw us advancing, cut loose and began rowing hard.  The
Prince Lysandros put on more sail and continued after the fleeing galley.
The pirate was driving for shallow water.  They will be quite surprised to
learn that a Prince Class ship has a more shallow draft then they appear."

Many of the galley slaves were on the Princess Sophia.  I must say they
were a sorry looking lot.  It was obvious they lacked food.  We quickly had
them fed, the iron wrist and ankle cuffs removed.  The ship's boys were
unharmed but frightened, they were taken by the Argonauts.