Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:11:57 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 21

Arden's Sage
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

This is a narrative.  It is a work of historical fiction.  The operative
word in that sentence is fiction.  Sex between males, males and females,
between females, of both contemporaries and intergenerational is common.  I
am sure, not common enough for some and to common for others.  Some of the
descriptions are graphic, others not, still others are only statements of
happening or just illusions to occurrences.  The main characters are male
and most of the sex is between them.  Most of these characters are
bisexual.

If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or
location, don't read it.  You have been warned.  I hope you like what you
read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.

Nifty and I hold the copyright so posting it or making money from it
without permission or sharing, is unethical.  That said, if you wish to
quote reasonable length passages please be kind enough to sight them.  You
will find a few quotations or only slightly edited passages in some
chapters.  References are provided in the text.

Don't forget Nifty needs financial help.  Please make a donation if you
can.


21: New Princes

1317, 10th month, 14th day:

The captured invaders were brought to the castle and are being housed in a
camp two leagues from the city.  Twenty five survived plus one officer.  He
is residing in our prison.  That is all I can write about it now.

The pretend merchants are being closely watched by the Argonauts and the
army is forcing them further into the heart of the state and away from the
important military roads.

Word came today that Dios' mother had died in her sleep.  Dios was
inconsolable for the remainder of the day, crying his little eyes out in
Volos' arms.  We can only hope his father returns safely.


1317, 10th month, 15th day

On our return from the university we encountered a monk from the Apollo's
Temple Complex.  It was the young man whose life was saved during the
sanctuary caper four years past.  He had been waiting for us by the
drawbridge.  It was obvious he was greatly agitated by something but did
not wish to speak about it in public.  Damao invited our old friend to
share our mid day meal.

He told us that while delivering some nostrums, to the wounded but
recovering invaders, he overheard some of them talking.  They did not
realize he spoke Italian and specifically the military slang of Genoa based
mercenaries.  We had to assure him no one would ever know that he told us
anything.  He said they were speculating among themselves, that in about a
week, weapons would be smuggled into the camp and they could overpower the
guards and cause much mischief.  How this was to pass they did not say.
When for sure, they did not know.

I know he was concerned about his position as the monks were sworn to be
politically neutral, making their nostrums available to all.  We assured
him on this.  He went on to say that he did not believe these men were
acting honourably, as they were making jokes about how stupid their captors
had been.  This made him very sad and angry.  Sad because his countrymen
were not willing to abide by their word and angry because he knew how fair
and honourable this Kingdom was.

Heron told him he would see that their plans fail.  We thanked him
profusely and I commissioned him visit my sister and brother in law with
our greetings and good wishes.

Later we had a conference with General Zokitos.  He developed a plan that
would requite a number of the former sanctuary seekers into a kind of
secret service.

(TN: At this point your translator feels it necessary to give a thumbnail
of Byzantine and Epirus history.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despotate_of_Epirus) Arden is living in it
and does not say much about it.  Epirus was a pre forth crusade provence of
the Byzantine Empire.  Parga is on the cost and in the middle of this area.
These are turbulent times with everyone attempting to grab up what ever
they can.  I feel it puts Arden's comments into a context for the reader.
Please keep in mind that Parga never submitted to any of this.  In fact, it
was an island in a stormy sea.  Much of what I have translated as Byzantine
is in fact Epirusian.  There current difficulties are sourced in Epirus'
stormy political situation.)

Several letters arrived from our people in Epirus, Athens and
Konstantinople.  All suggesting great internal turmoil was brewing.  The
place had been mostly in chaos since the 4th crusade anyway.  All in all it
was somewhat disastrous from the start.  It was convoluted and complex in
political terms.  All that was going on during Iason 3's time.  Our history
professor was incredulous and could not understand how these people failed
to learn anything from their past.

The most worrisome was in Epirus.  Thomas I Komneons Doukas was in some
kind of power struggle with his nephew Nikholas Orisini who was a vassal of
Napioe.  Our spies have told us that Nikholas was quietly building court
alliances.  Just why Thomas' court was pressuring Parga was not clear.
Perhaps it was but a diversion to take Thomas' attention way from Nikholas
and his clique or to give an excuse for strengthening their positions as
Thomas had more than his share of difficulties anyway.  Uncle Iason was
furious with this.  He could see no good coming from what was happening in
that court or what would happen in the long run.  Since they had lost most
of the northern land and only held some islands and the area from the Gulf
of Corinth north to Jahina; it seemed foolish to bother with us since we
were not rich, not populous, no strategic location and never bothered
anyone else.

Since their navy is not that strong and Nikholas' centred in Kephalonia;
neither as modern, we are not to concerned about them.  We are concerned
that they will be foolish enough to try some kind of land invasion.
Karyakos thinks that this is more the work of a few courtiers than of
Thomas himself.  He would gain nothing but they would stand to gain by
doing what no one else has been able.  Much Greek blood will be spilled in
the attempt, he fears.

I think all that is happening is a Trojan Horse.  It is designed to anger
Parga and provoke us into military action against them.  One that we could
not possibly win.  One that gives Nik an excuse to move his army from
Kephalonia to Epirus proper.

(Another Translator's note: Arden would have know almost all of the
following in much greater detail than reported here.  Only Thomas' untimely
murder in 1318 would not have been know, as it had not yet happened.
Thomas I Komnenos Doukas, (c. 1285--1318) ruler of Epirus from c. 1297
until his death in 1318.

Thomas was the son of Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas and Anna Kantakouzene, a
niece of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos.  In 1290 he was conferred the
court dignity of despotes by his mother's cousin, Emperor Andronikos II
Palaiologos.  Thomas' succession to his father's principality was
endangered by the marriage of his sister Thamar to Philip I of Taranto, a
son of King Charles II of Naples and Maria of Hungary in 1294.  Although
Philip had been promised to inherit Epirus in his wife's right, when
Nikephoros died between September 1296 and July 1298, Anna secured the
succession of her son Thomas and assumed the regency.

This isolated Epirus from its strongest ally and left it practically
without outside support.  Charles II of Naples demanded that Epirus be
turned over to Philip and Thamar, but Anna refused, claiming that the
arrangement had been broken when Thamar had been forced to abandon her
Orthodox faith. To remedy this, Anna arranged for an alliance with the
Byzantine Empire and the marriage of young Thomas to Anna Palaiologina, the
daughter of the co-Emperor Michael IX Palaiologos. The actual marriage took
place in 1307 or 1313. In the meantime Charles II sent troops into Epirus,
but they were repulsed and the Epirotes advanced into the Angevin lands in
the western Balkans, recovering Butrinto and Naupaktos in 1304--1305.  A
new Angevin invasion in 1307 ended with a compromise by which Philip of
Taranto was ceded many of the fortresses that had been retaken by the
Epirotes in the previous war.

Epirus gravitated increasingly into the Byzantine orbit until a private
dispute between Epirus and Byzantine commanders sparked off a new conflict
in 1315. The Byzantines raided as far as Arta, and Thomas imprisoned his
wife and entered into negotiations with Philip of Taranto.  But before
Epirus could enter into a new alliance with the Angevins he was murdered by
his nephew, Count Nikholas Orsini of Kephalonia.  Please keep this in your
mind as you read the next chapter or two.)

The decision to move the Dioskourol from pages to our personal service has
opened two new positions in their ranks and caused Ikaros no end of
consternation in organizing our apartments.  Fortunately they only desire
one bed chamber.  In other places the Crown Prince, and in fact all
princes, are given their own estates or marry into them but Parga is just
to small for this.  Since we desire our closest aids and advisors to live
in common with us, at least for the next several years, some new
construction will need be done.

Father and Uncle Iason joined the four of us and we all fucked as we had
done the first time all six of us got together, so long ago.  Before the
pleasure however, a small privet ceremony took place.  We would have a
public ceremony in a few days.  Dysme and Ikaros assisted The Dioskourol to
nakedness.  While they rubbed their bodies with oils, Princes: Helladios,
Lysandros, Tertius and the three terrors were summoned.  Lysandros in the
arms of his uncle, thought it all very grand and Helladios at 9 wanted to
be like his older brothers.  At almost five Lysandros was delighted to be
present with his brothers and all the other men.  The pages, guardians and
a few others close to us gathered to witness this play.  Iason and I did
not quite know what was going on but we figured the Royal Couple wanted to
make some kind of family, non political statement.  Not that family is
apolitical but it is a different kind of political dynamic.

When all had assembled, Kastor and Polydeukus knelt before King and
Consort, their uncle and father.  "Kastor, Polydeukus, you have agreed to
the service of Crown Prince Iason and his Consort, Prince Arden, you are by
blood brothers of each other and of the other princes in this room.  You
are the sons of this Royal couple Prince Karyakos and myself."  He placed
one hand on each of their heads.  "In Parga we are not like other places.
We only have five titles.  Citizens, Knight, Prince, Princess and King.
The only titles that are directly inherited are Citizen and Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince is the eldest son of the reigning monarch and his wife the
Princess Consort.  All other titles are earned or granted to those under 18
in provision.  Once earned the title can not be revoked, the duties that
accompany that title, except for one, are also earned and held at the
pleasure of the King, his Consort and Council.  Unlike most other places
the titles of royalty do not signify the sovereignty of state or the person
but they do represent the sovereignty of the people, the citizens of this
state and by extension the state itself.  Being a Prince of Parga brings
with it heavy responsibilities.  The most important of which is your
loyalty to its citizens.  Unlike other places the citizens are not your
subjects they are your family and clansmen.  The citizens of Parga will be
and are loyal to us in direct response to our loyalty to them and the
quality of our service in the discharge of their sovereignty.  Our loyalty
to each other results from our love and respect for each other and our
shared loyalty to Parga.

From this time forward you shall be know as Prince Kastor and Prince
Polydeukus, advisors and confidants of Crown Prince Iason and his Consort
Prince Arden."

They rose and the King and Consort kissed both most passionately.  Ikaros
and Dysme stepped forward with their new tunics and kilts.  These had the
symbol of the crown prince with a hand over like mine and an olive branch
below and gold laurels placed on their heads.  After a short time, while
Lysandros was given much attention from all but mostly his father, Dysme
took him and Helladios to the Princess and we toasted our new brother
princes with wine.  Uncle Iason told them that the council would confirm
their new positions at its next meeting.  I could see that Father had a
look of great pride and satisfaction The three terrors were delighted,
especially the twins who had taken well and strongly to the Dioskourol.

During all of this Tertius was quite quiet.  He was obviously pleased and
paid much attention to Nikias, who was paying much attention to him.  It
did not take long for us to consummate our new relationship.  With the
others watching and encouraging us, Iason and I were soundly fucked by
Kastor and Polydeukus.  We were on our knees on the bed with our heads in
Joulous' and Justus' crotches while the Dioskourol took turns in our butts
switching off between us.  After they ejaculated in our bowls we switched
positions, with them on the bottom and us on top switching off.  Justus and
Joulous were being serviced by their fathers and Nikias was in hot passion
with his uncle Tertius bouncing up and down on his long hard erection.

Our fathers departed but our bed was still filled with princes.  Uncle
Tertius told us a little history that none of the scholars ever mentioned.
Nor did our fathers.  He explained why he was the only other prince of his
generation.  His father, Iason 6 had 3 younger brothers, his uncles.  One
of those uncles became insanely jealous of his father's consort, Plato.
This jealousy was fostered and fermented by his grandmother.

"He began plotting against my Uncle Plato and attempted to get his brothers
to join in killing him and forcing King Iason 6 into exile.  Why he thought
the council would even go along with this no one ever said.  In my later
years I realized he was crazy and overly fond of wine and ale."

The other two brothers refused to help but they did not warn my father
either.  I was often told they did not believe him, thinking it was only
the wine talking.  My uncle attacked Plato, almost killing him.  It was my
father that heard the noise and was forced to kill his own brother in
defence of his consort, who had been stabbed in the back by someone he
trusted.  Choosing between your lover and your brother is a truly painful
decision, even if that brother is not right in the head; perhaps more so if
that be the case.

"I was just a lad of 9 when this happened and my brother just 11.  I know
this distressed my father greatly, I could see it.  He was hurt badly by
his brothers' betrayal and the choice he had been forced to make.  Father
banished my grandmother and uncles to the Eastern Hunting Lodge.  He never
spoke to or saw my grandmother again, neither did I.  She had sinned the
unpardonable sin of setting brother against brother.  I once heard him tell
Plato she too was crazy.  He never slept with my mother again, refusing to
sire any more princes.

My mother seemed to understand, although I was never sure how much of that
was real and how much duty.  I always felt they did love each other and she
did have 6 children counting my sisters.  He just refused to have sex with
her.  It was Plato and later Karyakos that talked some sense into him.  My
father was a bitter and at times a sad, miserable person, for many years.
I am sure he loved his brothers very much.  It was him that set the pattern
for us and now for you boys.  After my grandmother died he allowed my
uncles to have families of their own and manage the Eastern and Southern
estates.  They were forced by the council to give up their titles.  They
were old men before I ever saw them again and my cousins were almost grown
but I never really knew them.  My father and Plato would often visit them
after grandmother died.  I know on a family and personal level they had
long been forgiven.  He once told me that he could never trust his brothers
again to take a court or government responsibility.  If they failed in a
duty founded in love and brotherhood, could they be trusted in duty to the
people and the state?  I then understood why the council removed their
titles.

He was deeply hurt that they would stand aside and by their silence aid
harm to Plato.  Now you know why they place such emphasis on building this
brotherhood based on sex, love and duty.  My Grandmother was a deeply
religious Christian person and had nothing but disdain for Uncle Plato.
She believed that their male union was a sin and against her God's Will.
She would not listen to the scholars who showed this belief was not in
scripture but in the thoughts of men, mostly Roman and ancient Hebrew men.
Fortunately my mother had a much different view.  Now you know why my
brother is so against all religious beliefs being mixed into the affairs of
state, why they and you, all have personal bodyguards.  I know my father
and Plato were generous men.  Like my brothers they would have shared
authority and responsibility, just as my brothers do.  My father once told
me that the hardest thing he ever did was kill his brother.  The easiest
was to forgive him.  The most puzzling, why he did not have the courage to
confront Plato on a field of honour but attacked him, when unarmed and from
the back.  I know my father thought him a fool and believed him a coward.
My uncle must have suffered from some kind of delusions as my grandmother.

Now you know why the young princes of this kingdom, you boys, are
encouraged to mutual loyalty and so frequently tested for soundness of
reason."  He turned to the others.  "There will be times when you will
question Arden and Iason's leadership.  You must do so to them, not just
between yourselves.  There will be times when you will feel slighted.
Never let that stay to fester.  Come forward and make it known.  Arden and
Iason are good men and worthy of their offices.  They are wise beyond their
years and have proven their competence.  They are not readers of minds,
diviners or oracles.  When in doubt take them to your bed share your
passions, your fears, your thoughts, your doubts and your feelings.  They
will do right by you just as my brothers have done right be me."  He turned
to us.  "Iason, Arden, my advice applies to you as to them.  They too will
do right by you.  We must all first do right by the people we represent.

We princes will not always agree on everything.  When ever we do take that
as a warning sign and reexamine.  We can and do all agree on a few things
such as our duty, our loyalty, our love and our respect.  Remember when we
fail and boys, we, every one of us will fail at some point, we not only
fail ourselves but each other.  Iason and Karyakos are first among equals.
Some day Iason and Arden will be first among equals.  What that means is
simply this, they get to share the credit for our successes and get most of
the blame for our failures.  That is the price they pay for their perks of
office.

On the other hand, their bed has always been open to me and we have built
so strong a love between, that only the thought is enough to give me
strength when I am ever in need of it.  And now I am in that need."

He kissed each of us and slipped out of our chamber.  All are now asleep
but me.  My lamp is low on oil and it is time for me to sleep also.  Sleep
in the arms of my lover and my brothers.


1317, 10th month, 18th day:

In the council the appointments were confirmed and the Dioskourol
congratulated.  Two new pages were proposed, boys of 12, sons of knights we
did not know very well.  Thanatos announced that he was appointing two more
bodyguards to our complement.  What he did not announce was the creation of
a new Royal Guard division to gather intelligence.  For years now Venice
has placed ambassadors in states it trades with.  These people send
detailed and regular reports home.  They were not being spies as such but
their reports were never made public either.  We would formalize this
process like them, often through counsels or trade offices.  We will place
as many spies as we can in all the courts that may have political designs
on us, as well as Ambassadors at our most important trading partners.
Perhaps we can employ Dario in Venice as our Ambassador.

Prince Tertius came up to us after the meeting, "Princes a word with you
please."  Iason and I had to grab on to Kastor and Polydeukus who had not
yet adjusted to their new titles.  "Dario has asked my brother to find him
a wife.  Being a wise delegator he chose me to do the looking."

I asked if he had experience in such matters.

"I found you Arden, I can find a wife for Dario."

I had often wondered just how I was found, father would never tell me.  Now
I know at least part of the story.

"I am thinking of your cousin Olympia.  You four know them both, what say
you?"

We all agreed she was pleasant to look at and of a kind and gentle
temperament.  Knowing both we agreed Dario would approve and she would not
be opposed as he is handsome, learned and of a good nature.

"Good I will write to him today."

Iason asked, "What will her parents say when they find out the newly weds
will be living in Venice," Iason asked.

He shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Karyakos' problem, she is his
niece.  I was not aware that he was not returning."

That is because we haven't told him yet, by the way Uncle our ambassador
and his wife should have companions, perhaps a Palace Boy and Girl couple,"
Kastor added.

"Yes that is right and I know just such a couple.  Say nothing of this, my
work here is not yet done."

He scurried off to do what ever it was he needed to do.  Polydeukus
suggested he would choose Thoren and his wife Gaiane.

"Isn't she with child soon," Iason asked?

"Yes and if we keep sending the young ones away the place will soon have a
shortage of children," Kastor remarked.

"Perhaps you two should follow Arden and I in our best efforts to correct
the situation."  With that everyone laughed and patted each other on the
back and butt.

Dios was playing with the other palace children, Odo was with the language
scholars and the pages all engaged in what pages do, when not being pages.
That left the four of us to our own fucking devices.


1317, 10th month, 22nd day:

Two days ago, while we were attending classes: King Iason sealed our
eastern broader to all traffic and closed our port to ships from Epirus.
Dios' father's ship returned to port and the plan to capture the pretend
merchants in the act to attempting to free the crossbow prisoners was
implemented.

Our day started off with some of the most delightful sex we have shared in
some weeks.  Having risen early from Euthalia's and my bed I met Iason in
the hall.  We kissed briefly savouring the smell of sex on each others
bodies and strode hand in hand along the narrow passage.  When we came into
our bedchamber we found the twins asleep in our bed.  The smell of sex in
this room was even stronger then on our bodies and our maleness reacted as
the gods had built it to.

(TN: In Arden's writings, he often interchanges god or the gods for nature
or things natural.  He is what we would call an atheist or perhaps an
agnostic, so far he has not declared himself.  Arden is respectful of the
faith that others hold or profess to hold but he himself seems to favour
reason above all.)

We looked at each other and wide smiles broke across our faces.  Quickly we
were disrobed and snuggling against the back sides of our brothers.  My
erection pressed against Kastor's buttocks and as if by command he raised
his leg giving me entrance.  I doubt he was even awake or Poly for that.
Soon, as my hips drove my stiff cock evenly into his treasure place, I
noticed him kissing Poly passionately and could feel Iason easy thrusts
being transmitted through their bodies into mine.

The only complaint was made by Ikaros as he attempted to wake us.  His
concern was focused on our singular lack of attention to his bottom.  He
was not serious and soon all were laughing and jesting.  None of us four
were motivated to move until the room was invaded by naked boys, each one
attacking his man to collect their morning kisses.  Dios was the only one
to complain, it was the smell of Iason's breath.  We had not as yet cleaned
our teeth.

In the afternoon of the next day, at the council meeting, Prince Tertius
was assisted by the new Sir Adonis.  He had recently been elevated to the
rank of first level Knight, that is Class One.  Admiral Pantaleon came in
with an officer I did not recognize but Dios did.  I think his surprise was
a great as Dios'.  Before anyone could stop him Dios was running across the
room in flying into his daddy's arms.  I was quite surprised also as he is
a very young man to be an officer and have a son of 10.  Since the
proceedings had not yet started, general chaos was soon the order to the
afternoon.  Hermogenes pretended not to know how Dios had come to be an
honorary page.  Dios began telling his version of events in one long
sentence.  I began to wonder it he even stopped to breath.  Karyakos sent
Odo and the three terrors to bring Dios back to the page's station.
Hermogenes would sit with them and Dios until his time to speak.  Several
other Navel officers came in and at long last the King.

Uncle Iason went directly to Hermogenes and Dios.  He greeted Hermogenes
warmly and expressed his condolences.  "Uncle Iason please make Uncle
Pantaleon keep my daddy in port."  Hermogenes was quite taken aback that
his son would be so familiar with the king.  The Three Terrors chimed in,
"you promised dad."  Uncle Iason just touched Dios' head, "The young
princes, with our without titles always get their wishes."  As Uncle Iason
went back to start the meeting I heard Nikias telling Hermogenes, "daddy
wants all the children to call him Uncle Iason when he is not being the
King."  I guess to his twelve year old mind being King is like any other
job.  From my observations being the a king or his consort is all consuming
and try as one might it is always all or nothing.  Would that Iason and I
be half the men our fathers when we assume that mantle.  He is correct,
Uncle Iason and Prince Karyakos do not encourage official titles when not
performing official functions.  It is often a fine line between being a
King or Prince and being a father, brother or friend.

Tertius had Adonis moved little figures around on the huge map table in the
middle of the council chamber.  Since the Knights were all gathered around
the table the pages and ourselves had to stand up on our little platform to
see over their heads.

"I have several related incidents to review," he started out.  "General
Zokitos and his staff are defending our western border as we speak.  The
last reports indicate our army has everything under control, as under
control as these thing ever are, of course.  Several days ago we allowed
several of the merchant spies to leave through the western portal; knowing
they would be taking the information we wanted the invaders to know.  As
they approached our most sensitive staging area a small patrol of our
calvary caught up with them, five in all and escorted them right to the
border crossing.  We must protect against bandits, must we not.

The others were making their way to this area with the intention of arming
our prisoners of war.  They are in our dungeon as of last night.  The men
they tried to arm were our solders posing as prisoners.  Timed with their
planned mischief in this area, a moderate force of invaders advanced on our
border crossing.  I must say that their tactics were sound, it was just
their intelligence that was faulty; for which they were charged a very high
price."  He tossed a sack of coins to one of the scribes for counting and a
receipt.

The force of 50 that came across the snow were obviously supposed to
prepare for a larger force that would cross just before the battle, at a
point closer to the pass.  Our scouts retraced their steps and from that
figured what the plan obviously was.  Had they been more prudent and not
killed the two shepherds and stolen their flock, they might have succeeded
in alluding us.  Why they just didn't purchase the food they needed is
beyond me.  Not being mountain men to begin with, they were only partly
prepared for what they faced, their officers did have money."  He pointed
to the sack the scribe was counting.

"We anticipated a force of several hundred crossing the ice and snow field
south of the pass.  Zokitos stationed 500 in waiting and as they came down
in the meadows surrounded them and demanded surrender.  They refused but
after two voiles from our 125 Longbows the remaining 227 quickly
surrendered.  We sent some of our mountain fighters back along their trail
to destroy the ice bridges over the glacier's crevasses.  They were able to
do that and remove any safe trail markers.  We left a small contingent to
watch that route for infiltrators.

Just as we expected, what seemed like a large force appeared at the border
crossing.  These men were well prepared.  They sent a large segue machine
in their advance, followed by many long ladders and men with large shields.
The machine had huge wheels to overcome the many boulders we placed to
discourage smaller machines and wagons.  We let them cross the border and
come into the narrowest part of the pass.  Our large catapults smashed it
with huge rocks.  Our light catapults dumped many casks of pitch and "Greek
Fire".  Our long bows and cross bows devastated the first wave leaving the
ladders and segue machine burning.  The shields could not stop the long
bows at such close range, most arrows went through and killed the man
behind.  Our Koalhurst long bows can penetrate a knight's full body armour
at over 2 stadion and these men were much closer than that.  Being at close
range they were able to return crossbow bolts but with much less
effectiveness, as the defenders are behind cover and high up on the canyon
walls.

With their burning segue machine and scaling materials blocking their path
and no real cover the invaders retired.

We set the newly captured prisoners to the job of taking the dead and
wounded back across the border as well as their burned equipment hulks.  It
now blocks their path as ours but we have no intention of invading them
anyway.  We do not anticipate another advance, however we are prepared if
one should come.

In the spring we will build obstacles such that these machines can no
longer penetrate.  Archimedes has already begun the designs."  In response
to questions Tertius added.  "The segue machine was covered with copper and
iron plates.  The large rocks broke it badly and the fire and pitch ran
into the cracks and joints lighting the wood below.  The wheels were wood
and quickly burned.  This machine was not unlike those of antiquity,
designed to give protection to men and a bridge across our deep and fast
flowing river.  Archimedes had prepared large levers for disrupting such
things, should they be needed.

Had it worked they would have found themselves in a narrow valley that
opened into a meadow, where our calvary and archers would make short work
of them.  Once on the down hill side retreat is almost impossible.  The
terrain is quite steep, so that the Greek Square or the tight shielded
formations of the Roman Legions will not work well.  Our longbows have the
power to kill an armoured knight at over 2 stadion, twice the effective
range of their cross bows or Greek short bows and the long bow can shoot 10
to 12 arrows a minute, a cross bow at 2 to 3, it would not be a contest."

General Zokitos and his staff have many more tricks and methods of defence.
"If they try again we will use different tactics and we have machines of
war of our own.  If they are successful in getting substantial forces
behind us it will not matter much, since at best we can only deploy one in
ten at the pass and our force is at least four times greater than they
believe it to be."

Admiral Pantaleon was next to speak.  He had little to say except that the
navy was ready for any kind of invasion from the sea.  He had a rather
strange look on his face I suspected some kind of surprise was yet to come.
He asked one of captains to speak next.  The captain was Hermogenes' who
came forward.  The captain described how when passing the island of
Zakinthos several Epirusian navy ships came out to challenge them.

"When we were in Konstantinople we learned that the Eastern Empire is still
in dispute with the Despot of Epirus.  Thomas is being anything but
cooperative.  We do not know what prompted the problem but it is some
dispute between the commanders of each side.  Since we are apparently
outside his influence they were seeking our alliance against him.  I told
them they should make representations to King Iason the 7th not a mere
captain of his navy.  This displeased them but they said nothing.  We
departed immediately taking on fresh water and food at Naxos."

Hermogenes began telling about the little chase.  "The three ships were
recognized to be on an intercept course with us.  I was the officer of the
day.  My orders were to make for Parga with all speed and not to engage
anyone if it could be avoided.  I immediately called for all the sail we
could set and summoned the captain to the bridge.  I set our course a few
degrees to the east to gain more room as we were on the eastern side of the
island.  The Epirusians were pulling hard on their oars but we were able to
keep a good distance between us and they soon began to fade.  They
attempted to follow us but failed.  As we sailed passed Kephalonia a small
fleet of ships came at us and again I was the officer of the day.  This
time the Epirusians or Kephalonians were already at sea and trying to block
our progress.  They were sailing in a line astern from west to east.  I
turned east by 10 degrees and after they committed to their new courses
swing back to my original course; since they were moving across our course
this split their fleet isolating two ship on our east side and three on our
west.  The three on the west side were still line astern.  The idea is to
intersect our path and turn parallel to it.  My intention was to let them
make that commitment and just go around them; since we were moving much
faster, having a good following wind.  The two ships most astern in the
second group now altered their courses, one slightly northward and the
other southward.  This would have the effect of intersecting us should we
avoid the first ship.  Now that they had committed I could see an opening
to avoid battle.

I sent armed lookouts to the top of the masts.  They lashed themselves to
it, to free both hands.  Both are marines and skilled archers.  At the
first sign of committing to a turn they would signal.  Since they would be
turning into the wind a complete reset of their sails would be required and
the rhythm of the ores must by necessity change.  We readied our cannons
and prepared to repel boarders.  Knowing it would take one stadion to
answer the tiller we used the new range finder device mounted on our bow
and at 2 stadion pulled gently to move us several degrees to the east,
making the slightest adjustment on our sails, to keep them as full as
possible.  The signal came that our advisory was turning sharply south and
had dropped their sails, the archers prepared.  At one stadion the archers
began shooting at them.  They reported 6 of the arrows found home.  This
sent the ship's crew into a minor panic and they could not react fast
enough to correct for our widening gap.  Once we passed them I steered to
the west just enough to pass the other two ships that had committed by this
time to intercept my original course and to assist their sisters if
necessary."

The captain answered a few questions saying that he was in deed on the
bridge but saw no need to take over from Hermogenes, as he was doing
exactly what he would and as he had been trained to do.

"Captain, do you think Lieutenant Hermogenes is ready for a promotion,"
King Iason asked?

"Yes sir, he is ready and deserving."

The king looked at Admiral Pantaleon.  "Page."  the Admiral called.

Dios came running out from behind the throne wearing Justus' hat which was
just a bit to big for him.  I know everyone wanted to laugh but no one did.
Everyone knew how bitter sweet this must be for Hermogenes, an honour for
sure but grieving for his lost wife also.  He handed the captain's insignia
to the Admiral.  You could just see the pride on his little face as he
looked up at his dad and having had the privilege of being a real page,
even if he needed to continuously adjust his hat of office, which kept
falling off.

Everyone was sent away except the most senior members of the council.  We
debated what the response to these provocations should be and what it will
be.  On the land side we should just do what we have been doing in the
east.  In the west we should prepare for raids and a possible invasion from
both the north and south.  They would be using many small boats that hold
close to the shore.  Again we must pull our fishers from the water and
their villages.

"I know Thomas, not well, but well enough to know him no fool.  He has
nothing to gain from this venture and only to loose.  This is not his
doing," King Iason proclaimed.

Iason and I agree with that assessment and we don't know Thomas.  We do
know he has all the troubles with the Eastern Empire that he needs and his
resources are more limited than theirs.  He needs allies not enemies.

Father believes someone in Thomas' court, with help from the Eastern Empire
is attempting to weaken him.  He did not mention any names but I know he
thinks he knows.  He feels that if we are provoked to action it will cause
problems for Thomas and take away a potential ally.  They see us not a
truly neutral but as a potential allies of Thomas, all be it one that can
not contribute much to him.  Kastor suggested that as long as we are
friendly to Thomas he could always seek asylum or safe passage.

It was decided to send two messages to Thomas, one official protesting and
describing the attacks and incursions, demanding reparations and stating
flat out we will not get drawn into whatever political intrigues the Despot
has going on.  We will also restate that we have been a Free and Sovereign
people since the time before Homer.  Since the time of Alexander many an
empire has claimed to include us, none have ever been welcomed or
successful.  We would also ask what should become of the surviving would be
assassins, spies and captured mercenaries with their Epirusian officer, now
in our dungeon.  The other, a privet massage in King Iason's own hand,
offering him asylum and our protection, no questions asked, if events force
him to it.

Since the two churches have made some kind of peace between themselves our
Bishop now reports to the Patriarch of Constantinople not the Pope.  We
will get him to cary the messages on an official visit to his neighbouring
Patriarch at Thomas' Court.

As we relaxed in the baths Volos told me that Captain Hermogenes was taking
Dios to live with him while he is in port but he would return to us when he
sailed.  The daughters would remain with Pantaleon's family.

"Dios will continue his education at the castle and we will see him every
day.  You know he expects to run with you every afternoon.  Heron and I are
sure going to miss him.  Even his practice on the bagpipes."

(Note: Greek pipes are called Tsampouna (also tsambouna, tsabouna, etc.) or
Gaida (also Gazhda).  Greek island bagpipe with a double chanter, no drone
or sometimes a drone and a bag made from an entire goatskin.  They are also
known from Thibs and Athens.  The Gaida is a mainland pipe with a single
chanter and single drown.  Since Arden does not describe it, all we know is
Dios was learning to play it.)

"Tell me Arden, is Euthalia with child yet?"  I told him the truth, I
thought so but would not know for sure for some weeks yet.  He grinned
widely.  "A strong boy to be your son's bodyguard who I shall train
personally, you will see."  I had not thought about it but yes, I hope his
comments are prophetic.

Our peace was short lived as the younger pages invaded on mass and began
engaging in the type of boy play common to their age.  The exuberance of
youth is great and the effect on us older boys is also great.  I now think
I understand why our fathers insist on spending so much time with boys this
age.  It keeps them young and vital since the kind and quality of sex with
us older ones is superior and they have no shortage from any age group.

I know our guardians were concerned that once Iason and I began sleeping
with the females our ardor toward them might diminish or disappear all
together.  From what I am told by many who have wives that was their
experience.  So far Iason and I have not lost any desire for each other or
our close circle.  It would seem that the more sex we share the more we
want, male or female is less important than pleasure shared.  It is Nikias
that I am most drawn to, other than Iason, of late.  Now that he has grown
sufficiently to engage me our love making is even more pleasurable.  Nikias
will be our Tertius when we are older, I am sure of that.  I can not quite
imagine how we will function with so many princes in such a small kingdom.

I am not sure how a mentor ever lets his student-lover go from his embrace.
It must be as a parent who nurtures his children and as built into us by
the gods, helps that child mature and go into the world.  My mentor and
parents have done so with me.  I can only assume the gods have built this
into us as well and I will, at the right time, do the same.  I am so glad
we have kept the old ways here.

My beloveds sleep so peacefully.  I love them all, each for his own
qualities.  Since we love, we give and receive from each other.  That must
be the true gift of the gods.